GloBULLs welcome international students with Buffalo-style warmth and guidance

For many international students, stepping onto the UB campus is both exciting and intimidating. There are so many questions: What classes should I take? How do I navigate a new culture? Where do I find the best places to eat?

Thankfully, UB has the perfect response to these challenges. It’s the GloBULLs — a unique, personalized approach to student recruitment and support.

“We wanted a name that was catchy, resonant and embodied the essence of our university," says Sumanth Thummala, leader of the UB GloBULLs program. “‘Glo’ signifies the global touch and ‘Bulls’ is a nod to our beloved UB mascot.” 

From the moment an international student is accepted into UB, the GloBULLs reach out proactively, ensuring students have immediate access to resources and support tailored specifically to their needs. 

The GloBULLs are experienced UB students who act as ambassadors, assisting and providing insights to these students, not only on academic issues but also on cultural acclimation, campus navigation and local places to visit.  

“It’s about adding a personal touch to our communications, making sure every student feels at home,” says Thummala, a dual-degree Master of Business Administration and Master of Architecture student. 

From its inception in March 2023, the GloBULLs program has seen notable growth in size and student impact.

“We proactively hosted 500-plus calls with parents and students,” says Thummala. “After hosting, the feedback was clear: Parents value a welcoming environment just as much as academic excellence.” 

According to the GloBULLs, they are more than just a typical help desk.

“We wanted to create an experience where students feel safe and included. Safety isn’t just a buzzword; it’s what parents and students truly value,” says Thummala. 

The GloBULLs' digital transformation has been pivotal. Their once-named “UB International Ambassadors” Instagram page has evolved into a vibrant space, shedding light on the university’s rich traditions and campus. 

And with the addition of tools like Zoom and virtual tours, they’ve broadened their reach. 

“From emails to Zoom calls, virtual tours, personalized one-on-one sessions and interactive weekly chats, we’re replicating the domestic admissions experience for our international students,” he says.

Shambhavi Goyal, a scholarship recipient from India studying computer science at UB, was one such beneficiary. Arriving at UB, she felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything — the classes, the campus, the cultural differences.  

“My first few weeks at UB were quite challenging. I had never been in classes with so many students,” Goyal says. 

The complexity of her new life was simplified and made more accessible, thanks to swift responses from the GloBULLs.  

“The GloBULLs ambassadors were quite helpful to me. Every email is answered within a day, sometimes within an hour,” she says. 

The GloBULLs, with their expansive network, proved invaluable. Through numerous sessions, they offered more than just academic guidance.  

“They shared insights about the professors, time management and even about local places to visit,” she says. “Such personalized touch points helped me ease into the American educational system and the UB community.” 

Goyal credits sessions with the ambassadors for broadening her horizons, connecting her with peers and facilitating early friendships. 

“GloBULLs sessions helped me find a supportive Indian community at UB before arriving,” she says.

The GloBULLs program works with students from all parts of the globe. Antonio Munoz Carazo, a mechanical engineering student from Costa Rica, faced similar challenges. Arriving at UB was like stepping into a scene from an American movie, he says.

 Yet, just like Goyal, Carazo found allies in the GloBULLs.  

“They reached out the moment I was accepted,” he says. “They supported me emotionally, introduced me to clubs like LASA, the Latin American Student Association, connecting me to a piece of home while abroad.”

For Carazo, the UB experience extends beyond academics. It’s the blend of independence, learning and cultural exchange that leaves the biggest impression. The GloBULLs are at the heart of this journey, ensuring a smooth transition.

“If I had one piece of advice for any international student considering UB, it’d be to connect with the GloBULLs,” he says. “They are swift in their responses, attentive to your concerns and a true friend in a foreign land.”

For students like Goyal and Carazo, these efforts made all the difference. From assisting Goyal with her tuition deposits to introducing Carazo to diverse student communities, the GloBULLs ensured the students felt at home. 

“They were more than just guides; they became our family at UB,” Goyal says with a smile.