UC Davis is home to a variety of programs meant to support students in their academic and personal development. With over 800 clubs offered and over 100 major and minor options, there is a place for everyone to feel seen and stay involved on campus. The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program (GAMP) is one of many working to promote inclusivity and security for international students at UC Davis. Third-year students Tina Zhang and Suzuran Schnyder sat down to share their co-coordinator experiences and provide further insight into the program’s impact and mission.

Meet the GAMP Co-Coordinators

Born and raised in China, Zhang moved to the U.S. to attend college at UC Davis. Double-majoring in Biology and Psychology, she is a driven individual and enjoys spending her off time cooking and playing racquetball with friends. Her co-coordinator, Suzuran Schnyder, shares an international background as well, having been born in Switzerland and living in Tokyo and Singapore before attending Davis for college. Majoring in Environmental Science and Management with a minor in Technology Management, Schnyder aspires to live abroad one day and encourages others who have the opportunity to do so as well.

“When I was a freshman, no one helped me with anything, so I got used to figuring things out by myself,” remarked Zhang. “I wish I could have received some sort of help, though. When I saw this program in my second year, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I can use my experience to help out others.”

Adjusting to American Culture

As international students themselves, Zhang and Schnyder were overwhelmed by the adjustment to American culture when they moved to Davis. Finding it difficult to seek help and relate to others, the co-coordinators wished they had a program like GAMP to support them in their transition to Davis. 

Sharing similar sentiments to Zhang, Schnyder followed up with, “In my dorms, all of my friends were from California, but I didn’t have any other international friends. I loved them all, but I wanted that community for international students. I felt that I was navigating this adjustment to U.S. culture alone.”

Leadership and Personal Growth

Discovering The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program through the SISS newsletter, Zhang and Schnyder were committed to giving back in ways they wish they could have received themselves. Both playing the role of mentors in their second year, Zhang and Schnyder fell in love with the program and knew they were in the right place. Now, as co-coordinators, they lead the cohort of 22 mentors and 60 mentees through their academic and personal journeys. Conducting weekly meetings, matching mentors to mentees, and hosting events are some of the many duties Zhang and Schnyder fulfill in their roles.

When asked how the program challenged her, Schnyder stated, “Being a mentor, I became a lot more extroverted. One of my mentees was very introverted, so it pushed me out of my shell and created opportunities for conversation. After an initial month and a half of putting in that work, she really opened up to me, and we became good friends.”

Creating lasting memories through GAMP, Zhang and Schnyder agreed that their most rewarding experience occurred at this year’s Halloween event. After discussing how stressful the pairing process is between mentors and mentees, the co-coordinators were nervous that the mentees would be unhappy with their match. Pleasantly surprised, Zhang and Schnyder were thrilled when a mentor approached them to express the strong connection she felt with her mentee. Easing all of their doubts, the GAMP co-coordinators felt a deep sense of accomplishment knowing their hard work had fostered meaningful relationships within the program.

Reflecting on Cultural Curiosity and Global Experiences

As Zhang and Schnyder reflected on their experiences with GAMP, both emphasized their growing curiosity about other cultures. Regularly interacting with individuals from around the world, Zhang shared that the experience not only deepened her interest in other cultures but also taught her how to respect them meaningfully. Similarly, Schnyder noted, “Through this program, I learned more about the culture I grew up in, which helped me share it with others in a thoughtful way.” Grateful for these learning opportunities, the co-coordinators expressed their own interests in living abroad one day. With interests in both Asia and Europe, the worldly students dream of immersing themselves in new cultures, further applying the lessons they’ve learned through GAMP to build global connections.

Leading from the heart, it is evident that Zhang and Schnyder have bountiful futures ahead of them. When asked what advice they would give fellow UC Davis students interested in global experiences, Zhang paused and proceeded to share this: “Even if you’re not in an international program, every moment being here is an experience of learning different cultures. Treat every moment as an opportunity to learn something new.” To follow up, Schnyder reiterated, “No one at our age has truly seen that much of the world, so remember to be open-minded and try to learn something new every day.” Through their dedication to fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange, Zhang and Schnyder exemplify the transformative impact of programs like GAMP at UC Davis.

Learn more about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and how to get involved here.