International Programs

Candidates for President

Kaidar Donenbayev

What is your degree and field of study?

BS, Earth and Climate Sciences

In your words, what is the purpose of ISA and the role it should play in supporting international students at UMaine?

In my understanding, the purpose of ISA is to cultivate a welcoming and supportive community for international students, and to provide a sense of belonging and understanding for those who may feel isolated due to cultural differences and homesickness. ISA serves as a platform for international students to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering friendships and support networks that transcend borders. By organizing events like Culturefest, Coffee Hour, and International Dance Festival that celebrate diversity and address common challenges, ISA aims to enhance the overall university experience for international students and promote cross-cultural understanding within the campus community.

What are your top 3 goals for ISA in the up coming school year?

1. Strengthen cultural exchange through more themed events or language exchanges.
2. Enhance current ISA officer’s efforts and identify areas for improvement.
3. Boost international student involvement in events like workshops by incorporating them during Coffee Hours to attract greater attendance.

What relevant leadership positions have you held at UMaine or at other institutions?

This would be my first leadership position at UMaine, but I have much experience outside of university. I am a word analyzer of an online dictionary that we created with my friends from my home country, which required teaching workers to work with large datasets of words in the Kazakh language. Moreover, I manage this business in many ways since it is our project. Additionally, I organized an inter-school cybersports tournament involving seven schools and over 200 people, improving my ability to coordinate large-scale events and effectively manage logistics.

What qualities do you possess which make you uniquely qualified for the officer position that you are running for?

As a leader, I find common ground with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling effective communication and collaboration. My disciplined and responsible nature and straightforward communication ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and transparently. I excel in adapting to various situations, remaining resilient under pressure, and maintaining focus on organizational goals. With a strong aptitude for organization, I am well-equipped to streamline processes and lead initiatives effectively.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have a passion for exploring different cultures, having visited numerous countries throughout my life, and I firmly believe that understanding and appreciating diverse cultures enriches one’s perspective on life. Traveling has been a transformative experience for me, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. ISA holds a special place in my heart as it provided me with invaluable friendships and a sense of belonging during my first year at UMaine, making it one of the most significant discoveries of my college journey.

Dylan DeMerchant

What is your degree and field of study?

BS, History and Political Science

In your words, what is the purpose of ISA and the role it should play in supporting international students at UMaine?

After being a part of ISA for nearly as long as I have been part of UMaine, I would say the main purpose of it has largely been that of creating a community for people like many other organizations. What makes this different from others is that communities like this are even more important for international students.

The idea of being in another country either for 4 years or for just a semester can be very intimidating as well as exciting. That is where this organization comes in as ISA provides community support and gives a safe space for international students to share the pursuit and struggle of living in another country.

ISA also gives international students the opportunity to share their culture with other international students as well as American students who attend UMaine. I myself for example have learned a great deal from friends I have made within ISA such as significant religious holidays like Holi or Eid.

ISA as an organization has given every student including me a place within a community it had fostered for so many years. It has given so many the ability to make meaningful and long lasting connections that go beyond the 4 years of college and created a setting of learning among members to learn just a bit more about the world beyond their own communities.

What are your top 3 goals for ISA in the up coming school year?

1. I would like to have more collaborative or special events during Coffee Hour as they are fun and enjoyed by many members. Events such as country presentations by clubs or new and exciting games are a few examples that I would very much like to have more often.

2. Bring in new and old traditions/events to be held by ISA such as Springfest for example which was held last year as well as this year which has proved to be a very memorable event which many have excited to take part in. There were other events in the past such as popular fundraising events that brought many from within the organization as well as the general community to take part in that I would very much like to bring back.

3. Build stronger connections between international students and other campus centered groups like Student Government. Over the past year, I have seen international students getting involved with goals aimed at improving their lives on campus from academics to dining services, and what many have accomplished has inspired me. It is from this that I want to hopefully use my position to elevate and encourage others to take on goals of their own in creating their own positive impact on campus.

