Cultural Fellows

Major: International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries BS ’25
Minors: Latin American Studies, Economics, Ethics and Sustainability
Involvement on Campus: Vice President of ITSA (International Trade Student Association)
Community Service: ITM Volunteering Activities—Talking Trade @FIT Endstate, International Trade and Marketing Forum, Changing Trade Flows for Apparel, Talking Trade event—WITA Academy Pathways to Opportunity, 2023 Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference

Ana has a background in fashion design in her home country, but she sought a career change and decided to pursue the International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries (ITM) program at FIT. Before starting at FIT, she was concerned about finding her place here and possibly facing an age gap with classmates. But after two semesters, that fear is far gone. Ana has found a great cohort of kind, open-minded, and driven classmates who are welcoming and motivational.

Anna is a big fan of FIT’s support services, namely the Academic Advisement Center and the Writing and Speaking Studio. She feels it’s essential for students to meet with an academic advisor every semester to ensure they are on track, get help declaring minors, or to receive suggestions about interesting or fun classes. The Writing and Speaking Studio is crucial for helping students improve their writing skills, especially students for whom English is not their native language. The tutors there have helped Ana with various projects, which has boosted her confidence in her writing skills. Ana encourages incoming international students to take advantage of these services: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—we all need it sometimes, and it’s okay!”

Ana advises new international students to be proactive and get involved on campus—it could be a game changer for your college experience. She feels that being involved in ITM activities has profoundly contributed to her personal and professional growth, while also allowing her to make valuable connections. Her second piece of advice: Always stay curious! “There are a lot of opportunities out there waiting for you. You have to be willing to take that first step, seek them out, and work hard for what you want.”

Major: Advertising and Marketing Communications BS ’25

Studying in New York City has been Andrea’s longtime goal. She wanted to experience living independently in a new, diverse environment where she could learn from and exchange knowledge with the people she meets.

Andrea loves the small class sizes at FIT, which allow for deeper discussions between students and professors. And she advises new students to take advantage of FIT’s Student Support Services. During her first semester, the Writing and Speaking Studio helped her edit essays and practice for class presentations. Other support services Andrea recommends are the Counseling Center, Career and Internship Services, the Computer Lab, and (of course) International Student Services!

Andrea encourages new international students to get involved on campus. Joining clubs is a great way to make new friends with the same interests.

In her free time, Andrea loves reading, listening to podcasts, and playing tennis.

Major: Film and Media AAS ‘25
Involvement on Campus: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Orientation Leader

Baran is passionate about working behind and in front of the camera. She wanted to study abroad to meet new people and broaden her range of experiences and opportunities. The most important thing she learned during her first semester was to give herself permission to make mistakes—and to learn from them. “Students are at FIT to better themselves, but sometimes, you must make mistakes to learn.”

Baran advises new international students to socialize: “Talking to students from different backgrounds can help a lot. New York can sometimes get lonely, and you never know when you’ll meet your future best friend or coworker.”

Some FIT support services Baran enjoys are the Library, Computer Lab, and Health Services. She encourages students to seek help when they need it. In her first year at FIT, she changed her major from Fashion Business Management to Film and Media, and FIT made the experience easy and stress-free. 

Baran is proud of her filmmaking accomplishments and the recognition she has received in the classroom. In her free time, she loves both cooking and watching cooking shows. Fun fact about her name: Baran means “rain” in Farsi!

Major: Advertising & Marketing Communications AAS ‘24 
Involvement on Campus: Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Student Tour Guide, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Black Student Union

Bupe’s interest in studying abroad comes from a desire to gain exposure and to experience cultures outside of Africa. She felt that leaving home would be a chance to grow and evolve as an individual. Before arriving at FIT, she was concerned about making friends and the cultural differences between herself and American-born students. She advises incoming international students to practice patience, as they may encounter people who lack knowledge of their home countries and should be prepared to have those uncomfortable conversations.

One of Bupe’s proudest moments is being employed as a Cultural Fellow and Orientation Leader. FIT is her dream school, so she is grateful for the opportunity to give back in a way that goes beyond being a student. 

In her first semester, Bupe learned the importance of networking with her classmates and instructors—forming these relationships is vital to a successful school experience. Bupe’s favorite things about FIT are the Style Shop and, of course, her classmates! FIT students constantly inspire her, and she yearns to continue to be engaged and immersed in the FIT community. 

Outside of school, Bupe is an avid gamer and loves to critique and analyze films. She is also a certified nail artist!

