International Student Pre-Orientation (ISP)

August 24-28, 2025

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.

2025 ISP Schedule

The 2025 ISP Schedule won't be ready until later this summer, but if you'd like to get a sense of the program, take a look at last year's 2024 Schedule! This document will give you an idea of the program we have in store for new students, though some details may be subject to change. We will do our best to update this as soon as possible if changes are needed, and each participant will receive a print copy of the full ISP schedule upon arrival to campus.

Student Leaders

Radiah Khan ’28

Dhaka, Bangladesh

she/her
Statistical & Data Sciences; Quantitative Economics

I am Radiah from Bangladesh. I live and breathe Dhaka (where I grew up) and Chattogram (where I’m from). I am a rising sophomore studying statistical and data sciences and quantitative economics. Beyond running from Ford to Sabin-Reed, you’ll find me at Cutter-Ziskind fishbowl yapping with my friends (fun fact: I met all of them in ISP!). I’m a huge shari enthusiast and you will watch me wearing shari on every possible occasion. I love talking, free bin diving (best part of Smith trust me on this), matcha, and tajin. Apart from my academics, I’m working at a local Northampton organization and doing research at Smith (shout-out to the SDS department!!). I really struggled during ISP because it was so overwhelmingly sad being that away from home (and I always emphasize on that because I feel like we talk less about rock bottom times)—my ISP leader really helped me to get through it. This is one of the main reasons I want to give back to the community this year!

Catherine Guo ’26

Beijing, China

she/her
Education & Child Study; Psychology

Hi everyone, I’m Cat! I’m a rising senior majoring in Education & Child Study, minoring in Psychology, and pursuing my elementary teaching licensure. Before coming to Smith, I attended UWC in China, which helped shape how I think about education and community. This summer, I’m a (self-appointed) tour guide for friends visiting Beijing, teaching in Senegal, and co-running a summer camp with three other Smithies. In the fall, I’m looking forward to student teaching at the Campus School, dancing in Chinese Classical Dance Club and Smith K-pop Dance Crew, and organizing cultural celebrations as chair of the Chinese Students Association. I feel really lucky to be returning as an ISP leader! I care a lot about making sure you feel welcomed and supported as you transition to Smith, and I hope to get to know you. Please come talk to me about anything or feel free to email me if you're a little nervous!

SJ Senet ’26J

Herbeumont, Belgium & Le Grand Bornand, France

they/he
Psychology; Neuroscience

Hi guys! Welcome to Smith!! My name is SJ, I am from Belgium, and I’m so excited to welcome you to this beautiful and vibrant community! I have lived in the United States for the past 6 years, all around Western Massachusetts, so I am really looking forward to showing you my favorite spots around campus. I am a second semester senior studying Neuroscience and Psychology here at Smith. I’m the president of our extraordinary Jazz Ensemble, and I am also involved in Swim Club, WOZQ (our student-run radio station!!!), Student Affairs, as well as Dining. Interacting with staff is one of the things I look forward to most throughout my week, everyone is so sweet and it is just a wonderful environment to work, learn, and flourish. My favorite places on campus are the botanic garden, my beautiful and beloved house, Haynes, and probably also Sage Hall, where I play music at all hours of the day (or night...)! I’m so very excited to meet and get to know each of you, see you soon!

Zahra Salar ’28

Afghanistan

she/her
Biochemistry (pre-med)

Hey Smithies, WELCOME! :) My name is Zahra. I’m originally from Afghanistan, but I also call Virginia my home. I’m a rising sophomore majoring in biochemistry on the pre-med track. Adapting to a new country and culture can feel overwhelming, especially during your first year, but trust me there are so many ways to find support and build community at Smith. Personally, I’ve found my place through getting involved in a variety of clubs, including the Badminton Club, Volleyball Club, Pre-Health Club, and of course, the International Students Organization (ISO), where I’m excited to serve as Secretary next year! I love meeting new people and spending my free time in meaningful activities. Some of my best memories and closest friendships began during ISP (International Students Pre-Orientation) and continued through the many events and gatherings on campus. As one of your ISP leaders, I want you to know that there is always a support system here at Smith. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out—whether you have a question, need help, or just want to talk. I can’t wait to meet all of you, welcome you to campus, and help you get to know Smith and the amazing Smithies community! Feel free to contact me anytime. 💜

Alya Mikhasiova ’28

Mahilyow, Belarus

she/her
Undecided (Art History/Studio Art; Museum Concentration)

Hi! My name is Alya, and I am from Belarus. I studied in UWC Mahindra, so shout out to my fellow UWCers, so excited to meet you! I am very interested in visual arts, and I have been working in the Art Department for the whole year. In my first year at Smith, I was a part of the International Student Organization, Game Development Club, and Illustrators’ Club. I hope this Orientation will be as fun for you as it was for me last year. Welcome to Smith!

Sarah Tavares de Souza ’28

Votuporanga, Brazil

she/her
Architecture & Urbanism; Environmental Science & Policy

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah, and I’m a rising sophomore. I’m studying architecture and environmental science and policy. I’m a Gold Key ambassador (which means participating in many events at Smith and giving campus tours), and I also volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. This summer, I am traveling with friends, visiting family, learning how to crochet, and going for morning walks in my neighborhood in Votuporanga, São Paulo. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin or piano, watching TV shows (currently finishing Modern Family!), and I also love reading. I love everything art-related, and I also enjoy spending time outside sketching or reading a good book. I’m very excited to be an ISP leader this year, and I’m looking forward to meeting you all!

