International Student Services

Division of Student Life

InterConnect Program

interconnect logo

The InterConnect program seeks to support new international students with their cultural, social, and academic transition to Reed by matching them with a current Reedie.

New students and their mentors will get to know each other through frequent individual meetings and a series of InterConnect events that will occur during the school year.

InterConnect Mentors Fall 2023

 

Nanati Safawo

Hii Hii!! My name is Nanati, I’m a sophomore Neuroscience major here at Reed. Home for me is Ethiopia, but I moved to the US in 2019 to attend boarding school here in Portland Oregon so I have been around for a little while. Outside of school, I really love going on long hikes, watching waterfalls, and exploring different coffee shops in Portland. As a Lead interconnect mentor and orientation coordinator, I am super excited to meet you all and help make your transition and initial experiences at Reed as smooth and memorable as possible. I hope to connect with you over orientation week and furthermore over the course of your first semester here at Reed. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to connect at safawon@reed.edu, I would love to hear from you!

Natalie Martinez

Hi! My name is Natalie Martinez and I’m a Political Science major from Guadalajara, Mexico. I love talking about my culture and hearing people share their global experiences. I like Wes Anderson and Studio Ghibli movies, reggaetón, photography, and excessive socializing. I’m still a Portland newbie but I definitely have some favorite spots around Oregon, especially if you like the snow or the sand. I’m excited to meet you and feel free to reach out whenever!

James Hau

Hi, I'm James, and I am a sophomore from Taipei, Taiwan. I enjoy many sports, mainly basketball and I also like listening to music and learning about all kinds of things. Reed is a very unique place and it could be difficult adjusting to it as an International student, but I am here for you and hope I can help you out with your first-year experience here.

Dubin Nam

Hi, my name is Dubin and I am from Seoul, South Korea. This year will be my senior year at Reed, so I can confidently say that I know the campus well enough to be an InterConnect mentor and guide you guys through everything you need to know about Reed, step by step. I am a math major but I am 80% sure I will be doing something unrelated after graduation. When I am not immersed in schoolwork, I mostly spend my free time playing the bass, visiting good restaurants, and researching some denim. Feel free to stop me if you see me on campus and talk about music, food, or denim :D. I am here to help you adjust to a new college life, so don't be shy or hesitant to reach out to me!

Susan Xu

Greetings! I'm Susan (she/her), your interconnect mentor, originally hailing from the vibrant city of Beijing, China. Now, as a rising junior at Reed, I'm exploring the fascinating world of neuroscience, trying to unlock the mysteries of the human brain. Outside of academia, my heart beats to the rhythm of music. I frequently get lost in the diverse tunes offered by Portland's dynamic concert scene, immersing myself in the city's creative energy. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I find joy in the culinary arts. If you're ever unsure about dining options in town, don't hesitate to ask for my recommendations! Although I'm naturally introverted and often find myself lost in my thoughts, I've successfully found my footing at college. So, if you identify similarly, take heart! I'm here to show you that you can not only survive, but truly thrive in this new environment. So, whether you need academic advice, foodie tips, or simply someone to chat with, please feel free to reach out. Welcome to our community - I'm looking forward to meeting

Isa Lu

Hey there! :D I’m Isa (she/they) and I’m a sophomore majoring in Art History and minoring in Theatre. I moved around a lot during my childhood and understand how difficult it is for International students to move to a whole new country, let alone have to adapt to the rigorous academics here at Reed! I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and also lived in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai later on in my life before I came to Reed. I would love to take people out for good food and wonderful thrift shops in the greater Portland area. (P.S. I absolutely adore the Reed Canyon Cafe matcha lattes and chai lattes.) The InterConnect Program really helped my transition into college and I was so grateful for it, I hope you enjoy this experience too! I am hoping to see y’all soon!!

Thank you so much!

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Gwen Sandford, Program Director for International Student Services.