Major: Advertising & Marketing Communications BS ‘25
Minor: Ethics and Sustainability 
Involvement on Campus: Baker Scholar, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Community Service: Volunteer activities through Baker Scholars and Fashion Week (New York, Milan, and Paris)

Catherine is an experienced study-abroad student. In her teens, she participated in exchange programs and educational trips that took her to cities throughout the United Kingdom, France, and Scandinavia. Catherine participated in FIT’s Summer Study Abroad program in London, where she interned as a fashion journalist for a major British publisher. The opportunity to live and intern in another country gave her valuable personal and professional experience that sets her apart.

When she first arrived at FIT, Catherine was concerned about the uncertainty of moving to a new place and making friends. But, sure enough, she has met some of her best friends at FIT through living on campus and traveling abroad. Her tips to new students: Focus on school and build your connections. Be kind to everyone; you never know who people know. Take advantage of every opportunity—it could lead to something great! 

Catherine loves the energy of New York City—she feels there is a pulse here that many other cities don’t have. At FIT, she finds herself surrounded by creative, like-minded, driven individuals who are passionate about what they do. 

In her free time, Catherine loves to travel. You can find her exploring New York City, listening to music, shopping, and trying the variety of food NYC has to offer. 

Major: Advertising & Marketing Communications AAS '25
Involvement on Campus: President of Phi Theta Kappa, Social Media Assistant at W27 Newspaper, Social Media Content Creator at Blush Magazine

Chiara’s parents inspired her to study abroad because of the joy they had experienced during their own time in the U.S. She considers moving here to study and work the best decision of her life! It was tough initially, but after some time, she understood why her parents loved living in the U.S. so much. 

Living in the U.S. has fostered self-discovery and taught her that there are opportunities here if you want them. Initially, Chiara was concerned about culture shock and obstacles she might face due to cultural differences. However, she feels welcome in New York City and loves the diversity of her new home. From cuisines to people to holidays and celebrations, there are endless opportunities to learn about many different cultures while living here. 

In her first year at FIT, Chiara learned that loneliness is not always bad. Being alone forces you to understand who you are and makes you take care of yourself. She advises international students to not be scared to be themselves. Also, to get involved in the FIT community: “Take every opportunity in front of you. It will help you understand who you are and who you want to be in the future. Your life will change for the better!”

Before Chiara came to New York and began her studies at FIT, she earned a BA in linguistic mediation for fashion management in Italy. She finds FIT to be an institution that rewards hard work, and she is inspired and motivated by both the college and the people here. 

In her free time, Chiara enjoys being outdoors, listening to true crime podcasts, reading, writing, thrifting, cooking—and spending time with her well-trained cat!

Major: Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries BS ’25 
Involvement on Campus: Vice President of FIT Outreach Club and SGA Senator of Transfer Students 
Community Service: City Harvest Mobile Markets, Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer’s 

Before Fernanda arrived at FIT, she was concerned about the fast-paced environment she’d heard about. The “go, go, go” mentality of the city seemed like it would be overwhelming, and she worried that she wouldn’t adapt to the frenzy. Her presumption about the fast pace of the city and FIT proved to be correct, but only to an extent: FIT students are indeed go-getters, but that didn’t overwhelm her. Instead, she found it incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by such motivated people. Her classmates’ initiative rubbed off on her, and for that, she’s grateful: “It’s incredible how being immersed in a culture of drive and determination can shape your approach to life and work.”

The most important lesson from Fernanda’s first semester? The power of being curious and asking questions. She realized that the extent of her professors’ knowledge and experience goes far beyond what’s covered in the curriculum. She also discovered the importance of asking her peers questions: “Everyone brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table, and learning from each other can be just as valuable as learning from instructors.”

She says the best tip she can give incoming international students is to make the most of the school’s resources, such as the Tutoring Center and Health Services. 

Fernanda loves that New York City is a daily fashion show! She gets inspiration from people on the street. Outside school, she enjoys reading, walking around NYC, listening to music, and riding roller coasters.

Major: Advertising and Marketing Communications AAS ’25
Involvement on Campus: Runway27 PR chair

Heini is a passionate traveler who participated in student exchange programs throughout Europe during her elementary and high school years. Her interest in exploring new places and cultures led her to pursue studies in the U.S. Before arriving at FIT, she was worried about making friends. Finding people you click with may seem difficult at first, but it does eventually happen. Heini quickly found out how beautiful, diverse, and creative the people are here. Heini’s favorite things about living in NYC are the food and the overall atmosphere in the city. Neighborhoods have different vibes, and her favorite is the West Village.

