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Leaving Bangladesh to study in a new country, Tashfin Moumi ’28 faced countless uncertainties—navigating a different culture, adjusting to a new academic environment, and finding a sense of belonging at Lehigh University.

She found that support through Lehigh’s Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS), particularly from coordinator Annika Sethre-Hofstad, whom Moumi, 20, nominated for a Together We Climb award in recognition of her guidance and kindness.

"She was incredibly patient and responsive, and I could tell she genuinely took responsibility for resolving my issues," said Moumi, who is from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. "It meant so much to have someone looking out for me, and it reassured me about the Lehigh community even before I set foot on campus."

As Moumi began her educational journey at Lehigh, Sethre-Hofstad helped her address concerns, obtain information, and make connections when necessary. She provided significant reassurance and support, Moumi said, and helped her navigate both academic and personal adjustments.

Sethre-Hofstad was among 30 Lehigh faculty members, staff, or organizations to receive Together We Climb awards during International Education Week last year. Organized by Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), the awards honor faculty and staff who have made a difference in the experiences of international students.

"I was completely surprised—and honestly a little starstruck—by the nomination," Sethre-Hofstad said. "It’s especially meaningful because it shows that the support OISS provides truly makes a lasting impact on our international students, which is incredibly rewarding."

Moumi said she nominated Sethre-Hofstad out of appreciation for her efforts, as well as for OISS as a whole. The office seeks to empower Lehigh’s international community through holistic support and advising in order to create global minded citizens.

Tashfin encountered an issue with her legal name in Lehigh’s records when she first enrolled. Her middle name was listed separately when it was supposed to be part of her first name, creating inconsistencies across her documents, including her I-94 travel document.

Sethre-Hofstad was instrumental in helping her resolve the issue, working to ensure it would not cause major problems. She consulted multiple people to determine the best way to correct the issue, and guided Moumi on which applications to fill out and next steps.

As OISS coordinator, Sethre-Hofstad acts as the first point of contact for many international students via email, phone, or in-person visits. She helps students navigate university processes and direct them to the appropriate advisors or resources when necessary.

Sethre-Hofstad supports students with both major and minor questions, such as applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), adjusting their course load, or completing university e-forms. She also functions as a campus resource guide, referring students to the right departments and services.

“We try to make them feel like they have a landing base, because it really helps to have someone on campus who knows who you are, understands your situation a little, and is there to help you,” Sethre-Hofstad said.

Tashfin chose to enroll at Lehigh in part due to the IDEAS (Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences) Program, which allowed her to combine science with creativity. She has not yet chosen a concentration through the program, but will likely focus on mechanical engineering and product design.

“I was also drawn to the strong balance between academics and social life here,” Tashfin said. “And I thought the size of the campus was perfect—not too big and not too small.”

Originally from Minnesota, Sethre-Hofstad studied Chinese and International Studies at Vassar College. Her passion for international topics began when her family lived in Norway for a year due to her mother’s Fulbright scholarship. Upon returning to the U.S., she continued learning Norwegian through a camp program specializing in language and cultural immersion. The camp consortium was called Concordia Language Villages, and she attended the Norwegian camp, Skogfjorden.

OISS supports international students and scholars by providing immigration guidance, ensuring university compliance with regulations, and advising faculty and staff on hosting requirements. Through advocacy, campus partnerships, and programming, OISS enhances the academic, professional, and cultural experience of Lehigh’s international community.