International Student Ambassadors

Reine Abbasi

Classification: Sophomore

Home Country: Jordan

Major: Nursing

Bio: Hi! My name is Reine, and I am from Jordan. I’m majoring in nursing in hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner one day. I came to the US in August 2022 to study at Liberty. I remember how hard it was being away from my family, but God blessed me with an amazing group of friends who helped me get adjusted to this new culture.

I know how challenging it is to move to a new country away from your family, but I know that God will put people in your path that will help you and support you in many ways, just as he did for me. I’m so honored to have the opportunity to see how you will grow at your time here at liberty and how God will use you for his glory. I’m so excited to meet you!
Safe travels!

Joey (Joobong) Bae

Classification: Sophomore

Home Country: South Korea

Major: Computer Science: Web & Mobile Programming, Software Engineering, Data Science

Bio: Hello, my name is Joey! I’m from Busan, South Korea, and I’m currently studying Computer Science. I came to America as an international student about 17 years ago, and I moved to Lynchburg last year to attend Liberty University. Living in Lynchburg has been a whole new experience for me!

First of all, congratulations on being accepted to Liberty! I know choosing to study in a different country can be a tough decision. It’s exciting but can also feel daunting. You might have some fears, especially since there are lots of things here that might be unfamiliar (like speaking a new language—I know that was the toughest part for me). However, I can assure you that living in America will help you grow. The people in Lynchburg are some of the nicest in the country, and I’m sure you’ll love it here!

I pray that God will provide you comfort and confidence as you embark on this journey as a Champion for Christ. I look forward to meeting you!

Alleyne Elvir Bendeck

Classification: Senior

Home country: Honduras

Major: Information Technology: Data Networking and Security; Application and Database Developer

Minor: Computer Science

Bio:Hola!! My name is Alleyne (pronounced Ah-lane-knee), and I’m from Honduras. I’m currently a senior majoring in Information Technology. I am passionate about building databases, coding, and creating dashboards and reports in Power BI. My ultimate goal is to become a data scientist and work for a high-value company.

When I came to Liberty University for the first time in 2021, I didn’t know anyone and hadn’t visited the campus. My first semester here was about adapting and adjusting, but the International Student Center staff made things easier and more enjoyable for me. Being away from my family and friends back home has been tough, but the people at Liberty have become like a second family, making my time here more enjoyable.

This is my second time as an Ambassador, and I’m thrilled to meet new international students and offer them the same warm welcome I received when I first arrived.

Sincerely,
Alleyne Elvir Bendeck

Seonghun (Louis) Kim

Classification: Senior

Home Country: South Korea

Major: Computer Science: Software Engineering

Bio: Hello! I’m Seonghun (Louis) Kim, originally from South Korea. I’m currently a senior at Liberty University, majoring in Computer Science: Software Engineering. I love to meet people from different backgrounds and hear their stories—there’s so much we can learn from each other!

Sports are a big part of my life too. I regularly play soccer and basketball, which I enjoy not only for the fitness aspect but also because it’s a great way to meet new friends. Liberty’s fantastic sports facilities make this all the more enjoyable.

In my role as an ambassador, my goal is to help every international student feel at home. I’m here to assist, engage, and ensure that we all have the best possible experience during our time at Liberty. I’m looking forward to making connections that last a lifetime!

Marianne Kulaya

Classification: Junior

Home Country: Tanzania

Major: Computer Science: Software Engineering

Bio: Habari! My name is Marianne and I was born and raised in Tanzania (where we speak the original Swahili:)). I came to America for the first time for my studies at Liberty University and I am so happy to say that it is so much better than what I expected. At my time of arrival, I was wonderfully welcomed by the International Student Centre at LU which really helped me see Liberty as my new home and navigate around the school. My favorite thing about Liberty is definitely being surrounded by like-minded people who share the love of Christ. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of that community and excited to welcome you into it. 

Pro tip: Add your home spices into your list of things you want to travel with so we can show the Americans what real good food tastes like.

Pedro Rocha

Classification: Sophomore

Home Country: Brazil

Major: Engineering

Bio: Olá, My name is Pedro and I’m from Brazil! I’m a Junior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. This is my first year here in the United States, and so far it’s been an AMAZING experience! My time here at Liberty has given me many opportunities. Liberty doesn’t just care about your academic growth, it also provides a healthy community, diverse environments for both studying and relaxing (every now and then a break from studying is much needed), and many opportunities to grow professionally with tutors and professors at your disposal to help you follow the path to success and become a Champion for Christ! 