The most important things Heini learned in her first semester? That she is competing against herself and shouldn’t overthink things too much. Making it through her first year without feeling overwhelmed has been a journey for her. She advises new international students to step out of their comfort zone occasionally: “You never know what opportunities you might encounter through FIT or elsewhere.”

Outside of school, Heini enjoys exploring NYC and its parks, trying new restaurants, reading, thrifting, working out, singing, and playing video games. 

Major: Fashion Design BFA ’25
Minor: History of Art

Nadia loves living and studying in a city where anything feels possible! She was drawn to the U.S. for better educational opportunities in the arts. Here, she can learn directly from the top professors and brands in the industry—something that would be impossible at home. 

Nadia appreciates that the Fashion Design curriculum teaches various new techniques, and she tries to take as many electives as possible each semester. She draws inspiration from her professors and was thrilled to learn that one worked as a senior designer for her favorite designer—Eile Saab!

She was initially concerned about how competitive FIT students are, but she finds that her classmates are competitive in a healthy way and push each other to be better. To make friends, Nadia suggests building connections with classmates by working on assignments together after hours until the facilities close for the night. She also recommends using Student Support Services. She gets her annual physicals from Health Services using the FIT student health insurance. She also enjoys the Library and its Special Collections, The Museum at FIT, and the Computer Labs. 

Nadia’s favorite thing about NYC is that there is always something to do, and everything feels possible. Broadway, talk shows, The Metropolitan Museum of Art on a random Wednesday between classes, running in Central Park—anything is possible. 

In her spare time, Nadia loves reading and exercising. She recently started running, and she loves it! She also loves exploring new restaurants with her friends and usually has several reservations lined up on weekends—she invites you to join her anytime!

Major: Advertising and Marketing Communications BS ’25

Naomi decided to study abroad to access better opportunities in the fashion and communications fields. Her goal is to take the knowledge and skills she gains in New York City and bring them back to Chile. 

Before starting at FIT, Naomi was concerned about encountering language and culture barriers, as she comes from a small South American country that may be unfamiliar to many. However, she has found that with every passing day, life here becomes manageable. She has enriched her communication skills by engaging with the many people she meets. Living here has made Naomi independent, as she learned to do things herself without relying on others. Finding her group of people was a slow process, but learning to be independent in a big city was exciting. She advises new international students to come to FIT without expectations and to be optimistic and open.

Outside of class, Naomi loves to work out. She highly recommends the classes at the campus fitness centers. She also loves exploring NYC’s nature and waterfront, trying the different foods at Chelsea Pier, watching movies, and drawing.

Major: Fashion Design AAS ’25

Natalia’s Fashion Design studies at FIT led her to pursue coursework in both Italy and New York City. She spent her first year with the FIT in Florence program at Polimoda and will complete her studies in the U.S. She is a first-generation American whose parents are from Poland. 

Natalia wanted to study abroad because she believed experiencing different cultures would broaden her horizons and enhance her understanding of the world in ways she couldn’t imagine: “It changes your whole life perspective!” Before starting her program, she was nervous about moving so far away from home alone; she had no idea what lay ahead. “New international students should know that although this new city may not feel like home at first, they will soon grow into someone who can make their home anywhere. Just trust the process!”

In her first semester, Natalia learned to be kind to herself while having so many experiences that were new and unfamiliar: “It’s essential not to be hard on yourself as you grow and encounter new situations. Being exposed to the diverse, creative community at FIT and being inspired by NYC helps—it’s truly a city that never sleeps!”

In addition to her design work, Natalia does runway and print modeling. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring new coffee spots and hidden gems around the city—and, of course, sewing!

Major: Advertising and Marketing Communications AAS ’25
Involvement on Campus: Resident Assistant, Runway27

Natalie moved to the U.S. at age 16. Her decision was driven by a desire for independence and personal development, in addition to her career ambitions. Immersing herself in a new country’s culture as a teen allowed her to expand her horizons, face new challenges, and learn valuable life skills that have shaped her academic journey and growth as a person. She feels her exposure to European, Asian, and American cultures has equipped her to bridge cultural gaps, foster inclusivity, and be a source of support among those she meets. 

During Natalie’s first semester at FIT, she learned that she’s not missing out on anything and that opportunities come and go: “It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough because others seem to be accomplishing so much. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and trust that the right opportunities will come your way.” She advises new students to be unafraid to ask for help. Whether dealing with culture shock, classroom challenges, or personal issues, reaching out to others can be invaluable. Chances are, they’ve faced similar struggles and can offer guidance. It’s easy to feel alone and overwhelmed in a big city like New York, but FIT has excellent resources to support anyone in need. Some of Natalie’s favorite support services are the Counseling Center, Health Services, Library, and Career and Internship Services.

