International Student Pre-Orientation (ISP)

August 27–September 1, 2026

ISP is a required program this year for any incoming international students utilizing a college-sponsored visa. We also welcome students who have U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency who have grown up abroad and feel it would be a beneficial program to attend.

We will focus on getting to know the international community at Smith, learning about your Smith resources as an international student, introducing U.S. social concepts/constructs, and supporting cultural transitions. In addition, students will have ample opportunity to meet with officials from Financial Aid, Health Services and other offices.

To register for ISP, please fill out our online form. Please use your Smith email when registering. If you encounter issues with this, please let us know.

ISP Orientation Schedule 2026

Attendance is required at all sessions marked with an asterisk (*).

Note: We purposely have a light schedule today, since travel plans vary greatly from student to student. If you arrive earlier in the day, feel free to settle in and unpack your belongings.

Our first “official” event will not happen until tomorrow, but we invite you to join us at any of the informal activities happening in and around our Registration and Check-In location.

Registration and Check-In*

Noon–8 p.m. | Wright Hall lobby
Shuttles from Bradley International Airport, Hartford, CT and Boston Logan International Airport, Boston, MA to Smith College. Enter the building from Chapin Lawn (use 3 Nielson Drive, Northampton, MA for GPS navigation to parking).

Student Lunch

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Various locations
Throughout the week, students can choose a dining facility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will suit their needs and desires. Menus are available on the Dining website. Family members are encouraged to explore some of the local cuisine downtown.

Various Activities Led by ISP Leaders

2–4 p.m. | Various locations
Sign-up sheets and more information will be available at Registration.

Meet the Dean of the First-Year Class (Jennifer Joyce)

4–5 p.m. | Lewis Center, Wright Hall
Students and parents come meet the Dean of the First-Year Class, Jennifer Joyce.

Group Discussion: Shopping, Logistics, and Questions

5–5:45 p.m. | Wright Hall lobby and Lewis Center
Get prepared for the week! Talk through resources on-campus and off-campus, and think about what your shopping list might include (or not include!) for tomorrow’s trip to the local mall.

Student Dinner

5:30–7 p.m. | Various locations
Throughout the week, students can choose a dining facility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will suit their needs and desires. Menus are available on the Dining website. Family members are encouraged to explore some of the local cuisine downtown.

Introductions & Group Games

7–8 p.m. | Wright Hall lobby and Lewis Center
Venture out of your new room and join your international classmates in a few introductions and get-to-know-you games, for those who have arrived on-campus.

Breakfast

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Various locations
Throughout the week, students can choose a dining facility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will suit their needs and desires. Menus are available on the Dining website.

Program Overview & Welcome Session with the Dean of the College

9–9:45 a.m. | Helen Hills Hills Chapel
A joint session for families and students. Welcome remarks by Dean of the College & Vice President for Campus Life Alexandra Keller and Associate Dean of Global Education & Director of the Lewis Global Studies Center, Caitlin Szymkowicz.

Orientation Group Introductions*

9:45–11 a.m. | Various locations
Get a chance to meet your orientation group, which represents a cross-section of ISP!

Scavenger Hunt!*

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Start on Chapin Lawn
Explore Smith’s campus with your Orientation Group. Your group could win a prize!

Lunch

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Various locations
Throughout the week, students can choose a dining facility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will suit their needs and desires. Menus are available on the Dining website.

SmithCycle Thrift Open Hours

1–4 p.m. | Scales House basement (see insert in welcome packet)
SmithCycle Thrift is a pop-up thrift shop on campus sponsored in collaboration with CEEDS (Center for the Environment and Ecological Design). Gently used items—lamps, bed risers, room decorations, and more—are available! Donations for these items are encouraged but not required. Stop by if you’re in need of items, or just to see what’s available.

Shopping Trip to Holyoke Mall

1:30–5:30 p.m. | Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, Holyoke, MA
Find all your housing needs at the local mall! Bring your shopping list. Bus sign-ups are located in Wright Hall lobby.

  • Getting to the mall:
    1:30 p.m.: Bus 1 departs from Smith, John M. Green Hall
    2:30 p.m.: Bus 2 departs from Smith, John M. Green Hall
  • Getting back from the mall:
    4 p.m.: Bus 1 departs from Holyoke Mall 
    5 p.m.: Bus 2 departs from Holyoke Mall

Dinner

5:30–7 p.m. | Various locations
Throughout the week, students can choose a dining facility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will suit their needs and desires. Menus are available on the Dining website.