What relevant leadership positions have you held at UMaine or at other institutions?

While being a part of UMaine for nearly 3 years now, being on campus has allowed me to find myself in different leadership roles, big or small. I have served as treasurer in ISA for this current semester where I balanced the budget for the organization. The role also called for submitting budget requests when needed to the Student Government and to advocate for the funding of important events held such as the International Dance Festival 2024.

I have also had the opportunity to serve as a permanent proxy as ISA Representative on Student Government for this year. There, I gave a report on the events being held by ISA and would bring up any issues and initiatives pertaining to international students.

One final role that I held was during my time at the Paige Farm and Home Museum where I had the pleasure of working with a couple of students from the honors college on a group project they were working on during Fall 2022. There I assisted in teaching them the process of museum work such as taking care of artifacts to putting together an exhibit that is on display.

What qualities do you possess which make you uniquely qualified for the officer position that you are running for?

I think that makes me qualified for the role are two qualities that I have which are communication and to be attentive of others, simple yet very powerful traits that are needed in an environment like this.

Having open communication with many people is beneficial to a group leader as well as its members. It allows for everyone to express their needs to those who could be able to help either for advice or for any improvement needed for the community.

From communication, there also is the need for the second quality which is being attentive to others. Everyone of us as individuals has our own viewpoints and needs that differ from others. It is by talking to others and listening to who they are as a person helps me get to know them and better understand and support them should the need ever arise. ISA has many members and there are those who may not have many familiar figures within the organization. But I do hope from these qualities if anything that I can be a friendly face that they would come to know because I had been in that position and was nervous about what I could find within ISA. I had only become more comfortable as time went on due to a friend that had always invited me to attend and introduced me to my current friends.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

ISA has shown me a great deal and has given me many opportunities to learn more about myself and others. Not many other organizations have had the same profound impact on my life like ISA has from the friends I have made over the years to the events that I was fortunate enough to take part in.

One that has stood out to me ever since it happened was the International Dance Festival that took place this year. Being in my freshman year and new to a college campus who was incredibly shy compared to now in my junior year wanting to be involved in campus events has been such a turn around for me as a person. My growth as a person over the course of three years has frankly been to the thanks of friends from ISA. It was from my friends that they believed me and encouraged me to do things I never thought possible such as dancing in 4 performances. It has been from that encouragement I have received that I have passed that eagerness on to other people. Anything is possible if you have the drive to do it and friends to encourage and help you along the way.

Hadia Rezwan

Hadia is running for president, but has not yet submitted a profile.

Candidates for Vice President

Sharifullah Abed

What is your degree and field of study?

BS Computer Science

In your words, what is the purpose of ISA and the role it should play in supporting international students at UMaine?

International Student Association (ISA) serves as a source of community that supports international students. ISA gives  international students the ability to showcase their culture, events, knowledge and more. it gives them the chance to teach others their traditions and cultural differences such as different types of dances, holy events, and mystery behind each tradition they might have. It also allows them the opportunity to create a UMaine community where they can plan out different events for themselves which could be but not limited to hangouts, parties, religious sessions, educational sessions and more.

Another major role that ISA should play in supporting international students at UMaine would be to consider helping them in with their educational issues and accommodations.

What are your top 3 goals for ISA in the up coming school year?

1. I want to create a path that will connect all international students with each other through organizing different events. For example, gatherings that include discussions about students backgrounds, play games and prepare traditional foods that will create a good environment and room for friendship among each other.

2. I will advocate on behalf of international students regular on-campus problems such as food, accommodations, credit transfer and more.

3. I want to create an environment that will be encourage international students to demonstrate their skills inside and outside the club, such as giving them the opportunity to talk about different things of their interest such, games, music talent, leadership, management and other skills they own. I also would want to encourage international students to seek their passions in other clubs such as encouragement for Student Government for anyone who is interested in pubic speaking or political advocacy.

What relevant leadership positions have you held at UMaine or at other institutions?

