International Students and Scholars Office

Pronouns: She/Her
Home city/country: Accra, Ghana
Languages spoken/learning: English, Ga, Twi, Spanish (Learning)
Major: International Global Studies
Minor: Legal Studies
Class year: 2027

Hi everyone! My name is Akosua and I'm excited to meet you all and welcome you to the Brandeis Community!

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Languages Spoken/Learning: English, Spanish, Mandarin (Learning)
Major: Undeclared (but leaning towards Business)
Class Year: 2028

Hi! I'm Amy, and I'm happy to be your IREP this orientation! I was born and raised in Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá. However, both my parents are Chinese, and therefore I'm trying to learn Mandarin during my time at Brandeis. I'll be in my fourth semester this upcoming Fall, and I like to draw, and crochet.

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City/Country: Tbilisi, Georgia
Languages Spoken/Learning: Georgian, Russian, English
Major: Physics & Philosophy
Minor: Computer Science
Class Year: 2029

Welcome, class '30. My name is Elene, but you can call me Ellie. I'm an international student from Georgia. I'm a freshman studying physics and philosophy. Outside of school, I love traveling, ice skating, creative writing, and watching movies. I’m always excited to learn, explore, and connect with new people. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need advice or just to chat!

Country: Rwanda
Class: 2029
Majors: Economics & Business  
Minor: Artificial Intelligence & Education

Denis (Pacifique) Ishimwe was born and raised in Rwanda. His journey began at ASYV, a school established after the 1994 genocide, with a focus on promoting the values of healing the world and healing the heart. These principles have inspired Pacifique throughout his life and led him to initiate projects that uplift his community.  

One of his most significant contributions is the Together We Inspire Initiative, which teaches English to local schools in his home village. In high school, he studied a variety of subjects, including history, geography, literature, entrepreneurship, English, Kinyarwanda, and general studies and communication skills (GSCS). He was also very active outside of classes, participating in debate, student government, literary journalism, piano, 3D printing, and many other activities.  

Denis (Pacifique) demonstrated his leadership skills as Minister of Education in the student government and as president of the Writers Club for two consecutive years. He is passionate about youth development, reducing poverty, and ending hunger. He often wonders why some parts of the world are poorer than others and dreams of a future where no one is left behind.  

Over the summers, Denis (Pacifique) volunteered with various organizations, including the Giants of Africa Festival in 2023, Rwanda Book Mobile, and Bridge2Rwanda. His desire to work with others and create positive change is evident in everything he does.  

As a natural entrepreneur, Pacifique established The Generation We Want Initiative in his junior year. This club teaches its peers about financial literacy, sex education, and life skills. When he discusses this initiative, his eyes light up with excitement and a passion for making a difference in his community.  

In his free time, you can find him reading books, exploring conspiracy theories, or enjoying a good ride. Denis (Pacifique) quote  believes that people appreciate results more than the processes that create them, driving him to make a meaningful impact in the world around him.

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Shanghai, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: English, Chinese, Japanese
Major: Biology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Class Year: 2027

Hey class of 2030, welcome to Brandeis! My name is Lemon, and I was born and raised in Shanghai, China. I am a rising senior enthusiastic about animals and all things nature. Outside of class, I like touching grass, hiking with friends and exploring the suburbs of Greater Boston. I also enjoy console games, anime, crochet and playing piano. I love making new friends, so don't hesitate to reach out and chat anytime! I hope you all have a great time here!

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Singapore and Shanghai, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: English, Chinese, Japanese (Learning!)
Major: Computer Science and Biology
Minor: East Asian Studies
Class Year: 2028

Hey everyone! My name is Lin Han and I’m a rising junior majoring in computer science and biology with a minor in east asian studies. Though technically a domestic student, I was born and raised in Singapore until I was 8, then moved to Shanghai, China before coming here. Coming to Brandeis is the first time I’ve ever lived far from home, and it’s definitely a rewarding and fun experience. In my free time, I love doing photography, playing games, listening to jpop, and going to the nearby arcade! I’m super excited to meet you guys, and feel free to reach out about anything :).

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Panama City, Panama
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Mandarin (Learning)
Major: Business and Computer Science
Minor Studio Arts
Class Year: 2029

Hi class of 2030! My name is Mey. I was born and raised in Panama. I'm a rising sophomore majoring in Business and Computer Science and minoring in Studio Arts. Coming to Brandeis is the first time I've been far away from home, and it has been a joyful experience. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, anime/cartoons, and I've just had the chance to try ice skating, and it has been a blast! I love making new friends, and I'm so excited to meet you guys. Feel free to reach out about anything!

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Tokyo, Japan
Languages Spoken/Learning: English, Japanese, Korea
Major: Health, Science, Society, and Policy Program & Music
Class Year: 2029

Hi Class of 2030! I'm Sarah, a rising sophomore born in LA and raised in Tokyo. I am double majoring in HSSP and Music, so if you have any classes in Slosberg or G-zang you'll most likely find me there during the school year! Outside of class I love cafe-hopping (I have a big sweet tooth and I live for my daily coffee...) as well as taking long walks. I can't wait to get to know everyone and help you all find a home in Brandeis :)

Pronouns: He/Him
Home City and Country: Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Languages Spoken/Learning: English, Hebrew, Spanish
Major: Linguistics, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
Minor: Community Engaged Scholars Program
Class Year: 2029

I'm so excited to welcome you all to Brandeis!