Cultural Transitions, Part I: Culture & Self*

7:15–9:15 p.m. | Alumnae House conference room
Work with ISSO staff to think through what “culture” is, and reflect on how you personally fit into different definitions or models.

Family & Friends Registration

8:30–9 a.m. | Helen Hills Hills Chapel

Welcome to Smith!

9–9:45 a.m. | Helen Hills Hills Chapel
A joint session for families and students featuring:

  • Alexandra Keller, dean of the college and VP for campus life
  • Caitlin Szymkowicz, associate dean of global education; director, Lewis Global Studies Center

Refreshment Break

10–10:30 a.m. | Alumnae House gallery
Enjoy refreshments with other families after a short walk from the Chapel

Academic, Global Experiences & Career Resources Panel

10:30–noon | Alumnae House conference hall
A panel discussion about the Smith student experience featuring:

  • Julianne Ohotnicky, associate vice president for campus life; dean of students
  • Jennifer Joyce, dean of the first-year class
  • Claire Seely, director of international students and scholars, Lewis Global Studies Center 
  • Jason Bauer-Clapp, director of career education

Lunch on your own

Noon–2:30 p.m. | Refer to the Northampton Restaurants list

Optional Campus Tours with Admission Tour Guides

2:30–3:30 p.m. | Meet at the Campus Center, main level
Choose one of these optional tours at registration for family and friends:

  • Smith Botanic Garden Guided Tour: explore the building and grounds of the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory
  • General Campus Tour: visit key academic facilities, the library and other hubs of student life

International Students’ Families & Friends Reception with President Sarah Willie-LeBreton

4–5 p.m. | Alumnae House living room
An opportunity to meet Smith’s president, get to know other international families, and meet staff and faculty from around campus.

Breakfast

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Various locations
Bring your passport, visa, and I-20!

Open a U.S. Bank Account

9 a.m.–noon | Meet at Wright Hall lobby
Bring your passport, visa, and I-20, plus at least $25 USD cash for deposit.

ISP leaders will walk downtown to help you locate a few of our local banks: Bank of America, Chase Bank, and TD Bank. Use this time to open an account with a little ISP support! See the bank comparison sheet in your welcome packet to make your banking decisions and then sign up for a time slot in Wright Hall. 

You must sign up for a time slot because the banks cannot accommodate everyone at once.

Before/after you have opened an account, the remainder of the time can be used to visit cell phone stores or do other shopping downtown.

Getting Prepared @ Smith (GPS) Lunch

Noon–1 p.m. | Various locations
Grab lunch anywhere you wish on campus. Attendees from the other pre-orientation programs (Bridge, FGLI, and Athletics) will have arrived on-campus so feel free to meet and mingle!

Getting Prepared @ Smith (GPS) Welcome Reception for All New Students and Families

1–2 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Join all of the GPS Pre-Orientation Programs for a welcome from Dean of the College and Vice-President for Campus Life Alex Keller, Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Campus Life Julie Ohotnicky, and Dean of the First-Year Class Jenny Joyce.

Where Are International Smithies Now?

2:15–3:30 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Catch-up with international Smith alums and learn what they are doing now. Bring your questions about what it’s like to study in the U.S. and then find a job in the country.

Immigration Workshop I: Documents & Maintaining Status*

3:45–5:15 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
*Required for all students in F-1 visa status. Please bring your passport, visa, and I-20.

Dinner

5:30–7 p.m. | Various locations

Introduction to Smith Student Orgs

7–7:45 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Come hear from returning international students about student organizations in which they take part! Learn about ways to get involved throughout the year.

Karaoke Night & Boba Tea

8–10 p.m. | Cutter/Ziskind dining room
Join in a long-loved ISP tradition—karaoke! No singing ability required, but enthusiasm appreciated. We’ll also have a make-your-own boba bar with iced teas and popping fruit boba!

Breakfast

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Various locations

Optional Activities with ISP Leaders

8:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Various locations
Sign-up in the Wright Hall lobby for any Sunday morning activities you are interested in. Activities will include a tour of the Smith College Museum of Art, a campus tour, and other fun and relaxing activities planned by your ISP leaders.