I have worked on different managerial positions with my previous universities. I was a member of Student Government Association (SGA) at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), and had been the representative of 116 AUAF students at American University of Iraq Sulaymaniyah (AUIS), Iraq for two years. In addition, I held the RA position at the AUIS for two semesters and was a member of the Student Service as well.

What qualities do you possess which make you uniquely qualified for the officer position that you are running for?

As an individual, I am passionate and determined, with a strong focus on leadership and management. I am experiences, and refusing to give up until objectives are accomplished. My exceptional communication skills and natural inclination towards fostering group synergy make me a valuable asset in collaborative environments.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

In decision-making, I maintain a calm demeanor, prioritizing thoughtful consideration and listening attentively. I thoroughly assess problems before taking action, ensuring a well-informed approach. Furthermore, I am consistently supportive and readily available for discussions, fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.

Candidates for Secretary

Yongjoon Choi

Yongjoon is currently completing his military service in South Korea, so he will not be available to give a speech at Coffee Hour but he will be returning for the fall semester.  Prior to leaving the US to do his military service Yongjoon was an active ISA member and participated in many events.

What is your degree and field of study?

BS Electrical Engineering Technology

In your words, what is the purpose of ISA and the role it should play in supporting international students at UMaine?

I want to bring all of the international student together to share their experience, opinions, and all of the things which can make a bigger and better ISA.  Most people think Maine is a small state, but I want to make and share a lot of information about Maine and the University of Maine for international students through ISA.

What are your top 3 goals for ISA in the up coming school year?

1. Make ISA more approachable for international students to increase participation.
2. Create opportunities to share our stories and experience to know about lot of countries.
3. Make more international events to connect international students to students from the US.

What relevant leadership positions have you held at UMaine or at other institutions?

There are a lot, but due to my situation, I might have to explain it next time.

What qualities do you possess which make you uniquely qualified for the officer position that you are running for?

I like to communicate to other people and want to share my experience and listen to others to know everyone’s experiences. Also, since I am working and doing my work in the military recently, I handle many roles and achieve all of my goals. Even though there are some areas where I lack experience, I do not give up, and I always try to overcome challenges to complete it.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

-I am currently doing my military service in South Korea.
-I am re-admitting to University of Maine, and even though I was not an officer in ISA previously, I have done a lot of volunteering to help ISA.

Candidates for Treasurer

Zahra Farahmand

What is your degree and field of study?

Ecology & Environmental Sciences

In your words, what is the purpose of ISA and the role it should play in supporting international students at UMaine?

International Students Association supports international students at UMaine by providing them with a community. Being far from home is not easy to handle. Having someone to talk to is a blessing for the human soul. The need to share your thoughts, sorrows and joys can help people grow and develop emotionally. In the state of being lonely, nothing can be more comforting than a community to rely on. I think ISA is that community in UMaine for international students.

What are your top 3 goals for ISA in the up coming school year?

1. Have more fun activities. I hope to write some proposal and raise fund for some fun activities like canoeing and skiing.
2. Celebrate each occasion from different cultures. Celebration of different occasions not only expose people to different cultures but also creates an opportunity for people to bond.
3. Host a food challenge. I want to see different people come together and cook their cuisine and take vote and have a winner.

What relevant leadership positions have you held at UMaine or at other institutions?

At UMaine I have not had any leadership roles but in American University of Central Asia I was part the Environmental group arranging presentations, games, and trips.

What qualities do you possess which make you uniquely qualified for the officer position that you are running for?

I am detail oriented and patient that is helpful in working with numbers. As I have been in teams before and played my role well thus, I am a team player and a good listener.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am resilient and I have been through ups and downs more than an average person in USA because I am from Afghanistan then I went to Kyrgyzstan and now I live here. I learned from my trip to Kyrgyzstan to be patient and tolerant of different cultures and people, to rely on myself more than anyone else, to not take anything for granted and to be thankful of every opportunity I have.