Natalie loves the community involvement at FIT. The campus embraces and celebrates a variety of cultures, allowing students to learn about different customs and traditions. Her favorite thing about New York City is that she is never bored. There’s always an event, pop-up, or new place to visit. She loves being able to spontaneously explore, no need to plan ahead. Outside of school, Natalie spends time discovering new restaurants and taking long walks in city parks.

Major: Technical Design BS ’26
Minor: Fashion History, Theory and Culture 
Involvement on Campus: Resident Assistant 

Phoebe began her Fashion Design studies for her associate’s degree in New York City and completed her final year in Italy at the FIT in Florence program at Polimoda. Her interest in studying abroad comes from a desire to leave the safety of home and experience a new school, city, and people.

Before coming to FIT, she was most concerned about everyday matters, such as setting up a bank account and phone plan in a new country and finding supplies for her new home. Her advice to new international students is to ask for help. This may seem obvious, but it can be difficult. There are many things to figure out when arriving in NYC, and getting recommendations is helpful, so there’s less decision fatigue. Students, staff, and Cultural Fellows are here to help!

Phoebe’s favorite part of FIT is being surrounded by unique artistic people who make the environment fun and entertaining. Her proudest moment was being awarded both the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards for her AAS capstone project in Florence. In her free time, Phoebe enjoys picnicking, visiting yarn and fabric stores, knitting, scrapbooking, and cooking for friends. 

Major: International Trade and Marketing BS ’26
Minor: Creative Entrepreneurship
Involvement on Campus: The Style Shop, Merchandising Society, KWave Dance

Riva is an ambitious entrepreneur who, in search of independence and self-awareness, chose to study abroad in the U.S. She joined FIT after studying in Los Angeles. Living on her own in a different part of the world has taught Riva some necessary life lessons and enriched her academic education. 

Riva’s favorite thing about FIT is being surrounded by creative people! She loves seeing everyone’s sense of style, which encourages her to express her own individuality. During her first semester here, she learned how important it is to speak up in class. “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and speak up in class and club meetings. You can make yourself known and also get those participation points!”

She advises new international students to join clubs and get involved on campus. It’s a great way to make many friends, and getting involved will look great on your resume. She also advocates using support services such as the Library, Career and Internship Services, Health Services, and International Student Services.

Riva’s proudest FIT moment was performing in the K-pop troupe KWave Dance for a crowd of over 100 people. The sold-out show, with cheers and standing ovations, made her feel like a star!
Outside of school, Riva enjoys dancing, cafe-hopping, and vintage shopping. 

Major: Fashion Business Management AAS ’25
Involvement on Campus: Presidential Scholars 

Shannina is truly a global citizen, having grown up in five countries on three continents! Because of this, she knew she wanted to continue to immerse herself in different cultures and experiences. In addition to wanting educational opportunities related to her passions, she wished to be in a place where she could find professional opportunities and network with people. New York, for her, was the best place for this—the city is always bustling with new learning opportunities. 

Independence was one of the most important things Shannina experienced during her first semester. It’s important to be unafraid of being alone and to not depend on others too much. However, it’s also important to know when you need help and not be afraid to ask for it. 

Shannina advises international students to take advantage of the resources available in New York City and at FIT. “You’ve already sacrificed a great deal to be here to become closer to your dreams, so make sure to make the most out of your time at FIT. Don’t be afraid to talk to professors, use FIT’s student support services, or try something new!” Some of her favorite support services are the Writing and Speaking Studio, Career and Internship Services, Library, International Student Services, and Health Services.

The city surprises Shannina every day. When she’s not out exploring, she enjoys having picnics in the park with friends, trying new food, playing guitar, crocheting, and knitting. 

Major: Fashion Design BFA ’26

Tanvi chose to study abroad because she wanted to gain a global perspective on the fashion industry and on life in general. She felt that New York City was the best place to do so. What she initially found most daunting about NYC is now her favorite part: the fast pace! She loves the way everyone in the city is so inspired and free-spirited. The bustling environment inspires her to work on herself and her career with passion and zest. 

Tanvi has a lot of great advice for new international students. First, time management, which she learned the importance of during her first semester. She feels it is one of the most essential parts of academic life, as it can take off the pressure and improve your work. Tanvi advises new students to keep an open mind—doing so will help a ton while you’re adjusting to life in the U.S. She also suggests that students utilize the great services FIT provides, such as the Academic Skills Tutoring Center and the Library, and participate in events organized by the college as much as possible. You can make amazing friends. (And get a lot of freebies!)