Lunch

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Various locations

SmithCycle Thrift Open Hours

1–4 p.m. | Scales House basement
SmithCycle Thrift is a pop-up thrift shop on campus sponsored in collaboration with CEEDS (Center for the Environment and Ecological Design). Gently used items—lamps, bed risers, room decorations, and more—are available! Donations for these items are encouraged but not required. Stop by if you’re in need of items, or just to see what’s available.

Immigration Workshop II: Employment in the U.S.*

1:30–2:30 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
*Required for all students in F-1 visa status. Bring your Student Contract from your welcome packet!

Money & Budgeting with the Conway Center

2:30–3:15 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
With the help of Smith Money Mentors and the Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, learn about resources at Smith to help with managing your finances in college.

Cultural Transitions, Part II: Connections & Resilience*

3:30–5 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
We’ll take the next step in navigating your arrival to Smith: making connections with your fellow ISP-ers and developing strategies for resilience.

Dinner

5:30–6:45 p.m. | Various locations

ISP Leader Academic Panel

6:45–7:45 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Learn more about academics at Smith from a panel discussion with your ISP leaders! Ask any questions you have!

Welcome to Your House!*

8–9 p.m. | House living rooms
You’re not alone on campus! Meet your Residence Life staff, heads of new students (HONS), as well as other students who have returned to campus early. Ask any questions you have regarding housing and living in Smith’s diverse community! Report to your house’s living room to gather with others in your house.

Breakfast

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Various locations
Groups 1–3 should bring your passport, visa, 1-20, and other documents relevant to U.S. status, if applicable

Groups 1–3: Registration Rotations*

9 a.m.–12:05 p.m. | Various locations—please arrive promptly!

Time Groups
9–9:55 a.m. Group 1: Smith is Global
Group 2: Required Forms
Group 3: Health Services
10:05–11 a.m. Group 1: Health Services
Group 2: Smith is Global
Group 3: Required Forms
11:10 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Group 1: Required Forms
Group 2: Health Services
Group 3: Smith is Global
Smith is Global*

Lewis Center, Wright Hall
Register your documents with ISSO, and learn about Smith’s global community. Bring your passport, visa, and I-20!

Required Forms*

Ball Hall 102
Locate your I-94 Arrival Record, and complete other required paperwork in your Smith Workday account. Bring your original passport, visa (no copies), and I-20! And know your Workday login info! 

Health Services*

Schacht Center for Health & Wellness, 21 Belmont Avenue
Visit the Health & Wellness Center; blood test and/or vaccinations required for some students. Make sure to drink lots of water and eat breakfast!

Groups 4–6: Writing at Smith*

9–10 a.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Miranda McCarvel, multilingual writing specialist and lecturer in writing and public discourse, education and child study, and anthropology.

Learn about Smith’s system for academic advising, as well as about Smith’s Academic Integrity Statement, cultural approaches to writing, and how to access resources for writing across languages. This information is relevant as a native or non-native English speaker.

Groups 4–6: Cultural Transitions, Part III: Reflection Writing*

10–11 a.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
In the busy days to come, it’s easy to jump right into the next program. But we feel strongly that it’s important to stop and reflect on all that you’ve experienced this week.

Lunch

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Various locations

Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma Students: Overview Lunch Meeting

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Lewis Center conference room, Wright Hall
Lane Hall-Witt, director of AMS Diploma Program.

Participants in the Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma Program (ISDP) will gather to eat and discuss the program.

Race & Ethnicity in the U.S.*

1:45–3:15 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Sara A. Newland, associate professor of government
Anna Mwaba, associate professor of government

Learn more about race constructions in the U.S., and how racial and ethnic diversity play a role in campus conversations and the national environment.

Health & Wellness with the Schacht Center*

3:30–4:45 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Kaitlin Rooks, RN, director of medical operations, and Jacquelyn Kraps, Ph.D., director of counseling services, Schacht Center for Health & Wellness.

This session will introduce you to the health, counseling, wellness, and other services provided by Schacht Center for Health & Wellness at Smith. In addition, we will talk about how to navigate the U.S. healthcare and insurance system.

