Hijas Farook

Sri Lanka, Asia. Physics

Coming to UNM from Sri Lanka has been an exciting and rewarding journey of academic growth and personal discovery. As a Physics Ph.D. student, I have had the opportunity to work on cutting-edge particle physics research while collaborating with scientists from around the world. Throughout this journey, UNM has provided a supportive environment that consistently encourages curiosity, innovation, and professional development. Beyond the laboratory, exploring New Mexico's incredibly diverse landscapes and beautiful hiking trails has been an absolute highlight of my experience.

Message to the other international students of UNM: Get involved beyond your academic department! Join student organizations, explore the great outdoors, and remember that building a community around yourself is the best way to make a new place feel like home. Oh, and whatever you do, don't miss the sunset from the Sandia Mountains!

Motto:“Everywhere is your home, everyone is your kin." – Kaniyan Pungundranar

Tulaib Azam

India, Asia. Neurobiology

I am Tulaib Azam from Kashmir, India. I hold a Master's degree in Biotechnology and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Developmental Neurobiology in the Department of Biology. My research focuses on understanding brain development, neural circuit wiring, and the resulting behaviors using the fruit fly as a model system. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking and nature photography.

Being part of ISSS has given me opportunities to explore New Mexico, connect with people through social events, and contribute through volunteering.  

Motto:“If you can’t help others, don’t harm them either.”

Lutfullahil Majid

Bangladesh, Asia. Research Assistant, PSET Laboratory


Coming to the University of New Mexico from Bangladesh has been a life-changing experience. As a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering, I have had the opportunity to grow through my work as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant while contributing to the academic community. Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in GEO volunteering, Graduate Community Mentoring, PNMGC, and have served as the General Secretary of the Bangladeshi Student Association at UNM. These experiences have allowed me to build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills, and learn from people from diverse backgrounds. UNM has become a place where I continue to grow as a researcher, leader, and member of a global community.

Message to the other international students of UNM: Get involved beyond the classroom. Some of the most valuable experiences and friendships come from participating in student organizations, volunteering, and connecting with people from different cultures. Don't be afraid to seek support and take on new challenges; every experience helps you grow.

Motto: "Keep testing your limits."

David Perez Arboleda

Columbia, Latin America. Manufacturing Engineering

My time at UNM as an international student has been a journey of genuine growth, packed with great memories and a real sense of community. While the academic challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, the incredible support from the faculty turned those hurdles into rewarding milestones. Beyond the classroom, diving into social activities and volunteering with the Global Education Office and ISSS is what truly made New Mexico feel like home.

Message to the other international students of UNM: Never let fear stop you from exploring the unfamiliar. While life in a new country brings its share of tough, lonely moments, it also brings the opportunity to build a community from scratch. Lean into discomfort, connect with the people around you, and you'll find that a supportive network can transform an intimidating environment into a place where you truly thrive.

Personal Motto: "Quality is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

Di Lei

China, Asia. Chemistry

UNM has been a wonderful experience so far! The professors and peers are highly supportive and helpful in the course study and research process. Also, UNM is well equipped with gym, library, and cozy rest area. Also, the diverse activities, trips, and volunteer opportunities make life more fulfilling.

Message to the other international students of UNM: Embrace diversity and be true to yourself. Don’t be afraid of asking for help. Everyone here is super nice, and they want to see you succeed. Take advantage of the resource as much as you can to make your study and life meaningful! 

Personal Motto: "There is no good choice before you choose; it is you to make the choice turn out to be good after you’ve chosen."

Shewar Khan

Pakistan, Asia. Linguistics

I am Shewar Khan and I am a Fulbright scholar from Pakistan, enrolled in the PhD program for Linguistics.

My experience as an international student has been great in ABQ. It did take me a while to adjust, (adulting abroad is hard especially from a mollycoddling culture like mine!) but UNM offered me great resources to cope and equip myself with skills, a plethora of activities and a strong sense of community. I find UNM to be really student friendly. People are nice and welcoming and there are tons of resources for students from free rentals for laptops, bikes etc., shuttle and escort services, a great library system, specialized resource centers like the Women’s Resource Center and dozens of fun events happening all year-around (sometimes too many to choose from!). And the GEO office acts as a great buffer between you and the world out there (and works tirelessly hard to ensure you don't go to jail!). Every day for me here is a moment in acculturation and developing a greater understanding of the world at large beyond where I come from….courtesy Fulbright, UNM and GEO!

Message to other international students of UNM: Seek help if you need it. Make use of counseling services at SHAC. Try to attend as many random fun events as you come across on campus. Attend GEO and ISI (a wonderful volunteer community organization) events! Discover and rotate between different fun student study areas on campus. Explore the city (buses are free!)  DO NOT SELF-ISOLATE. Meet people beyond your comfort level. Make full use of your time here and get to learn how Americans and internationals do life - live it and share yours with them too!

Personal Motto: "Break those chains that bind you!"

Chiamaka Ikogho

Nigeria, Africa. Healthcare Administration

My name is Chiamaka Ikogho, a Graduate Student from Nigeria, enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.

Being an international student here at UNM has been nothing short of a rewarding and memorable experience that spans across different areas-from learning, unlearning, relearning, openness to growth and development, new friendships, personal and leadership skills development which my role as a Project Assistant at the Global Education Office has offered me while coordinating the students' social and volunteer activities within the Albuquerque community. Because of the communal nature of the people I work with and other International Students I meet with, UNM feels like home! My course in Healthcare Administration has opened my mind to the endless possibilities of healthcare. God has helped me excel greatly in my studies as well and I am thankful for that.

Message to other international students of UNM: As an international student with 3 kids, juggling school and family, there is no limit to what you can achieve if you believe it, plan for your success by being intentional, create a school life balance by associating with other students, and be determined to excel.

Personal Motto: "Impossibility doesn't exist!"