In her free time, Tanvi enjoys exploring the outdoors. Madison Square Park, the High Line, and Chelsea Piers are her favorite places near campus. Her hobbies include dancing, watching movies, yoga, and sketching. 

Major: Illustration MFA ’25
Involvement on Campus: FIT Chinese Students and Scholars Association

Wendy is excited to continue her education in New York City, having completed her BFA in illustration at a nearby college in 2021. When she returned, she was concerned about her ability to reconnect with previous friends and classmates. Luckily, in addition to reconnecting with many of them, she met a talented new cohort at FIT.

For Wendy, studying abroad has helped her learn more about herself. Not being in close proximity to her family allowed her to gradually realize who she truly was, giving her space to focus on questions of independence and self-expression. For her, the answers could only be revealed abroad, especially while facing a language barrier and culture shock. In time, Wendy overcame many difficulties and developed the self-confidence to face even more exciting and challenging opportunities. 

Wendy advises new students to speak up and not be afraid of making mistakes—this is the only way to grow as a student! She also advises new graduate students to prioritize socializing off campus to help build connections and promote their work.

In her free time, Wendy likes to sketch outside. She also enjoys jogging and traveling outside of NYC during breaks, preferably to somewhere green and wild. Fun fact: Wendy’s name is Weiyi, pronounced as Way-E and written as 惟依 in Chinese, which means “only, unique.”

Major: Advertising and Digital Design BFA ’25
Minors: Multi-sensory Branding, Creative Technology, Economics
Involvement on Campus: President of Innovative Technology Club, Web Director of Blush magazine

Chloe attended international schools while growing up in Korea, which exposed her to diverse cultures at an early age. She had dreamed of living in New York City because of her love for art and fashion. Studying abroad has broadened her perspectives and inspired her to dream bigger. She feels she truly experienced cultural immersion after moving to the United States to attend FIT. While it was exciting to live abroad, it was also full of initial challenges. Subtle language issues and cultural barriers were difficult, but now, having adapted, she knows that overcoming those challenges has shaped her.

Chloe has multiple leadership roles on campus, which have taught her essential communication skills. She believes it is important to always ask questions when unsure and not to be afraid to seek help from professors or classmates. 

She encourages new international students to engage in school activities, make new friends, and be confident. “Explore the city as much as possible, and take full advantage of your environment!” Chloe’s favorite FIT support services are the Library, Computer Lab, International Student Services, and Health Services.

Chloe’s favorite thing about New York City is the variety of experiences one can have. There are so many good museums, shops, events, and restaurants to explore and interesting people to meet. In her free time, Chloe enjoys visiting the library and cafes, reading, listening to music, and working out.

Major: Advertising and Digital Design BFA ’25
Involvement on Campus: Chief-of-Staff of FIT Student Government Association, Resident Assistant, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Orientation Leader

Yukti is an actively engaged FIT student: both in her classes and in her extracurricular activities. It initially took time to adjust to a new country and balance her social, academic, and professional activities, but she is proud to have achieved these goals while maintaining a high GPA and serving as a Resident Assistant.

Yukti wanted to study abroad to gain global experience and a better understanding of her field. She loves that FIT is a diverse campus where you can meet like-minded people from all over the world. She believes that experiencing this environment is essential to her personal and professional development and success. 

The most crucial lesson Yukti learned during her first semester was how to balance academics with her personal and professional life. It wasn’t easy initially, but she quickly got used to her new schedule and formed good habits that carried her through her program. Yukti advises new students to get involved in campus events and to make as many connections and friends as possible. 

Yukti believes New York City is the place to make your dreams a reality! Outside of school, she loves baking, painting, and exploring the city on foot.

Major: Illustration MFA ’26

Yvette is an experienced international student, having completed her Illustration BFA in New York City before furthering her studies at FIT. She wished to study abroad in order to discover how art is viewed and appreciated by people around the world. She also feels the need to be in a diverse environment to develop her own point of view, and NYC is a perfect place for this. She loves that the diversity of the city means that there is a place here for everyone.

Yvette advises international students coming to NYC to master the subway system: It’s an interesting place to observe people and can save you time and money. At FIT, she encourages students to utilize support services like the Counseling Center, where you can get help managing the stress that goes along with being a college student in NYC. She also highly recommends visiting the The Museum at FIT, which offers exciting exhibits and is free!

Yvette is a huge foodie and can share tips on finding the best Asian food near campus. At home, she loves relaxing by baking reduced-sugar treats.