Student Financial Services (required if receiving financial aid)*

4:45–5:30 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Michael Ireland, senior associate director of outreach, Student Financial Services.

An overview of Financial Aid policies at Smith. Bring any questions you have regarding your aid package.

Dinner

5:30–7 p.m. | Various locations

Getting Prepared @ Smith Cultural Event: Crocodile River Music

7–9 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium and Neilson Amphitheater
Crocodile River Music brings the music, art and culture of Africa to Massachusetts for experiences of movement and connection. The group includes musicians from Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Liberia, and the United States. There will be ice cream treats after the show.

Breakfast

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Various locations
Groups 4–6 should bring your passport, visa, 1-20, and other documents relevant to U.S. status, if applicable

Groups 4–6: Registration Rotations*

9 a.m.–12:05 p.m. | Various locations—please arrive promptly!

Time Groups
9–9:55 a.m. Group 4: Smith is Global
Group 5: Required Forms
Group 6: Health Services
10:05–11 a.m. Group 4: Health Services
Group 5: Smith is Global
Group 6: Required Forms
11:10 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Group 4: Required Forms
Group 5: Health Services
Group 6: Smith is Global
Smith is Global*

Lewis Center, Wright Hall
Register your documents with ISSO, and learn about Smith’s global community. Bring your passport, visa, and I-20!

Required Forms*

Ball Hall 102
Locate your I-94 Arrival Record, and complete other required paperwork in your Smith Workday account. Bring your original passport, visa (no copies), and I-20! And know your Workday login info! 

Health Services*

Schacht Center for Health & Wellness, 21 Belmont Avenue
Visit the Health & Wellness Center; blood test and/or vaccinations required for some students. Make sure to drink lots of water and eat breakfast!

Groups 1–3: Writing at Smith*

9–10 a.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Miranda McCarvel, multilingual writing specialist and lecturer in writing and public discourse, education and child study, and anthropology.

Learn about Smith’s system for academic advising, as well as about Smith’s Academic Integrity Statement, cultural approaches to writing, and how to access resources for writing across languages. This information is relevant as a native or non-native English speaker.

Groups 1–3: Cultural Transitions, Part III: Reflection Writing*

10–11 a.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
In the busy days to come, it’s easy to jump right into the next program. But we feel strongly that it’s important to stop and reflect on all that you’ve experienced this week.

SmithCycle Thrift Open Hours

10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Scales House basement
SmithCycle Thrift is a pop-up thrift shop on campus sponsored in collaboration with CEEDS (Center for the Environment and Ecological Design). Gently used items—lamps, bed risers, room decorations, and more—are available! Donations for these items are encouraged but not required. Stop by if you’re in need of items, or just to see what’s available.

Getting Prepared @ Smith Luncheon

Noon–1:30 p.m. | Cutter/Ziskind dining room
with a Student Success Formal Presentation from 12:25 to 1 p.m.

Gender & Sexuality at Smith*

1:45–3:15 p.m. | Stoddard Auditorium
Tobias Davis, inclusion education trainer/facilitator, Office for Equity & Inclusion
Annie Cohen, co-curricular leadership development manager and LEAD Program co-director, Wurtele Center for Leadership

Engage in a rich discussion to understand the role and dynamics around gender identity and sexual orientation at Smith College and beyond.

International Community Reception

3:30–4:30 p.m. | Seelye Lawn
Want to know more people who have been “in your shoes”? This will be a chance to meet and talk with international faculty and staff members at Smith, who have connections to other countries around the world, as well as other international students. And there will be ice cream!

ISP Group Photograph*

5 p.m. | Steps of John M. Greene Hall
We encourage you to wear traditional festive clothing, or your ISP T-shirt! Please arrive promptly (or a few minutes early!).

Bridge Program Cookout*

5:30–7 p.m. | Davis Meadow (Rain location: Davis Ballroom)
The Bridge Program will be hosting a cookout on Davis Meadow, which will include a barbeque menu, picnic blankets, novelty desserts, beverages, and brownies. Use this as an opportunity to share a meal with your classmates in the other pre-orientation programs!

ISP Closing Ceremony

7–7:45 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium
We’ll close out the program with a few thank yous and prizes, and celebrate a great program. There will be cake!

Talent Showcase!

