Fall 2025 ISO Student Staff
These are the amazing Wesleyan students who are helping OISA plan and lead our Fall 2025 International Student Orientation (ISO)! Each incoming, first-year, undergraduate international student will be assigned an International Student Orientation Leader (ISOL) and a group for their ISO experience. Read on to learn more about the 13 members of the ISO student staff team!
If you have questions or concerns about ISO, arriving to Wesleyan, or other orientation-related matters, please send an email to iso@wesleyan.edu.
ISO Intern
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Ry De Guzman Jr. (he/him)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Dance and University; Minor: Global Engagement
Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines and Toronto, Canada
Read MoreLanguages: Filipino, Ilocano, English
Involvement at Wesleyan: University Communications Social Media and Marketing Intern, Concert Committee, The Wesleyan Argus, PINOY Club, Freeman Asian Scholars Association, PCSE Fellow, Sailing Team, AASC, International Buddy Program
Ask me about: On-campus jobs, Dance at Wes, I do content creation on international student life and scholarships so anything related to those topics, social media marketing, navigating life at Wesleyan as a minority (international student, queer, and indigenous)
Favorite Wesleyan memory: I went to El Paso, Texas for my Dance and Environmental Science course and I spent two weeks dancing and connecting with the most amazing classmates, professors, and El Paso peeps.
One piece of advice: Study your passion and work on practical fields outside of it. I am studying Dance and Indigenous Performance Art which are normally deemed as passions and I’ve never been more happy, yet I do marketing jobs for Wesleyan and personal content creation outside of my classes. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive!
International Student Orientation Leaders (ISOLs)
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Irene Tatsi (she/her)
Class of 2026 - Majors: College of Letters and Art History
Greece and Cyprus
Read MoreLanguages: English, Greek, French
Involvement at Wesleyan: ASHA, Writing Workshop, Civic Engagement, previously an ISOL, TA for Art History, Intern at the Zilkha Gallery, Assistant at the COL Library
Ask me about: University life includes so much more beyond academics. After three years at Wesleyan, I find that students can ask me a plethora of questions, from the student clubs to how to have an adventurous weekend on campus. Also, you may wonder about the social life here or the cultural differences with the U.S. I can also help you out with questions about Middletown and the surrounding cities! Feel free to reach out to me with any wonders you might have!
Favorite Wesleyan memory: On a night out, you will always find me carrying my film camera. It's my way of capturing all the amazing memories I've created along the years. Off the top of my head, one of my favorite memories would be watching the sunrise on Foss Hill (AKA sunrise on Foss) during senior week.
One piece of advice: My advice for all of you would be to trust the process. Don't worry too much and be assured that everything will fall into place. University years pass by fast, so try to enjoy them as much as possible and remember that it's okay to take time figuring out what you like! -
Nirvaan Mehta (he/they)
Class of 2027 - Majors: Psychology and Economics; Certificate: Applied Data Science
Hyderabad, India
Read MoreLanguages: English, Hindi
Involvement at Wesleyan: International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), Research Assistant in the Cognitive Development Lab (Blue Lab) & Kim Lab, Kpop Dance Crew (KDC), QAC (Cornflower)
Ask me about: Literally anything! Getting involved in research, baking using Weshop ingredients, the best bagel order at Brew, summer grants :)
Favorite Wesleyan memory: When my friends and I have 'family dinners' together where we would all help cook and bring food and enjoy each other's company. I also really enjoyed the International Student Formal and KDC showcase!
One piece of advice: Try new things, plan your summers out in advance, and don't be afraid to reach out to a professor for help, advice, or to get involved in research! Also remember you always have the international student community here at Wes to support you! (Also make a senior friend so they can buy you stuff with their points!)
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Vik Georgieva (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Majors: Government, Neuroscience & Behavior, and Psychology
Bulgaria
Read MoreLanguages: Bulgarian, English, and Russian. I’ve taken/am taking French, ASL, German, and Greek at Wes!
Involvement at Wesleyan: FGLI Advisory Board, Linguistics Club, Debate Society, Mock trial, Tour Guide, Wesleyan International Speakers Program, International Buddy Program
Ask me about: Being FGLI at Wes, as well as any academic planning. Remember that all of us ISOLs are great resources, care about you, and would love to help you with anything!
