Our 2026-2027 Team of Counselors!
Each year a group of exceptional student leaders is selected to serve as International Student Counselors. The International Student Counselors are dedicated to enhancing the international student experience at St. Olaf. International Student Counselors help facilitate International Student Orientation and are a valued resource to incoming international students. Additionally, International Student Counselors provide interactive programs throughout the academic year to enhance internationalization on campus.
Damira Nurakhmetova ’28
Hometown: Almaty, Kazakhstan
A song that best describes me:
I Wonder by Kanye West
My life philosophy in one word: Purpose
Interesting Fact:
The longest flight I’ve ever taken was 16.5 hours long
Didek Chaudhary ’29
Hometown: Nepal
A song that best describes me:
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by
The Avett Brothers
My life philosophy in one word: Adapt
Interesting Fact:
I like winters in Northfield
Michelle Guzman ’27
Hometown: Belmopan Belize CA
A song that best describes me:
Baile Inolvidable by Bad Bunny
My philosophy in one word: Authenticity
Interesting Fact: I love collecting lego botanical sets!
Deepa Sapkota ’29
Hometown: Nepal
A song that best describes me:
Unwritten by **
My life philosophy in one word: Authenticity
Interesting Fact:
I like dancing and music
Baseerat Un Nisa (Bacie) ’29
Hometown: Kashmir
A song that best describes me:
Coming of age ceremony by Park Ji Yoon
My life philosophy in one word: Viva
Interesting Fact:
I speak about 5 languages
Job Yai ’29
Hometown: Kenya
A song that best describes me:
What a Wonderful World by **
My life philosophy in one word: Try
Interesting Fact:
I write poems sometimes
Joshua Antwi ’29
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
A song that best describes me:
Certified Loner by Mayorkun
My life philosophy in one word: Pray
Interesting Fact:
I love coding and playing badminton.
Tadala Kwalapu ’28
Hometown: Lilongwe, Malawi
A song that best describes me:
Open Arms by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Steven Dookie
My life philosophy in one word: Learn
Interesting Fact: I love cold chick peas – they taste like nothing & it’s awesome
Intan Putri ’29
Hometown: Makassar, Indonesia
A song that best describes me:
Levitating by Dua Lipa
My life philosophy in one word: Funny
Interesting Fact: I love Dua Lipa