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.

2026 ISP Schedule

We will not have the 2026 ISP schedule ready until later this year, but if you want to get a sense of the types of things to look forward to, you can take a look at last year's ISP 2025 Schedule! This document will give you an idea of the program we have in store for new students, though some details are still subject to change. Each participant will receive a print copy of the final ISP schedule upon arrival to campus.

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