China
Columbia University 
Economics & Philosophy

I am ethnic Mongolian, but I am Chinese and have been living in France, the US and China for most of my life. Outside of classes, I spend a lot of time preparing and going to UN conferences. This February I went to the UN Environmental Assembly, in March I went to the negotiation for a biological diversity convention, next week I am going to Sweden for the Stockholm+50, a climate change conference as well, and this summer, there is a high-level political forum for human dignity. I personally deliver an oral statement on behalf of civil society at the UN, so, I usually spend a lot of my free time working for NGOs and learning about different Human Rights philosophy, environmental conservation, and other related political issues. I also listen to a lot of Mongolian music. Because I am an ethnic minority, it is very hard for me to keep my heritage. Previously, I lived with a friend from Mongolia, and we spent a lot of time listening to traditional music and thinking about how our culture can contribute to modern society. Our culture is very nomadic — people think it is very old fashioned — but we find it very beautiful; we find a lot of inspirations that can be complimentary to modern society.

Singapore
Columbia University 
International Relations & Philosophy

I grew up in the Northern part of China in the Gansu province. I went to Singapore at age 12 and spent the next decade there, finishing middle and high school and two years of military service, and I also ran my startup for two years before coming to Columbia to study Philosophy and International Relations for my undergrad. My interest in my studies is sparked by my upbringing – coming from a relatively underdeveloped part of China to Singapore, which is obviously a global metropolis — that initial experience sparked my interest in understanding how the wealth of different nations and the economic and political systems work. My primary motivation is intellectual curiosity – I’d like to understand how the world works, what is my place in the world? How does my background, my country, my operating, contribute to and position myself in history? This is partially why I enjoy living at I-House so much, and why want to continue to work in the geo-political sphere; it could allow me to be in the circle and participate in those conversations, and, in certain ways, shape how global affairs work to a smaller or larger extent.

Hong Kong
Columbia University 
Journalism

I’m a journalist, poet and master’s student at the Columbia Journalism School. I lead Columbia’s poetry society and have experience as an editor, singer, stylist, and street photographer. Outside of work, I immerse myself diligently in everything you’d cover as culture–film, fashion, music, poetry, books, theatre, philosophy, classics… In pursuit of them, I enjoy keeping a dense, well-spread schedule out in whichever city I’m in with my family and friends, be it New York City, London, Tokyo or Hong Kong. Social justice issues are very important to me, and I often report on and volunteer with queer, elderly and marginalized communities. The works that move me the most tend to be life-affirming yet somewhat poignant, and my own writing is often teeming with imagery.

West Java, Indonesia
Columbia University 
Associate Lecturer of Indonesian Language

I am a language and literacy enthusiast who has been heavily involved in promoting local language and Indonesian language preservation, and literacy through various activities, media exposure, and community services since 2016. Currently I am the Director of Rumah BIPA, an Indonesian for Foreign Speakers online learning platform, as well as Hartlogic Foundation’s Chairman of the Board that concerns the youth empowerment based in Indonesia. I like to watch movies and cook in my spare time.

Shenzhen, China
Columbia University
Electrical Engineering

I am training as a software engineer and currently looking for a job.  I like cooking, reading books about history and political science, photography and playing the guitar.

Melbourne, Australia
Columbia University
Public Health

My academic interests include infectious diseases, epidemiology and health equity.  In my spare time I enjoy attending live shows, tennis and baking.

Pakistan
Columbia University-Teachers College
Clinical Psychology (Concentration: Child & Family Psychology)

I am interested in child psychology, mental health, intergenerational trauma, first-generation struggles, climate change, and its impact on our well-being.  I love meeting new people and getting to know their stories.

Mumbai, India
Columbia University
Public Affairs

In my free time I like reading, playing board games, including chess. I also enjoy exploring new places to eat and drink.

Morocco
Columbia University
International Affairs

Besides my academic interests relating to Human Rights and Global affairs, I am deeply interested in Art and Music!

Bremen, Germany
Columbia University
Global Thought

I enjoy playing chess and soccer.  I also love to travel and bouldering.