Aliya Sultanova - Kyrgyzstan        aliyasultanova@hotmail.com

Hello! I am from Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan. I have two little sisters - Ajar (15) and Samiya (2). I have been in the USA for 2 years already. I went to high school in Texas for one year before deciding to come to UVU. My major is business management with an emphasis to banking and finance. When I came to America, it was my first time to have a job. Right now, I am working at the UVU cafeteria. It is so much fun! Because of my work, I get to meet a lot of people from different countries and cultures. It is really interesting. My native languages are Russian and Kyrgyz, and I can speak a little French, well, and English, of course. I am looking forward to meeting new people, and am really excited to learn about other cultures and countries!

Najibullah Niazi - Afganistan       najibullahniazi@gmail.com

Hi! I am from Afghanistan. I am majoring in International Business. I started working at the Center for the Study of Ethics in January of 2007. I am the office assistant.

Before coming to the United States and to UVU, I worked in Afghanistan with the United Nations for seven years in different positions. During the last three years with the UN, I worked as an administrative/finance assistant in the UN offices in Kabul/Mazar. I also worked as a translator for nationally known author Scott Carrier when he was in Afghanistan doing a story for Harper’s magazine. You can read a bit about our exploits here: http://hearingvoices.com/webwork/carrier/afghan/ .

I am a polyglot who speaks my native tongues of Pashtu and Dari as well as Uzbeki, Urdu, and English. I am learning Spanish here at UVU for my Bachelor's of Arts degree. I enjoy soccer, tennis, travel, and driving at night with the stereo blaring! I also dabble with cooking as well.

Damiran Narantsetseg - Mongolia      narantsetseg23@yahoo.com

My name is Narantsetseg Damiran (Nara). I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Mongolia. My parents still live in Mongolia. I have an older brother and a sister. My sister graduated from UVU and that’s how I knew about UVU. This is my junior year and I am studying International Business. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people, hanging out with my friends, fireworks, watching movies, and of course cheering for our Wolverines!!!

Once I had a plan to study just English and go back home. However, I decided to stay and get my bachelor degree here at UVU. I really liked the environment and people here. I think UVU is a great place to study.

Christopher S. Chileshe - Zambia      cchileshe@gmail.com

I was born in Zambia and lived there until I was 7 years old. I then moved to Belgium where I graduated from the Antwerp International School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. I am currently doing a double major in Business Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and have a secondary major in Computer Science Engineering. I am fluent in French and enjoy a variety of outdoor sports. I have an older sister who is also attending UVU and a younger brother and sister, who live in Belgium with my Mom. I look forward to meeting you!

Adrianna Bowyer - Canada   adrianna.bowyer@gmail.com

I am senior at UVU, studying Behavioral Science with an emphasis in psychology. I plan to pursue an LPC through a Masters degree to become an Art Therapist. Before coming to UVU, I attended the Alberta College of Art and Design in my home town, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

I am very excited to be a part of the UVU Community, and am even more excited about the change from College to University Status. UVU has always been an exciting place to be. From the first day I arrived, the campus has always been lively, bright, and full of students discussing important issues and striving to do well in their academic field. I hope that other students here take advantage of UVU’s large variety of opportunities.

I am passionate about art and the behavioral sciences and hope I can help as many people as possible. I enjoy writing in my spare time (which there is very little during the school year!) playing the guitar, spending time with close friends, watching hockey (go wolverines!), or visiting with my family and two nephews.

Katty Perez - Dominican Republic        katty.ledesma@gmail.com

I graduated from High School in 2000. I have three sisters and three bothers. My dad died when I was seven. I served a mission for the LDS church from 2003- 2005. I came to the United States after my mission and studied English. In 2007, I started my career at Utah Valley University. This summer I will be done with my associate’s degree. I am excited to work with new international students and help them be successful at UVU! Feel free to contact me!

Sunao Yamanouchi - Japan      10536958@uvlink.uvu.edu

Hey guys! Welcome to UVU!!

I'm a Junior majoring in accounting. I love numbers, Korean food, and international people!! It has been two years since I came to States, I went through the ESL (English As A Second Language Program). So….. I welcome you to take advantage of my knowledge and experience. I'm excited to help you out…from registering classes (I know good teachers for you!), finding cheap books, teaching you how you can work jobs on and off campus, and making Japanese food!! I know how hard to be an international student in the States, and I also know how exciting it is. You are the ones who makes school life exciting. And I will do my best to serve you. Let's have fun at UVU!!

Lua Hingano - Tonga      loiulapa@hotmail.com

MALO-E-LELEI everyone and UVU!!!!! My name is Faonelua-o-Mapilivai Faka'osiula Tu'ikolongahau Hingano...I know...meaning handsome, single and available... hahaaaa...but you can call me LUA!!!!! I came here from Colorado but before that Hawaii and TONGA!!!!!!! Yes, I am an island boy weaved and lost in this world of modernization so I can relate to all you new students. I’m here, among others, to help you transition into UVU and the American lifestyle!

I graduated from BYU-Hawaii with a BS in Information System (Computer Science) but have always wanted to be a pilot so I’m here pursuing that dream. Trust me when I say everything looks prettier and cleaner from up there. Been flying for over a year and hoping to be a professional pilot one of these days...*sighing*...