7:45–9:15 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium
After the closing ceremony, we’ll turn it over to you—strut your stuff! Dance, sing, read a poem, show us something about home. Let’s celebrate your experience at ISP! Sign up at Wright Hall, or join in at the last minute. Even if you don’t want to be on stage, we encourage everyone to come celebrate the end of the program and cheer on your classmates!

Getting Prepared @ Smith Breakfast

8:30–9:30 a.m. | Cutter/Ziskind dining room
with an Academic Success Formal Presentation from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.

ISP Online Evaluation*

10 a.m.–1 p.m. | TBD by your ISP leader
Make plans as a group to find 15 minutes to meet up. While your thoughts are still fresh, tell us what we’ve done well and how to make ISP even better next year. The group with the highest level of participation will win a prize!

Social Security Administration Appointment Shuttles

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Meet at Lewis Global Studies Center in Wright Hall
If you have a campus job, you will need to apply as soon as possible for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. The ISSO will provide shuttles from Smith to the Social Security Administration office in Holyoke to make the process easier.

Please complete the online application for your social security number and select option for “Request number for the first time.” Then bring your original passport, entry visa, and I-20/DS-2019. 

You must have a job in order to apply for a Social Security Number. Signing up for a dining job satisfies this requirement!

Form I-9: Representatives from the Payroll Office will be available at Central Check-In to process your I-9 Work Authorization Form. If you are unable to process your I-9 during Central Check-In, you’ll need to make an individual appointment with a staff member of the Payroll Office.

Sign up in the Wright Hall lobby for an appointment slot, and please be punctual! 

  • Sign-ups will close at noon on Tuesday. Last-minute sign-ups will be accommodated as possible, and we will have a waitlist available.
  • If you have a job on campus outside of Dining Services, please drop off or email your Employment Evidence Form to interstu@smith.edu by Tuesday at noon. 

Central Check-In*

8–11 a.m. | Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT)
All new undergraduate students are welcome at Central Check-In. You’ve already completed your necessary steps during ISP, but here you will receive vital information about course registration and have the opportunity to connect with various campus departments and services.

Transfer Students and Ada Comstock Scholars are highly encouraged to stop by their applicable table at Central Check-In for specific information about their entry into Smith.

Please refer to the All-Student Orientation schedule on the Smith College app for First-Year Experience or on the Student Life website under “For New Students.”

Student Leaders

Hadiya Cabdi ’28

Gabiley, Somaliland

She/her
Statistical and date sciences major; economics minor

Hi! My name is Hadiya and I’m a rising junior at Smith studying statistics & data science with a minor in economics. I’m excited to welcome you to campus this fall! One thing I love about Smith is the community, whether it’s friendly house rivalries over who has the best banner, late-night conversations by Paradise Pond, or weekends playing UNO with my friends in the dorm. Smith is such a fun and supportive place, and I can’t wait for you to make amazing memories here. See you during orientation & this Fall, Smithie!

Léna Gning ’29

Somone, Senegal; Le Rheu, France

She/her
Quantitative economics major

Hi hi I am Léna, a rising sophomore at Smith. (I am also a UWC alumna. Two years during which I gained confidence as a leader, a better understanding of myself, and the conviction that the world can get better because it is full of generous and talented people!) When I am not studying (I love the open curriculum: I had fun taking classes in almost every department!), you’ll find me playing guitar and singing, chatting with my friends while sipping a milkshake, or going on random side quests—joining a pilates class, a foraging walk along Paradise Pond, a PASA (Pan African Student Association) “Sip and Paint” event... I also love getting involved in clubs such as the Food Rescue Network and the Consulting Club, and I am part of the Smithereens, an a cappella group! This year, I will also be part of a fellowship on “‘The Commons.” I am excited! Over the summer, I will mostly be spending time with family and friends, doing volunteer work at a cultural center in Senegal and traveling in Europe. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I hope I will be able to help, as you get through these overwhelming but exciting times. Please email me with any questions (lgning@smith.edu). All questions are worth asking!

