Arriving on campus from overseas international graduate students are helped enormously by mentors from the International Graduate Mentor Program, which is set up to provide students with support as they transition to life at Dartmouth. They plan events throughout the year, which you can keep up with by following the IGMP Facebook page.
This year, two new leaders take the helm and we asked them a few questions about their academic background, and their international experience.
Sally Demirdjian is a PhD candidate in the Molecular and Celular Biology (MCB) program, and grew up in Kuwait. She is Lebanese/Armenian.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Kuwait but I'm originally Lebanese/Armenian.
Why did you choose Dartmouth?
Dartmouth is a great fit for everything I was looking for in a graduate program; top level research, mentorship and wonderful community.
What is one thing about your hometown you would recommend a visitor see?
It is not in my hometown but Jeita Grotto in Lebanon is a must see, there are also lots of wonderful historic sights. Most importantly, I highly recommend Lebanese food!
What countries have you visited?
I have visited Kuwait, Lebanon, Armenia and the US. I would love to travel more and see more countries!
Do you speak other languages?
Arabic is actually my first language and I speak a little bit of French.
Plans for the IGMP this year?
Mainly, we would like to continue to support the international graduate students’ transition to living in the US and focus on growing our community through different gatherings and activities. We have lots of fun events planned throughout the year, stay tuned!
A fun fact that people wouldn’t know about you is…
I studied in an Indian school in Kuwait from Kindergarten to Grade 12! I loved growing up with an international community.
Muhammad Abubakar Khan is from Lahore, Pakistan and a PhD candidate in the MCB program.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Lahore, the cultural hub of Pakistan. It is known as the food capital of Pakistan and the City of Gardens.
Why did you choose Dartmouth?
An Ivy League school, with an umbrella program (MCB) with top level research that aligned with my research interests. The small, closely knit graduate community on the East Coast, was something that I was looking for in a graduate program.
What is one thing about your hometown you would recommend a visitor see?
The breath-taking landscapes including some of the highest peaks in the world, and a myriad of architectural master pieces from the Mughal empire are worth visiting Pakistan. And not to forget the highly seasoned and rich in flavor Pakistani cuisine.
What countries have you visited?
I have been to India, UAE, Canada and the US. Love travelling, so hopefully will travel more.
Do you speak other languages?
Urdu is my mother tongue. But I can speak and understand Hindi and Punjabi as well.
Plans for the IGMP this year?
We hope to foster a sense of belonging and pride for the school among the international graduate community while establishing student networks that will help them as graduate students and future professionals. We will try our best to help the international graduate community with their transition to the US and help them adjust into this diverse cultural setting. We plan to organize fun filled events throughout the academic year, to allow them to make memories that they can cherish for the rest of their lives.
A fun fact that people wouldn’t know about you is…
Music is my mantra and I love to dance. I can’t stop myself from dancing to the beat when I hear something playing. If you are at an event and the music is playing, you will for sure see me showing off my moves :P