Lynn Kimathi ’27

Nairobi, Kenya

she/her
Statistical & Data Sciences; Biological Sciences

Hello, international Smithies! My name is Lynn, a rising junior from Nairobi, Kenya. I am majoring in statistical and data Sciences, and biological sciences, with a focus on genomics and genetics analysis. I am also part of a biology research lab here at Smith, where I mostly work on the evolution of micro-eukaryotes—I’m more than happy to chat about all the jargon! Outside of class, I’m part of Black Rhythms, an Afro-Caribbean dance group; I also enjoy outdoor running, learning new languages, and, listening to music. I am excited to meet you all and work with you through your first week here. Welcome to Smith!

Hadiya Cabdi ’28

Gabiley, Somaliland

she/her
Statistical & Data Sciences (pre-med)

Hi everyone! My name is Hadiya, and I’m a Statistical & Data Sciences major on the pre-med track. I’m really excited to meet all of you and hope you’re looking forward to the year ahead! Outside of academics, I love playing volleyball—Smith has amazing athletic facilities that are open to everyone, and I definitely encourage you to check them out. There are also some beautiful running and walking trails nearby, including an in-woods track that’s absolutely breathtaking, especially in the fall, spring, and summer. I hope you take some time to explore and enjoy everything Smith has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom!

Liz Chen ’28

Shenzhen, China

she/her
Undecided (Psychology or Math; Art History or Museums)

Hi! I’m SO excited to welcome you to Smith! I’m Liz, a rising sophomore from Shenzhen, China. On campus, I play pipa in the Chinese Music Ensemble and help build sets for theater productions. Fun fact: I’d never done theater before Smith, but I spent most of my free time doing it last semester and had lots of fun. I’m also learning (barely surviving) Attic Greek. Outside class, I love getting lost in our lovely Art Museum, writing letters, collecting stones and sticks, and striking up conversations with strangers. My wonderful ISP leaders helped me a lot with adjusting during my first year and the connections I made through ISP have been some of my most cherished ones. So now I want to help you feel that same sense of belonging. Feel free to reach out!! I’m always excited to chat about anything, anytime. Looking forward to meeting you!

Abril Olivares Nolasco ’26

Mexico City, Mexico

she/her
Psychology; Journalism

Hello, everyone my name is Abril Olivares Nolasco, I’m a senior and I’m majoring in Psychology and Journalism. This summer, I will be traveling through Asia and creating a documentary about food! At Smith, I love to be part of the international community as well as writing for The Sophian which is the school’s newspaper. Feel free to ask me about studying abroad or how to connect with alums!

Joan Kobayashi ’26

Tokyo, Japan

she/her
Studio Art

Welcome, welcome! We’re so happy to have you at Smith. My name is Joan and I am a curious Japanese student majoring in Studio Art (installation track) and minoring in Landscape Studies. Some communities I like at Smith are the ultimate frisbee team (Lunadisc), the hip-hop club (Smoovez), the woodshop, and a gathering called Soup, Salad, & Soul. I studied abroad in Denmark for a year and I love meeting people from all over the world, especially learning about different cultures and norms. I am so excited to meet all of you fresh Smithies and hear about your life experiences. If you are curious about food, study abroad, art, design, or anything, please feel free to reach out :)

Amy Lu ’28

Shanghai, China

she/her
Film & Media Studies; Theatre

Hi everyone! I’m Amy—though you can totally call me Amy Lu :) I’m from Shanghai, China, and I went to high school in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m a double major in Film & Media studies and Theatre, so you’ll probably see me around the stage (a lot). I also take piano lessons, so yes, I can be extra dramatic with a soundtrack =_<. I’m a huge anime fan—Death Note is my all-time favorite! This year, I’m super excited to be one of your ISP leaders! Whether you’ve got questions about the arts, adjusting to campus life, or just need someone to play Uno with at 2 a.m. because of jet lag—I’ve got you. Don’t be shy—DM me anytime. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I hope you’ll love ISP as much as I do!

Bipashwi Nepal ’27

Kathmandu, Nepal

she/her
Quantitative Economics

Hello everyone, welcome to your second home, Smith. My name is Bipashwi and I am a rising junior majoring in Quantitative Economics. I am so excited to be one of your ISP leaders and for you all to be joining our International Smithie family. On campus, I am in a few clubs but I am mostly involved with EKTA (South Asian Student Association) and a dance group Desi Tadka. So with this, you can say, I love my culture and dances and you should also note that you can continue loving it even when you are at Smith. As an international student myself, I can understand how overwhelming it might feel right now and it might continue to feel for a few months now, but remember, it will be alright. Know that you will not be alone.

Nadya-Catherine Ismail ’26

Tokyo, Japan

they/he
Mathematics; Music

Hi folks! I'm a rising senior majoring in math and music. I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and I’m also half Pakistani. Outside of academics I do a lot of music! I'm in both choirs (Glee and Chamber Singers <3), POCA (the student of color a cappella group), and I’m involved assorted in theatre on campus. I’ve been involved in ISP all four years and it’s always an absolute delight! I can’t wait to get to know you all and welcome you to Smith!

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