Junko Kohashi Pierry

About Junko

Role

• The student advising team lead
• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
• Advises on F-1 and J-1 student immigration matters
• Processes administrative requests for F-1 and J-1 international students
• Collaborate with campus partners to provide workshops on immigration compliance

Background

Junko was born and raised in Japan. She completed a dual degree program between an American university in Washington D.C. and Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, earning a BA in International Relations from both institutions, and later received her master’s degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University.

With over 20 years of experience in international education, she has been supporting international students and their families, helping them navigate cultural and immigration processes.

Fun Facts

Junko loves to travel to different countries with her family and exploring new foods, often planning trips around what to eat next. Although her dog is named Obi Wan Kenobi, she is not much of a Star Wars fan and has only seen one movie so far. In her free time, she likes to go to comedy shows and try new restaurants. She has a particular weakness for noodles (pasta, pho, ramen, udon….) and is always on the lookout for the best Ramen shop in the Bay Area.