The Office of International Programs (OIP) offers the Campus Ambassador Program (formerly known as the I-Connect Program) to help ease the adjustment process of incoming international students, including third culture individuals (TCIs), joining the Puget Sound community. In exchange, this program provides opportunities for Puget Sound students to gain new cultural experiences without leaving campus. The program allows for a mutually-beneficial relationship, in which both the new and current students learn from each other. The program provides an opportunity for students to connect through various social activities and events, creating a strong and supportive community. At the beginning of each academic year, campus ambassadors are introduced to new international students and are expected to help connect them with information, support, and guidance to help them succeed academically and socially. The incoming international student is expected to share insights into his/her home culture. Puget Sound students will engage in cross-cultural interactions and friendships through the Campus Ambassador Program.
What are the benefits of the Campus Ambassador Program to international students?
Feelings of alienation can severely restrict the ability of international students to become active and independent members of Puget Sound. In some cases, international students are unable to develop the intellectual and personal curiosity to their full potential due to the lack of a local peer support network. International students face specific issues that our domestic students do not, and the Campus Ambassador Program is committed to cooperating with OIP to address these issues. Both the friendship and mentorship formed through this program aim to support all international students in acclimating to life in the U.S. and at Puget Sound. This is accomplished through monthly events, social activities, informal check-ins, and community building.
How will the Campus Ambassador Program improve your Puget Sound experience?
The importance of the program is not only for the international students coming to campus but also for current Puget Sound students themselves. Rather than simply reading about people from different cultures online or in class, the Campus Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for domestic students to get to know and become friends with a person from another country whose life experience has likely been vastly different from their own. Moreover, international students are an asset to our campus as a whole for the diverse ideas, perspectives, and cultures that they provide for everyone who interacts with them. Having this diversity and bridges to other cultures greatly contributes to an overall stronger campus community at Puget Sound. An important goal of this program is to contribute to the recruitment and retention of more international students who can enrich our Puget Sound campus with their voices.
How can you become part of the Campus Ambassador Program?
Participating in the Campus Ambassador Program is an excellent way to support the international community at Puget Sound as well as a great chance to learn about other cultures. The Campus Ambassador Program looks for students who exhibit leadership skills and have a strong desire to work with the international community.
You can refer to Frequently Asked Questions of our past applicants for further information.