Favorite Wesleyan memory: Celebrating Songkran on campus with my friends! If you ever feel lost, do reach out for help! And try to do the same for others when you can. Everyone is just trying to figure things out together. -
Hudson Wang (he/him)
Class of 2026 - Majors: Neuroscience and College of Letters
Tianjin, China and Birmingham, Alabama
Read MoreLanguages: Mandarin Chinese, English
Involvement at Wesleyan: Acapella and intramural soccer
Ask me about: Anything but my spotify playlists
Favorite Wesleyan Memory: Being in a musical called Ocean Filibuster
One piece of advice: I feel like whatever sincere advice I give will reveal more about who I am than advise the incoming students, so here is a random motivation: stay active and go outside!
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Janhavi Munde (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Majors: College of Letters and Government; Minor: Human Rights Advocacy
India
Read MoreLanguages: Marathi, Hindi, English, basic German
Involvement at Wesleyan: Managing Editor at The Wesleyan Argus, Digital Communications Assistant for the COL, Research Partner for the Center for Prison Education.
Ask me about: Literary publications on campus, FYS seminars, Government and COL electives, staying on campus over breaks (summer and winter session!), and importantly--the best coffee spots around Middletown.
Favorite Wesleyan memory: Attending the Long Lane Farm pumpkin fest every year in October, taking electives during winter break, and moving into fall housing early with friends!
One piece of advice: Engage with people who come from different backgrounds than your own – there is a wealth of knowledge, fortitude, and friendships that comes in connecting with people from cultures, places, majors, and interests different from your own. ISO is a great time to do that! Other than that: take a language course, plan your summer and winter breaks ahead of time, and trust that everything will inevitably fall into place. -
Lizbeth Ramirez (she/her)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Government and Hispanic Literature & Cultures; Minor: Global Engagement
Tennessee, USA and Mexico
Read MoreLanguages: English, Spanish, and beginner Korean!
Involvement at Wesleyan: I’m a Tour Guide for the Admissions Office and also work at the library’s circulation desk. I’ve been involved with the LASO and KSA student organizations, and I stay active in the Government Department through classes and events!
Ask me about: Being a first-gen or minority student at Wesleyan. They can also ask about the International Relations concentration in the Government major, getting involved in global affairs on campus, or working in the Admissions Office. I’m also happy to answer questions about Korean and Spanish courses or chat in either language!
Favorite Wesleyan memory: The Silent Disco during freshman orientation, it was such a fun and unforgettable night. I met some of my closest friends there, and the music was amazing. It was the perfect start to my time at Wes!
One piece of advice: Find your community, it can make all the difference when you're far from home and adjusting to a new environment. Connecting with people who share your experiences or interests helps you feel supported and less alone, especially during challenging moments. Don’t hesitate to explore clubs, cultural groups, or campus resources, it’s a great way to build lasting friendships and feel truly at home.
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Raef Galicia (he/him)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Government and East Asian Studies
Singapore and Philippines
Read MoreLanguages: English and Chinese
Involvement at Wesleyan: College of East Asian Studies (Outreach Program Chair), Wesleyan Institute for Policy (Urban Policy Researcher), Wesleyan Interfaith Literacy & Diversity Intern, Asian American Student Collective (Cultural Liaison Subcommittee), Filipino Students Association
Ask me about: Course selection and finding a major that feels right for you, especially if you're feeling torn between different interests. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring different departments and can share how taking a mix of intro classes, talking to professors, and following curiosity outside the classroom helped me narrow things down. I’m also happy to chat about how extracurriculars, campus jobs, and research opportunities can deepen your academic interests and reveal unexpected passions. Whether you're undecided or double majoring, I’d love to help you think it through!
Favorite Wesleyan memory: One of my favorite memories at Wesleyan was getting involved with the CEAS (College of East Asia) Outreach program in my second semester – where I had the chance to work with K-12 students from all over Connecticut, leading hands-on activities like calligraphy, origami, and traditional games to share different aspects of East Asian cultures. Seeing how excited and curious the students were made each event feel so special, it reminded me how powerful and joyful cross-cultural learning can be – making this one of the experiences that made Wesleyan feel like home (which I'm excited to continue leading next year!).
One piece of advice: Although this might sound cliché, don’t feel like you have to be locked into what you thought you’d study when you first applied – college is the perfect time to explore (especially here at Wesleyan!). I came in with zero interest in Government or East Asian Studies, but after taking a few classes just to try something new, I completely fell in love with both fields. Following that curiosity ended up shaping my whole academic journey in the best way. Give yourself the freedom to be surprised – you might discover a passion where you least expect it.
