International Student Ambassador Program
Meet the 2022-2023 Student Ambassadors
Contact the Ambassadors: isap@pepperdine.edu
Pinn Jingkaojai
- Junior, Major: International Business
- Favorite Food: Thai Green Curry
- Clubs/organizations: Delta Sigma Pi, OISS intern
Hello! My name is Pinn Jingkaojai and I am a junior studying International Business
and pursuing a minor in Sustainability. I was born and raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand
where I grew up surrounded by an international community and expanded my love for
different cultures. I spent my last two years of high school in Spokane, Washington
where I got to experience being in the United States as an international student for
the first time. I can attest that there were many challenges and cultural shifts I
had to learn and adapt to! Like many of you, my Pepperdine journey began online at
home. Taking classes in Thailand for my freshman year, I understand how difficult
it has been for the international community and the unique challenges we go through.
After a year of in-person classes, I am thrilled to meet everyone at Pepperdine once
again and support you in any way. I love trying new foods, being in the outdoors,
watching movies, and meeting new people. Feel free to reach out to me anytime. I am
beyond excited to be your International Student Ambassador this year and see our community
grow.
Merica Sin
- Senior, Major: Psychology; Minor: Sociology
- Favorite Food: Anything Asian
- Clubs/organizations: OISS intern
Hello! My name is Tepkanya Sin, but I go by Merica. I am a senior from Cambodia majoring
in psychology and minoring in sociology. I was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,
and grew up going to an international school, so I love getting to know people from
all around the world. Having to move to the US three years ago, I completely understand
the struggle with transitioning as an international student, but I want you to know
that we are here for you. Pepperdine is a second home to me where I have learned to
grow in service, purpose, and leadership through the community and I hope that we
can foster the community together and celebrate the diversity. I am excited and grateful
to be serving as your international student ambassador this year! I can not wait to
see you all, have you on campus, and build life-long lasting, and meaningful relationships
with you! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you ever just
want to hang out, talk, or even get some good food! I can't wait to meet you!
Camila Velayos
- Junior, Majors: Public Relations, International Studies
- Favorite Food: Lomo Saltado
- Clubs/organizations: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Latino Student Alliance, PRSSA
Hello! My name is Camila Velayos and I am a junior studying Public Relations and International
Studies. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but I moved to Lima, Peru in 2005. I lived
there until 2020, however I moved to South Africa and Australia between the years
of 2017 and 2019. And now I’m here in Malibu, California. From my multiple experiences
abroad, I know what it feels like to be constantly moving around the world, experiencing
culture shock and having a hard time explaining where home is. I’ve learned that having
people to rely on is the best way to overcome these challenges, so I want to be that
person for you and make your arrival at Pepperdine as smooth and pleasant as possible.
Having lived in 4 countries, I’ve also learned there can be more than one place you
call home, being a citizen of the world is a thing. I’m proud to say Pepperdine has
become another one of my homes, and I can’t wait for you to become immersed in it’s
culture, it’ll be a pleasure to grow alongside you and together contribute to making
Pepperdine become an even more globalized community. I’m so grateful to be able to
serve as a friend and guide for you while you start your journey at Pepperdine. Please
feel free to reach out to me anytime, I would be happy to answer any questions, be
a person you can talk to and hang out with. I can’t wait to hear from and meet all
of you!
Halle Bowe
- Senior, Major Integrated Marketing Communication
- Favorite Food Korean BBQ
Hello! My name is Halle Bowe, and I am a senior studying Integrated Marketing Communications.
I was born and raised in Nassau, The Bahamas. I attended an International School for
all of my education before moving to the US, allowing me to experience a vast array
of cultures. I love to travel and have visited four of the seven continents. I also
enjoy trying new foods and engaging in conversations about geopolitics. Three years
ago, I transitioned from my home country to Pepperdine to embark on a four-year journey
as an international student. The change was daunting, but I was able to quickly adapt
to a new way of life and meet like-minded peers in the Pepperdine community. I am
honored to be serving as one of your International Student Ambassadors. I am here
to assist you in several ways, whether helping you transition into the Pepperdine
community, providing academic support or simply being someone to talk to. Feel free
to reach out to me at any time. I look forward to meeting you!
Cris Delgado
- Senior, Major: Finance
- Favorite Food: Ceviche or Steak
Hello, my name is Cristobal Delgado and I am a senior studying Finance. I was born
and raised in Lima, Peru, where I attended an American school, gaining immediate insights
into an international community. After school, I took a gap year where I worked in
finance and backpacked through Europe. I moved to Malibu three years ago and have
been able to find a home at Pepperdine University, creating deep connections with
the Latino and International communities. As such, I know the struggles involved with
transitioning as an international student and I would love to provide guidance. I
am very excited to be an ambassador next semester and I hope that I can be of help
in any way possible. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Raine Yu
- Senior, Majors: Sports Administration, Marketing
- Favorite Food: Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
- Clubs/organizations: Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Sports Business Association, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Hello! My name is Raine Yu and I am a senior studying Sports Administration and Marketing.
Though born in Hong Kong, I spent the vast majority of my childhood in Shanghai, China.
From that relocation alone, I understand that being an international student brings
a spectrum of challenges. I know that the sentiment of feeling intimidated while transitioning
to a new environment resonates with every international student to some degree. Despite
the obstacles, being an international student for me has been a rewarding experience.
It has inspired me to lead a life of curiosity, acceptance, and open-mindedness. Most
importantly, it has revealed to me that there is beauty in differences and power in
embracing the difficulties. I greatly commend you for your bravery in studying abroad
and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve as your representative. I am
looking forward to learning more about you and developing meaningful relationships
that will continue to grow beyond our time at Pepperdine. Please do not hesitate to
reach out to me if you want to talk, grab food, or just hang out! I cannot wait to
meet you all soon!
Sophia Mozhui
- Senior, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Multimedia Design
- Favorite Food: Braised Pork Belly
- Clubs/organizations: Delta Sigma Pi, Indian Student Association, International Programs intern
Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Lirhoni Mozhui but you can also call me Sophie. I am a senior from Nagaland, India. It is in this small part of the world that I dreamed about traveling and studying in the United States. For my last two years of high school I went to an international school (shoutout Kodi) where I got my first real experience of a global environment which really helped me transition and adapt to live in the United States. Having now lived here for 3 years I definitely understand the struggles us international students go through moving half way across the world, it isn’t easy. But there is so much reward and growth each one of us can go through, and I am here to help in any way possible. I am a big advocate for international students on campus at Pepperdine and being an ambassador this academic year I want to be a resource, a mentor, and a friend. Please feel free to reach out for anything, and let’s be friends!