International Admissions Counselor
1+ 405-325-2151
nayifanihad@ou.edu
Master of Arts in International Studies
University of Oklahoma
Class of 2022
Bachelor of Arts in International Area Studies
University of Oklahoma
Class of 2020
United World College of Southern Africa - Waterford Kamhlaba, Kingdom of eSwatini
Class of 2015
I love dancing! From my freshman year through graduate school, I loved showcasing South Asian culture through dance. I participated in dance competitions and cultural nights, and dance was also what I chose for my talent portion when I got crowned Miss International/Face of OU in 2020.
Coming to OU was out of my comfort zone, especially as an international and first-generation college student. I was the only student from my home country (the Maldives) for a very long time. My OU Family helped me feel comfortable and find my place within the community. A huge shoutout to the UWC Scholars Office, the international admissions team, and the faculty and staff of my college for providing me with the tools and resources to excel and grow personally and professionally at OU.
Whether it is a football game or an international student cultural night, whenever we come together as a community is when I feel my Sooner pride the greatest. I love that we can come together, show up for one another, and celebrate our unity and differences!
The people and the connections. OU was many things for me: a beautiful campus, a place to nurture my love for learning and education, and a space to grow and excel. But the people who made my OU experience as memorable as it was will always be my greatest gift of all.
There are several secret tunnels on campus. Try to find one of them!
Eve of Nations, hosted by the International Advisory Committee (IAC). IAC is the executive student body representing international students and coordinating international student organizations at OU. Eve of Nations is the largest annual multicultural show in Oklahoma and celebrates the diverse array of cultures, traditions, and heritage of our international students at OU.
It might be obvious, but don't be afraid to ask questions. You have a lot of counselors, staff, faculty, and current students who are SO excited about you coming to OU, and we are here to help answer any questions, concerns, and doubts. Choosing which college to attend is scary and intimidating, but that's what we are here for!