Center for International Student Engagement Pre-O Committee and ISLs

(Pronouns: He/Him) Hi. My name is David Ko. I am the Director of the Center for International Student Engagement. I was born and raised in South Korea, and moved to the United States in 2006 for my graduate studies. I still remember my first day in the U.S. as if it was yesterday. On August 11, 2006, I arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport full of excitement to meet new friends and study in the U.S. I was dreaming of a rosy future this “land of opportunity” would offer me. My honeymoon period with the U.S., however, did not last very long. I was soon faced with the harsh realities of adjusting to a new culture. Everything from the most basic living conditions, such as food, housing, and healthcare, was very different from my home country. The American classroom culture was challenging to me, and the sense of loneliness, homesickness, and isolation was hard to bear. However, the international student community held me tight and gave me comfort and emotional and social support. Chatting with other international students, sharing struggles, and eating cultural food together comforted me and sustained me to complete my degree. Since I have been through academic and cultural challenges as an international student, I am passionate about helping international students smooth transition and find “home” at Amherst. I am very excited to meet all of you this fall, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

(Pronouns: she/her) My own experiences as an international student (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria) and Fulbright FLTA/high school teacher (Köln) kicked off my interest in international education, and I have been in the field ever since. For the last decade, my work has focused primarily on immigration advising and finding ways to translate the complication and nuance of federal policy into comprehensible personal impact. I stay closely attuned to regulatory updates and advocacy opportunities, and I'm very interested in conversations that center stories of migration and explore the concept of borders. Outside of immigration, you'll most often find me talking about my dogs and cats, my garden and plants, and what's for dessert. I can't wait to welcome you all to Amherst this fall!