How Babson Became Home for International Students

Writer

Melissa Savignano

Melissa Savignano, a content marketing manager at Babson College, has worked in higher education for almost a decade, where she tells authentic, compelling campus and community stories. Before Babson, she managed communications for Boston University’s largest college, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. She previously worked in client relations, helping brands of various sizes launch content marketing strategies and storytelling initiatives. When not at work, you will find her in the city of Boston, probably at the movie theater.

October 15, 2026

Photos, clockwise from top left: Veronica Lucena ’30, Ilik Mohamed ’30, Aarav Nandwani ’30, Niza Noeun ’30, Hanif Rafif ’30, Dinara Shayakhmet ’30, Jigme Wangchuck ’30

International students from the Class of 2030 the moments, traditions, and connections that made campus feel like home (clockwise from top left): Veronica Lucena ’30, Ilik Mohamed ’30, Aarav Nandwani ’30, Niza Noeun ’30, Hanif Rafif ’30, Dinara Shayakhmet ’30, Jigme Wangchuck ’30)

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It’s been over a month since the undergraduate Class of 2030 settled into their dorm rooms and class schedules. For the students who hail from over 55 countries besides the U.S., geography adds a level of adjustment to those first few weeks.

But as leaves and seasons start to turn, so do those first-day jitters. Between meals at Trim Dining Hall, fast friendships, and a sharing of cultures and backgrounds, suddenly Babson is home for international students.

“Seeing the Babson College sign at the main entrance gave me this immediate sense of happiness and belonging,” Niza Noeun ’30 says. “After traveling more than 8,000 miles from Cambodia, I remember thinking, ‘I’m finally here.’ This is my new home for the next four years.”

Amid their Babson metamorphosis, we asked new international students to reflect on their first month, what’s made them feel welcome, and how they are bringing their home to Wellesley.

His Serene Highness Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck ’30

His Serene Highness Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck ’30, the first undergraduate student from Bhutan to attend Babson College, hopes to share his nation’s philosophy, Gross National Happiness—the belief that development shouldn’t only be measured by economic growth, but also by things such as well-being, community, culture, and the environment—on campus.

“There is such a close-knit community here, and you start recognizing people everywhere. You see someone in class, then at Trim, then at the gym or somewhere else on campus, and suddenly you’re having a conversation with them. I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I already feel like I’m part of a community I’m glad to call home,” Jigme said. “I also think the international nature of Babson has helped a lot. You meet people who come from completely different backgrounds, but there is this shared ambition and curiosity that makes it very easy to connect with each other.”

Veronica Lucena ’30

Before Babson, Veronica Lucena ’30 interned at one of Brazil’s top cheese brands, Tirolez, and co-founded a doughnut business.

“Every time I step into class, I know I probably wouldn’t find a better fit than Babson. Every time I see my friends and how easily I’ve created my community, I feel this place is the right one for me,” she said.

“(Additionally), how safe I feel on campus, and how supportive Babson is or even the struggles of international students, I feel for every problem I face there’s a resource to help me somehow.”

Ilik Mohamed ’30

Raised in Somaliland, Ilik Mohamed ’30 earned his student leader bonafides through tutoring, mentorship, athletics, and Model U.N.

“One moment that really made me think, ‘I made the right choice coming here,’ was when I saw the words ‘Soo Dhawoow,’ meaning ‘Welcome’ in Somali, displayed at the Horn Library. Seeing a word from my own language and culture in a place I was just beginning to call home made me feel included and welcomed. It was a small moment, but it meant a lot to me,” he said.

“I expected moving to a new country and starting at a new school to take some time to adjust, but the community has made me feel at home much faster than I expected. I especially loved how curious people are about one another.”

Aarav Nandwani ’30

Attending school in Hong Kong, Aarav Nandwani ’30 built an impressive record of leadership across aviation, business, and community engagement, always looking for practical ways to turn ideas into impact.

“Babson’s focus on experiential learning and support will be an experience I can’t get elsewhere. Through my education at Babson, I strive to learn the different skills that would provide me with a toolkit to bring my venture to life,” Nandwani said. “I wish to start my own venture during my Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship sessions in the health and wellness food sector. With increased global awareness and a greater part of disposable income being spent by individuals on organic ingredients, healthcare, and fitness, this industry is projected to grow to $400 billion in the U.S. alone.”

“Seeing the Babson College sign at the main entrance gave me this immediate sense of happiness and belonging. After traveling more than 8,000 miles from Cambodia, I remember thinking, ‘I’m finally here.’ This is my new home for the next four years.”
Niza Noeun ’30

Niza Noeun ’30

Niza Noeun ’30 is passionate about creating opportunities for young people through education and helped launch a STEM school funded by the National Bank of Cambodia.

“One of the funniest surprises was how good Babson students’ fashion sense is! Coming from Cambodia, I always imagined American college students going to class in sweatpants, so I left most of my jeans at home and bought more sweatpants before coming. Then I got here and saw people walking around looking so put-together and even business casual. I definitely was not expecting that, but I love it,” Noeun said.

“At the same time, little things have helped me feel closer to home. Having Asian food at Trim Dining Hall and getting to cook Cambodian food with another Cambodian student who is a senior have been especially comforting. Being so far away from Cambodia, those familiar foods and moments make Babson feel a little more like home.”

Hanif Rafif ’30

Hanif Rafif ’30 is a social entrepreneur and student leader from Indonesia who wants to transform environmental challenges into sustainable ventures that empower young people and communities.

“At first, I thought I should simply pursue finance because it seemed like the expected, respectable path. But after talking with upperclassmen, I realized many students had also arrived at Babson unsure of their direction. They encouraged me to explore rather than rush into a decision,” Rafif said.

“Babson gives me the freedom to explore different areas of business through classes, clubs, events, and people. Instead of expecting me to have everything figured out from day one, Babson feels like a place where I can discover what I’m passionate about by trying things. After traveling so far from home to begin this new chapter, knowing I have space to explore makes Babson feel exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Dinara Shayakhmet ’30

Motivated by a desire to address the environmental challenges facing her native Kazakhstan, Dinara Shayakhmet ’30 built a national awareness platform and led a student-run environmental journal at her high school in the United Kingdom.

“Connecting with people from different countries has allowed me to share many stories about growing up in Kazakhstan, from our traditions and food to our language and culture. These stories allow me to learn about other people’s lives and recognize the differences and similarities between us,” Shayakhmet said. “From the classes I take to organizations I’m involved with to the people I meet daily, I am convinced every day I made the right decision by choosing Babson.”