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UBC Okanagan International Peers
All international students who are new to UBC Okanagan students are automatically connected with an International Peer. Your International Peer is an upper-year student who is your UBC Okanagan campus expert, and is here to answer all your questions about UBC. They’ll be your first stop for advice, discovering how to access campus resources, and helping you enhance your study skills ready for your classes.
What to expect from your International Peer
Your International Peer is a current student in your new faculty, and they’re your first point of contact to share faculty- and program-specific information about your upcoming UBC experience. They’re here to share their experiences as an international student living in Canada and Kelowna to help you learn more about studying at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
Your International Peer is on hand to help with:
- Faculty- and program-specific information and highlights
- The international student experience in Canada and Kelowna
- How to prepare for studying at UBC’s Okanagan campus
- Tips, tricks, and helpful hints they’ve learned as a student
- Sharing upcoming events and opportunities for involvement at UBC Okanagan
- Support for when you face a challenge, or want to learn about opportunities for growth
- Learning about student clubs and associations, and campus life
- Student housing and life in residence
- Your Jump Start and Create orientation programs
The 2025 International Peers
Read about our amazing team of International Peers and get inspired by their stories.
Insha H.
Faculty of Management
Pronouns: She/her
Email: insha.hooda@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Insha is a fifth-year student from Mumbai, India, pursuing a Bachelor of Management with a minor in Economics at UBC Okanagan. Drawn to the campus for its stunning natural surroundings, close-knit community, and hands-on learning opportunities, she has actively contributed to student life and academic initiatives.
Insha’s dedication has been recognized through awards such as the Faculty of Management International Student Award, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Scholarship for International Students, and the UBC Okanagan International Community Achievement Award. She has also worked as a Teaching Assistant for management and mathematics courses, where she supports students in their learning and academic success.
Insha recently completed a co-op as a Project Coordinator at a Project Management Consulting firm, gaining hands-on experience working with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects. She is excited to return as an International Peer to help incoming students navigate their university journey, build connections, and make the most of their time at UBC Okanagan.
Krisalyn A.
Faculty of Health and Social Development – Nursing
Pronouns: She/her
Email: krisalyn.ariesandy@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Krisalyn is a third-year Nursing student from Jakarta, Indonesia. She chose UBC Okanagan and Canada because of its welcoming, friendly, diverse, and supportive community. Receiving the Outstanding International Student Award finalized her decision to attend UBC.
So far, she’s been loving her time at UBC Okanagan while exploring other activities around Kelowna, and getting involved with student events. She is excited about finishing her studies and obtaining her Nursing degree soon.
Outside of her academics, Krisalyn can be found in the Hangar at the UBC Okanagan Athletic facility, and in the summer time enjoying the many local lakes and beaches.
Rosine I.
Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering
Pronouns: She/her
Email: rosine.izerumukiza@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Rosine is a third-year Civil Engineering student from Rwanda, East Africa. She chose UBC Okanagan for its close-knit community, career development opportunities, and supportive campus resources. Rosine is a recipient of the International Impact Award, part of UBC’s International Scholars Program (ISP).
Rosine enjoys volunteering on and off campus through UBCO’s Get Involved program and has held different roles at UBCO including Senior Orientation Leader for Jumpstart, Student Connector with the Student Experience Office, and Transition Mentor with the ISP. She is also a project manager of the Innovate, Design, and Sustain (IDS) design team and a member of the Engineering Society.
Beyond academics, she enjoys lakeside strolling, playing volleyball, and catching up with friends and family. Rosine’s favourite time of year in Kelowna is the fall when the leaves change colour.
Evelyn W.
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
Pronouns: She/her
Email: evelyncj.wu@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Evelyn Wu is a fourth-year student from Ningbo, China, majoring in Media Studies with a minor in Economics at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus. She has been recognized as an Outstanding International Student Award recipient, and has made the Dean’s List multiple times. Currently, she serves as a Teaching Assistant in the Economics Department.
Evelyn enjoys music, writing, singing, reading, and watching films. Passionate about feminism and gender equality, she frequently incorporates these themes into her speeches and artwork. She also finds inspiration in nature, using words and interactive design as her artistic tools to bring her creative vision to life.
Lentle M.
Faculty of Science
Pronouns: She/her
Email: lentle.moloi@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Lentle is a third-year Data Science student who came to Canada independently from Botswana to pursue her studies. She was drawn to UBC Okanagan because of its welcoming, close-knit community and the exciting opportunity to be part of its newly introduced Data Science program.
She loves how UBCO allows her to build meaningful one-on-one connections with her professors and appreciates the incredible opportunities available on campus. She was honoured to receive the Outstanding International Student Award, and has been actively involved as an Orientation Leader with Jumpstart and a volunteer for the annual Career Fair.
Through these experiences, Lentle has enjoyed helping others feel at home at UBC Okanagan—just as students had helped her in her transition to campus.
Lucas Q.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Pronouns: He/him
Email: lucas.quesada@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Lucas is a fourth-year Psychology (BA) student with diverse international roots, having grown up between Costa Rica and Peru. Drawn to UBC for its close-knit community and the abundant outdoor opportunities in the Okanagan, Lucas balances academic pursuits with coaching at a soccer academy.
In addition to valuable research experiences as a Research Assistant in the Gender Neutral and Inclusive Language Use in Spanish project and the Child and Youth Healthy Futures Lab, Lucas also served as VP Internal of the Latin American Students Organization (LASO). For LASO he has played a pivotal role in enhancing community engagement and streamlining internal communications.
With an international perspective and a collaborative spirit, Lucas is eager to contribute to the International Peer role and support the vibrant UBC community. Lucas’ favourite place in the Okanagan to spend time is the nearby Kalamalka lake in the summer time.
Spencer L.
Health and Exercise Sciences
Pronouns: He/him
Email: spencer.liu@ubc.ca
Zoom appointments available upon request.
Spencer is a first-year Health and Exercise Science (HES) student from Taiwan. He was originally drawn to UBC Okanagan for its unique HES program that aligns with his aspirations. Spencer is passionate about exploring the intersections of health, fitness, and human performance. With an interest in understanding the science behind movement and well-being, he hopes to engage in hands-on learning, research opportunities, and community initiatives that enhance his academic journey. Spencer looks forward to applying his knowledge to help others improve their health and performance while growing as a student and future professional in the field.
Coming from a hot country like Taiwan, one thing about Kelowna that Spencer loves is being able to experience snow. He is an accomplished piano player and loves to spend time playing on campus in the theatre or the University Centre events space. His favourite space on campus is the Arts Atrium for its abundance of plants and tranquil study environment. Spencer also has a passion for baseball, and is eager to find more opportunities to play when the weather warms up.
Former International Peer Tomi Sobowale had several interactions with Spencer that helped prepare him for the transition to life at UBC Okanagan, and he aspires to do the same for others.
Additional resources
Browse additional resources for International students to help you learn more about registering for courses, finding resources, and planning your future.
You’ve registered for your courses, now what? Download the handbook.
Download the UBC Co-op Program 101 Handbook
Top Concerns of International Students
You can also watch our YouTube series on the top concerns of international students:
Maintaining Grades & Accessing Supplementary Academic Supports
Get to know our programs
Insights into UBC’s Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies
First year classes in the Faculty of Science