Shakila Jafari ’28

Afghanistan

She/her
Computer science and statistics & data science double major

Hey everyone! I’m Shakila, a rising junior studying computer science and statistics & data science. Afghanistan is my home country. Aside from academics I like reading, drawing, traveling whenever I get the chance, exploring new places with friends, and learning about space (if you’re an astro person, you'll definitely want to check out Smith’s star parties!). I hope you’re looking forward to ISP as it’s not just about learning your way around campus and starting your journey here but also meeting amazing people. You’ll mostly see me in IT desks in Seelye basement or Neilson Library, or helping students and professors with tech. I probably know many of you by name already (!) from working with the ISSO this summer. So, EXCITED to meet you all in person! The start might feel tough especially when the homesickness kicks in but countless Smith resources are here to support you along the way. AND I’m always here to help! So count on me when you need help with anything :)

Lynn Kimathi ’27

Kenya

She/her
Statistical & data sciences and biological sciences double major

Hi international Smithies! My name is Lynn, I am a rising senior from Kenya, majoring in statistical and data sciences and biology. Outside of class, I volunteer with RISI, an on campus mutual-aid organization that supports refugees and immigrants in Western Massachusetts. I enjoy running, dancing and I am currently learning skateboarding. I also studied abroad in Hong Kong last semester and I am happy to talk about that. Welcome to Smith, I can’t wait to meet you all!

Olivia (Luwen) Lian ’29

Beijing, China

She/they
Engineering major; studio art minor

Hi Guys! My name is Olivia Lian, you could call me Olivia :) I’m from Beijing,China and right now I am a rising sophomore majoring in engineering (genuinely, I enjoy it… most of the time). So you would probably see me wandering around the Neilson Library and the Ford Hall (one of the science buildings at Smith), pretending to understand what’s going on… lol. Outside of academics, I play video games—recently I’ve been spending way too much time on Tomodachi Life Collection and Identity V (a guilty pleasure of mine). I know how overwhelming it can feel to step in a completely new environment, especially with jet lag hitting you at 3 a.m. So I’d love to be the person you can have a random late-night conversation with, the one who can cook and share food with you, and the one who gets lost with you in a museum. Also, if you ever need someone to explore campus with or just want company grabbing food, I’m always up for it. Looking forward to meeting all of you—feel free to DM me anytime if you’re still figuring things out :)

Heidi Liu ’28

Shenzhen, China; Victoria, BC, Canada

She/her
East Asian studies major; journalism concentrator

Hello everyone, and welcome to Smith! I’m Heidi. I grew up in Shenzhen, China and moved to British Columbia, Canada, in 2013, where I’ve lived ever since. I’m a rising junior majoring in East Asian studies with a concentration in journalism. Outside of class, there’s so many exciting things to be a part of. I have dabbled in cheer, ceramics, Lumina (science magazine), Don’t Blink Media (film club), and WOZQ (our radio station). You may encounter me zooming around on my scooter at 30 mph, making your drinks at the Compass Café, or speaking to you in the bathroom stalls of my house, Haynes (in the form of infographics relaying updates). I am so, so excited to meet and get to know every single one of you! Please feel free to reach out about anything at all. See you soon!

Maria Fernanda (Mafer) Negrete ’27

Lima, Peru

She/her
Psychology major; community engagement and social change concentrator

Hi Smithies! I’m Mafer, a rising senior majoring in psychology and pursuing the CCX concentration. I have been enjoying my time at Smith, and I appreciate the friends, support and opportunities it has given me. Through clubs like the International Students Organization (ISO), I’ve found a community that has helped me feel at home, and I encourage you to join and/or participate in our events! I’m also part of Celebrations Dance Company, because I love dancing and performing! Coming to Smith was my first time traveling internationally and adjusting to a new country, so I know this experience can be both exciting and overwhelming. But let me tell you that you are not alone! We’ll be here to help you navigate this new chapter and discover Smith at your own pace. Excited to welcome you all during ISP and feel free to reach out!

Bipashwi Nepal ’27

Kathmandu, Nepal

She/her
Quantitative economics major

Hi, I’m Bipashwi, and I’m a rising senior majoring in quantitative economics. This is my third ISP and second as a ISP leader, and I’m beyond excited to see you all this August. I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal and now, I call Smith my second home. So, welcome to your home in the U.S. We are so looking forward to welcoming you with open heart and arms. At Smith, I’ve been with South Asian Students Association and other academic/recreational clubs and I can assure you’ll find a safe space for yourself here. Congratulations and all the best on packing.