I love the outdoors (hiking, camping, biking), watersports (boating, swimming, skiing), sports (volleyball, tennis, rugby, soccer) and dancing!!!! Shoots, if you are bored hit me up and we'll explore Utah. I can also be lazy and spend my day in a movie theater (preferrably the dollar theater 'coz I’m broke!!!). Whatever it is, I’m up for it. Oh yah, you can also find me in the library!

Welcome aboard and have a great UVU experience as we enter this chapter of our lives!

Byamba Puntsag - Mongolia       byambasuh@yahoo.com

My name is Byamba and from Mongolia. I am majoring as an accounting at UVU. This is my third year that I am studying at UVU. I love my school because of the excellence academic programs and experienced professors. Especially, the encouragement from the International Office helps to be a successful student at UVU. Before I became a student here, I worked for several organizations in my country as an office manager, a co-leader, and a customer Relation Service Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant. I gained a lot of experiences while I was working in those organizations such as accomplishing different kinds of duties, encouraging and empowering people, guiding others, and representing companies.

Kalin Denev - Bulgaria         thebbum@yahoo.com

My name is Kalin Denizov Denev. I’m 26 years old. I was born in the third biggest city in Bulgaria called Varna. I have lived there my whole life until I came to the US. I have served in the Bulgarian military. I served as a driver for a colonel and I was also in command for various groups of soldiers.

I love sports. I did Sprint Track Cycling for a career for about 5 years. I was the Bulgarian National Champion in Sprint Cycling for 1999-2000 in both Junior and Adult division. I was on the Junior and Adult National Track Cycling Team. I also have represented Bulgaria on the Junior World Championship in 1999 where I took 40th place in the World. My goal was to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 but instead I served an LDS Mission.

All together I have been in the States for about five years. I speak Bulgarian, English, Russian and understand Serbian. Since I came to UVU, I have been working at Campus Connection and really enjoy it. I am currently enrolled in school, my GPA is 3.87 and my major is Aviation. My goal is to become a fighter pilot. I also played soccer for UVU’s club soccer team in 2006. I enjoy playing any sport but currently my favorites are soccer, white water kayaking and snowboarding. I enjoy outdoors, movies, and good food!

Nam Cho - South Korea         cnj4884@hotmail.com

I was a college student in South Korea. My major was Korean Literature. After two years military service and two years LDS mission service, I decided to come to USA to learn English. I chose UVU because UVU is well-known for having a good ESL program. When I came to UVU, I planned to attend the ESL program for a year to learn English. But so many things in my life have changed because of UVU life! At the first day of the school, I met my wife at the international orientation. We started to date, took the same classes together, and finally, got married two years ago.

I am studying General Education, and want to get a Nursing degree like my wife. The first year of my UVU life, I served as president of the Korean Club. From that experience, I learned how to help international students to be familiar with school life at UVU. I like to play basketball, to go swimming, and to golf!

Chipo Chidziva - Zimbabwe      chipo_chidziva@yahoo.com

My name is Chipo Chidziva. I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa. I enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer, especially traveling and meeting people from various backgrounds.

Living in Utah has been a good experience for me. Since UVU is constantly growing, there is a lot of potential for success.

Balanie Merto - Philippines         balanie2004@yahoo.com

My name is Balanie Merto. I’m from one of the 7107 beautiful islands in the Philippines. I’ve been a UVU student for almost two years. I started with a Nursing major but just recently changed it to Accounting. I gave birth for the first time last year! His name is Teancum and we’re getting along pretty well. I love being in UVU because of the friendly atmosphere and wonderful friends I have. The teachers are great and I love learning from them. Bust most of all, I love being an international student because it makes me feel unique and special. I also feel like I’m on a mission of informing people about my country. By the way, during high tide, most of the islands in the Philippines are not on the map. I love making friends and inviting them to come over to my house to feed them. I also love organizing activities and putting people together so that they can all learn something from another. I believe in the saying that nothing is impossible with God, but I recommend not taking this literally. Success is 99% action and 1% faith!

Mysook Lee - Korea         leemosook@hanmail.net

I'm Mysook, Lee. I'm from Korea. I like to write letters, listen to music, and go hiking and fishing. I also like to meet new friends and serve those who need help!

Marco Lizana - Peru         zamucat@hotmail.com

Hi everyone! I am from South America. Yes, I am a Latino! I am from Lima, Peru. Do you know where that is at? Let me help you... Machu Picchu is there. You know…one of the new seven wonders of our planet. I have been at UVU around 3 years. I went to high school back in my country and after that I got into a university in Peru. I really like UVU and I know you will like it too. My major is biology. I want to go to medical school so I have a few years more after I am done with biology. I work as a translator for a few companies in my country and I also work as a representative of some companies here.

I speak a little of Portuguese and I want to learn French. I was a math tutor here at UVU so if you need some help with math just contact me and I will help you with math. During my free time I like to play indoor or outdoor soccer, so if you want to play just let me know and I will tell you when and where there is a soccer game. Welcome to UVU!


About ISM International Student Mentor Program

The International Student Mentor (ISM) Program is modeled after the UV Mentors program. The main responsibility of an ISM is to mentor a group of new UVU international students each semester. Each mentor is assigned a small group of seven to ten new international students each semester. The ISM’s main task is to help these students have a successful first semester at UVU. The ISM ensures the new students are registered for classes, have a place to live, have purchased the proper textbooks, have figured out their transportation options etc. In addition, the ISM conducts group global engagement community/service activities. Each ISM is required to take CLSS 2200 “Peer Mentoring”.