Who is a Cultural Ambassador at Duquesne?

A Cultural Ambassador is a member of the Duquesne community that represents our campus and our local Pittsburgh community to prospective, new and current international students at Duquesne and the U.S. for the first time.

Duquesne's Cultural Ambassadors are here to help YOU!

Cultural ambassadors can mentor new students as they prepare for their new life in Pittsburgh or simply assist them with basic questions and concerns when they arrive to campus. Being a cultural ambassador is a wonderful way to introduce members of the Duquesne and Pittsburgh communities to new cultures through our international students while lending them a hand in their transition to a new culture.

What does a Cultural Ambassador do?

Most of our Ambassadors have been there themselves - they've landed in a foreign country, learned a new language, studied in a foreign class or tried to find a bus stop in a foreign land. They know what you may be going through and they want to help you! Take advantage of some of the services that our Cultural Ambassadors provide:

1. They will answer prospective and incoming international students questions about general student life at Duquesne: What should I bring with me to Pittsburgh? What are the dormitories like? What kinds of activities can I get involved in at Duquesne? What is the weather like? are just some of the questions they can answer - from a students' perspective!

2. They will assist with International Student Orientation in the Fall, Spring and Summer, introducing themselves to new students and helping to settle them into a new culture.

3. They will collect new international students from the airport when they first arrive. (Organized through OIP)

3. They can be an ongoing mentor to international students once they have arrived on campus.

4. They may be able to provide an occasional meal at their home.

Here are just a few of our current ambassadors:

Kushal Bhatt (India), Pharmacy
kushalbhatt@gmail.com

"Hello. My name is Kushal Bhatt. I am originally from India but moved to the United States in 2000. I can speak English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujrathi and a little bit of French. I did my 8th - 12th of schooling here in the states and am currently studying Pharmacy at Duquesne University. It is a 6 year program and I will be entering my 4th year in the Fall (Autumn) of '08. I have been in Pittsburgh for quite some years now and have adjusted to the culture very nicely. I live with my mother and father about 40 minutes away from the university. I know that it can be a little scary coming to a new culture and country, and that's ok. I had many questions when I first came here and I did some very silly things that I did not know were foreign to this culture. So, if you have any questions/comments, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help you out in any way that I can."

David Buczynski, (US) Psychology
fender156@hotmail.com

"I have been a student at Duquesne University for a year. Although this seems like a short time I still feel that I have changed and learned so much already not only because of the opportunity to study abroad but also the relationships that I have formed with the students and faculty of the school. If you're wondering how your experience will be at Duquesne do not worry; you have chosen wisely.

My interests include a perpetual excitement and curiosity about philosophy and learning. To me there is no Senior Year of learning. We are all students for our whole lives regardless of where or how we are learning. I also love to play and listen to music. I play the guitar all of the time and listen to music even more often than that. If I don't have my headphones on I'm still playing music in my head. Occasionally you will hear me whistling or see me air drumming (a simulation of an actual drummer playing the drums without any of the instruments). Don't be alarmed. I'm just pretending to be a rockstar. I also love to exercise and keep myself in shape. It is important to stay strong mentally and physically.

I am originally from Germantown, Maryland but moved to Pittsburgh roughly 15 years ago. So if you're expecting to hear 'Pittsburghese' from me don't hold your breath. Though I am told I can do a good impression of it. I am currently living in the Southside of Pittsburgh also considered the 'college student' area of Pittsburgh. (There are at least 5 bars on every block).

Me in a nutshell or perhaps even a sesame seed shell."

Carli Henson, (US) Sociology/Spanish
hensonc@duq.edu

" Learning about the world, new cultures and meeting new people are my passions. I'm fascinated by the diversity that exists in the world and I'm eager to help you with your transition! I am entering my final year at Duquesne, so I have a lot of information to share with you. Whether you have questions, need a tour guide, or are just looking for a new friend, feel free to contact me!"

Jessica Lash, (US) Advertising, Spanish and Intercultural Studies
lashj@duq.edu

"At Duquesne I am a part of the International Student Organization, Advertising Club, and also a sorority. When I was sixteen I studied abroad for a year in Vivero, Spain where I lived with a family and went to school. Since then I have particpated in 2 short term study abroad programs in the summers in both Asia and South America. I love learning about different cultures and meeting new people. I have been through culture shock before and am happy to assist with anything you need while you are going through this new transition! Also, as a native I am happy to introduce you to the area. I look forward to hearing from you! "

Megan Polesky , (US) Business/Spanish
poleskym@duq.edu

"Hi! My name is Megan Polesky and I’m from Greensburg PA. I am a member of the Duquesne University Volunteers and have tutored children in math and reading at local elementary schools. I am currently enrolled in the Business School as an accounting major with a minor in Spanish. During the Fall 2007 semester, I studied abroad at Duquesne's Rome campus in Italy.
While there, I studied the language and became familiar with the culture.
Some of my interests include music, language, traveling, meeting new people, and learning new cultures. I understand the difficulties and being in an unfamiliar place, so if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you! I hope you enjoy your time at Duquesne."

Pradeep Modi (India), MBA
modip@duq.edu

"Duquesne is a student’s dream come true! A University with an excellent faculty and a truly amazing campus, located in a picturesque city."

Susan Morrow, (US) International Business and Marketing.
morrows@duq.edu

"I am from outside of Philadelphia, in allentown, and have lived there all of my life. At Duquesne, I was a swimmer freshman, sophomore, and a little bit of Junior year. Sports are a major part of my life and I love to stay active. I have taken German for the past few years, though I am not fluent, I can understand conversations. This past spring I studied in Galway, Ireland. I travelled as much as possible during the five months abroad and found it to be the best experience of my life. Traveling and meeting new people has definitely become one of my favorite things to do."

Lauren Winkelman, (US) Sociology and Public Relations, as well as an Intercultural Certificate in African culture.
winkelmanl@duq.edu

"I studied this past Spring semester in Africa at the University of Ghana and really enjoyed my time there. Over my years at Duquesne have been involved in campus ministry activities, such as Bible study, Faith Alive and Women of Spirit, as well as other organizations such as the rowing team, marching band, Sophomore and Freshman class advisory councils, Lambda Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies, Student Government, and Duquesne Program Council. I really enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I am anxious to meet all the new International students and help in any way I can!"

Julie Wong Chong, (Mauritius), Biochemistry/Mathematics
wongchongj@duq.edu

"Hi! My name is Julie Wong Chong. I am originally from Mauritius, a small tropical island off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. I just graduated from Duquesne University in 2008 in Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics. I was enrolled in the Chemistry/ Biochemistry Honors program and pre-health program. I aspire to one day becoming a medical doctor because I like helping people and would love to make a difference in people’s lives. I love traveling; it probably is one of my biggest passions. I believe that the world has so much to offer and I would like to see it all.

College was an amazing experience where I got to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures and amongst whom I have developed strong friendships for life. I also enjoyed it because it allowed me to become more independent and gave me the opportunity to grow, to give my best in everything I undertake and to participate in many activities and organizations on campus and in my immediate community.

I hope you enjoy your experience at Duquesne as much as I did! It is a great place to be. If you need anything, don’t hesitate and just send me an email. "