Ana Carolina Rangel ’29

Campos de Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

She/her
Quantitative economics major; global finance concentrator

You don’t know how excited I am to meet you in person! You can call me Carol. I’m an international student from Brazil and I work at the Wurtele Center for Collaborative Leadership (which I’d be more than happy to tell you more about). I’m spending the summer interning at a startup in São Paulo, but I’m originally from Campos, in Rio de Janeiro. A little about me: I absolutely love MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), and if you’re interested, I’d love to share some of my favorite songs with you. I also enjoy going to the beach, visiting museums, meeting new people, and getting them excited about Brazil. I’m beyond happy to connect with you and get to know you better. See you soon!

Zarah Rizvi ’29

Toronto, Canada; Dhaka, Bangladesh

She/her
Government major

Hi international Smithies!!! My name is Zarah and I’m from Toronto, Canada but I’m originally from Bangladesh (where I spent the first nine years of my life). I’m a rising sophomore majoring in government, with a focus on international relations. Outside of academics I really love using the gym at Smith and going downtown to get crepes with my friends. I know how challenging this transition can be, no matter how near or far you are from home. ISP was the best week of my first year and is where I was able to make so many new friends, while getting to learn more about life at Smith. I’m so excited to be a leader this year and help you also have an amazing experience!

Tenzin Sangmo ’28

Dharamshala, India

She/her
Engineering major

Hello! I am Tensang (my nickname) and I am a rising junior. My family is originally from Tibet but I was born and raised in India! I went to UWC Maastricht in the Netherlands for high school where I met people from all around the world who have shaped me to become who I am today. I am an engineering major and thinking of minoring in chemistry. On campus, I am a Gold Key ambassador and I give campus tours for prospective students and their families. I also do polymer chemistry research with the Buck lab and I work at the Josten Performing Arts Library. I have been involved in a few clubs on campus where I met really fun people so I definitely recommend joining clubs that interest you! The ISP team is so excited to welcome new international smithies on campus and I am thrilled to be part of the team! Cannot wait to see all of you!

Nuhamin Y. Tilahun ’29

Hawassa, Ethiopia

She/her
Quantitative economics major; global finance concentrator

Hi everyone! Welcome to Smith! My name is Nuhamin, and I’m a rising sophomore from Ethiopia majoring in quantitative economics and pursuing the global financial concentration. I’m so excited to meet all of you! Outside of class, I’m a Gold Key Ambassador and involved with the Smith Consulting Club. I love meeting new people, exploring opportunities on campus, and just hanging out. Trust me, if there’s coffee or matcha involved, I’ll probably be there! Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Leticia Vieira ’27

Cariri, Brazil

They/she
Engineering major; interdisciplinary making concentrator

I’m from Cariri, in the Northeast of Brazil, and I’m a huge STEM nerd. I also love outdoor activities and traveling. During the academic year I work at Neilson Library and you can either find me there or in the basement of Ford Hall.

Melissa Wang ’27

Nanjing, China

She/her
Government and psychology double major

Hi international Smithies, welcome to Smith! My name is Melissa, and I’m a rising senior from Nanjing, China, majoring in government and psychology. Fun fact: I spent my entire junior year away from campus, so coming back to Smith feels just as fresh, exciting, and a little nerve-wracking as it might for many of you! During the fall, I studied in Washington, D.C. through the Jean-Picker Program, where I completed two internships while taking government courses. In the spring, I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on international refugee law. These experiences allowed me to meet incredible people from diverse backgrounds, explore different cultures, and discover new academic interests. At the same time, I still vividly remember what it was like adjusting to life in the U.S. and at Smith as a first-year international student. Navigating new environments can be challenging, but those experiences have shaped who I am and helped me grow both personally and academically. That’s also why I’ve been actively involved in ISSO and the international student community at Smith and why I’m so excited to be serving as an ISP Leader for the second time! The friendships, support, and memories you build here matter just as much as the destination itself. I can’t wait to meet all of you, and I hope ISP is just the beginning of an amazing Smith journey filled with meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.

Contact International Students and Scholars

125 Wright Hall
Smith College
Northampton, MA USA

Phone: 413-585-7598 Email: interstu@smith.edu

Open Hours - Schedule a meeting when it's convenient for you!

Dean Caitlin

Claire Seely