If you are looking for a college to grow both personally and professionally, you are in the right place! Congratulations on choosing Liberty University! 

I’m praying for you and I’m here to give you all the support you need! You can count on me in your new journey.

Welcome to the best years of your life!

Maria Rojas

Classification: Senior

Home Country: Guatemala

Major: Industrial/Organizational and Counseling Psychology

Minor: Business

Bio: Hola! My name is Maria Rojas, and I am an international student from Guatemala City. It is my joy and honor to be a student ambassador this year. I am a Senior studying Industrial/Organizational and Counseling Psychology with a minor in Business. I love to talk about theology and apologetics and have a heart for evangelism. Liberty has been the most transformational season of my life, full of growth and unforgettable experiences! The Lord has continuously blessed me here and I am confident He will do the same for you. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for next year and the upcoming international freshmen. Praise God that His name is being proclaimed all over the world!

Marc Zaki

Classification: Junior

Home Country: Egypt

Major: Computer Science

Bio: Hey, I’m Marc, a student here at Liberty University, and I’m happy to be your ambassador! I’m majoring in computer science and keen on diving into cybersecurity. I know firsthand how tough it can be to be away from family and friends, and navigating a new culture, but I’m confident I can help guide you through it.

Omar Pérez Cavazos

Classification: Graduate Student

Home Country: Mexico

Major: Master of Business Administration

Bio: Hola! I’m Omar from Mexico and I’m 24 years old. Welcome to Liberty University!
I decided to start my journey at Liberty University a year ago, and it’s been an amazing experience so far!

Being in a new country with a different culture and language can sometimes be challenging. But Liberty University is surrounded by awesome people who will guide and help you on this amazing journey you’re about to start. I’m here to support you, you’re not alone! Don’t hesitate to ask questions, I’m more than happy to help in any way I can. God bless you and see you soon!

Ashley Wang

Classification: Graduate Student

Home country: China

Major: History

Bio: Congratulations and welcome to the family, where spiritual connections intersect with top-quality academics. My name is Ashley from China and currently in my second year pursuing a Master of Arts in History. I understand the challenges of starting anew in a foreign country, especially leaving our families and loved ones behind (I have four cats back home that I miss every day). This transition is not easy, and that is why the International Student Center is here to help. Having received so much from them myself, I am eager to pay it forward and assist you in any way I can.

Please bear this in mind “…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2 KJV) I have full confidence that this morally grounded campus will assist you to be pruned, empower you with the backbone to do right and prepare you to be a champion for Christ. If you have any questions or need assistance, just reach out, and we are all here for you.

Ariel Kislon Adounkpe

Classification: Graduate Student

Home Country: Niger

Major: Masters in Business Administration

Bio: My name is Ariel Kislon Adounkpe, originally from Niger, West Africa. I graduated from Liberty University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government, specializing in international relations, politics, and policies. I am pursuing an MBA in Supply Chain Management, driven by a passion for academic excellence and professional growth. Drawing from my personal experiences as an international student, I am committed to guiding others through the unique challenges of transitioning to life in the United States. My goal is to empower students to succeed academically, culturally, and socially.

Beyond academics, I am a devoted family man, married, and the proud father of three children. I enjoy outdoor activities and traveling, embracing every opportunity to explore the world and its diverse cultures. My enthusiasm for discovering new culinary traditions reflects my deep appreciation for cultural diversity. As a devout follower of Jesus Christ, I strive to live a life grounded in faith, serving as an example of compassion, humility, and dedication in all aspects of my personal and professional life.

Dangpa Nana

Classification: Graduate student

Home country: Cameroon

Major: Master of Public Health

Bio: Hello! My name is Dangpa Nana, and I’m from Cameroon. I completed my undergraduate degree in Medicine in Russia. I am passionate about health science, which is why I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology. I believe with both my knowledge and experiences I will be able to promote healthy communities and address various healthcare issues.

I am thrilled to serve as one of the ambassadors at Liberty. It’s not just a great place to earn our degrees but also a place where we build on our faith. 

Welcome to Liberty University!