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Carolyn Cheng (she/her)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Psychology and Music
Hong Kong
Read MoreLanguages: English, Cantonese, Spanish
Involvement at Wesleyan: The Mixolydians (acapella), Admissions Tour Guide, Hong Kong Students Association, Pinoy Club, Asian American Student Collective (AASC), Student Ombud
Ask me about: Music at Wesleyan! If you're curious about music ensembles, classes, acapella, visiting artists, practice rooms, and literally all things music, I'm here to help and give advice. Furthermore, I've lived in Connecticut for five years and I'd love to share food and activity recommendations for Connecticut and NYC. You can also ask me about helpful apps for academic and time management, the best meals on and off campus, and how to navigate the psychology major as a first year.
Favorite Wesleyan memory: The night before my friends left for winter break, we gathered in our friend Leela's room for a sleepover. We had a Jólabókaflóð, an Icelandic tradition where friends exchange books and spend the night reading them. We drank hot chocolate and exchanged gifts in the morning. It was super fun and cute.
One piece of advice: If you have a niche field of study or interest, it's worth asking if Wesleyan offers it, because you never know! I played the organ for two months before Wes and didn't see it as a serious hobby, but I mentioned my interest to the organ professor anyway. From there, I enrolled in his organ class, where I grew to love the instrument and saw it as a career option. -
Raiza Goel (she/her)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Economics and Government; Minor: Data Analysis
Chandigarh, India
Read MoreLanguages: English, Hindi, Punjabi. I can also understand Urdu and will be learning German this semester!
Involvement at Wesleyan: Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, The Wesleyan Argus, Wesleyan International Speakers Program, The Admissions Office, Wesleyan Debate Society, Women in Finance, Shakti, Arcadia Political Review and the Human Rights Policy Review
Ask me about: Anything and everything, once I start talking good luck getting me to stop! However, I think I'll be most beneficial in telling you about cities near middletown, best modes of transportation, student journalism, United Nations and related social impact/entrepreneurship opportunities. I can also help out with picking classes for majors, helping choose from some million clubs at Wes and best places to be by yourself on campus. Finally, I can help you figure out your taxes, I'll make sure you are not doing it alone.
Favorite Wesleyan memory: Going on random walks with my favorite people to main street, snowfall and sledding down foss hill during winter (I come from 40 degrees celsius of heat) and lowkey game nights with my friends (especially Avalon).
One piece of advice: Reach out first, people at Wes are more welcoming than you can imagine. Try boldly, fail gently, this is a place where even your missteps matter. When you give your heart to something here, it has a way of giving back more than you expected.
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Brendan Kelso (he/him)
Class of 2027 - Majors: Psychology and Music
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA
Read MoreLanguages: English and conversationally proficient in Spanish
Involvement at Wesleyan: The Wesleyan Argus, Mixolydians acapella group, the Wesleyan Rugby team, Spike Tape, and the Wes Dems.
Ask me about: The best study spots, where the best food on campus is, fun and inviting clubs that match their interests, the best music opportunities on campus, and how to make their way across campus.
Favorite Wesleyan memory: It was definitely going to my first "Film Series" screening and watching "Y Tu Mamá También" with my friends. The movie was amazing, but talking to my friends about what they thought about the movie and sharing our experiences with it was even more rewarding!
One piece of advice: Take risks, big and small! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! The Wesleyan community is so kind and accepting. -
Kaiwing Charlotte Li (she/her)
Class of 2028 - Majors: Sociology and STS; Minor: Global Engagement
Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China
Read MoreLanguages: Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, English, French
Involvement at Wesleyan: Hong Kong Student Association, Cantonese table, and a student instructor of a Cantonese student forum happening this fall.
Ask me about: Where to find good food, weekend activities, classes, how to get a driver's license in the U.S., and travel tips/recommendations for nearby cities.
Favorite Wesleyan memory: Every Friday night! Me and my friends cook our favorite dishes together, watch movies, chat, and most importantly...party!!
One piece of advice: It's ok to say "I don't know" because that's how you know things. Never hesitate to ask for help because there's a lot more nice people than you might think!
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Aude Baert (she/her)
Class of 2026 - Majors: Psychology and Education Studies
Switzerland, Belgium, Boston, South of France
Read MoreLanguages: Flemish/Dutch, some German and French, English
Involvement at Wesleyan: I worked at Cardinal Cafe and Weshop, Wesbuds, done lots of PE classes, been a Teaching Assistant, Psi Chi, I go to WesBAM workouts
Ask me about: Study spots, Middletown food places!!, CT day trips, things to do with friends, psych classes to take, what it’s like working in a lab
Favorite Wesleyan memory: Hanging out with friends in the common room in Clark freshman year or on foss when it’s nice weather. I also love getting food from the food truck or swings and eating on huss lawn between classes.
One piece of advice: Be yourself but challenge yourself to be social and meet new people. Be outside a lot while it’s still nice out. Explore new interests with classes - take advantage of an open curriculum.