WEEKLY UPDATE – Aug. 19

Welcome back, everyone! In this newsletter, you'll find our staff member profiles. Feel free to say "hi" if you see us around campus! We recommend that you review the ISSS staff web page to find out who your adviser is. As always, remember that you can connect with us via email, reach us by phone at (415) 422-2654, talk online with a team member using the chat feature (Glia), or make a Zoom appointment with your ISSS adviser. 

Marcella Pitcher DeProto, senior director of ISSS, has been working in international education since 2003 and has been at USF since 2007. Marcella holds a master’s degree in international education. She loves working with international students because it allows her to stay connected to the world’s cultures while living in the Bay Area.

Tina Ricafrente, ISSS assistant director, has worked in international education since 2008. She is a current doctoral student in the School of Education and holds a master's degree in international education. Tina is a Bay Area native but has lived and traveled in Japan, South Korea, and Europe. She enjoys learning about different cultures, especially through food, music, travel, and language. 

Christy Li, ISSS assistant director, serves as a staff adviser for the International Student Association. Originally from Hong Kong, she was an international student at USF. Christy holds a master’s degree in international and multicultural education and a bachelor’s degree in dance and psychology. She is delighted to be supporting international students during their time at USF.

Michelle Sun is an international student adviser at ISSS. Michelle has lived abroad for several years. She received a master's degree in international and multicultural education and is pursuing a doctoral degree to concentrate on social justice in international education. She's enthusiastic about helping international students have better school experiences. In her daily life, Michelle enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Noel Hermilio Aispuro is an international student adviser at ISSS. Born and raised in Southern California, he went on to receive a bachelor of arts in international politics and economics from Middlebury College in Vermont. Having studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the son of Mexican immigrants, Noel is determined to give back while welcoming students to life in San Francisco and the U.S.

Marielle Lyons, program assistant for ISSS and a Bay Area native, holds bachelor's degrees in Spanish and sociology from Occidental College. After college, Marielle taught English in Spain through Fulbright. This fall, Marielle begins a master’s in international multicultural education at USF. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her senior dogs, and exploring new restaurants. Marielle is dedicated to supporting USF's international students and making them feel at home.

Rashi Bhatt is an Indian international student in the International and Multicultural Education Doctorate program at USF. She is a graduate assistant for ISSS, helping with programming, events, and putting together resources like the Global Connections at USF podcast! She enjoys working out, cooking, home interiors, and art museums!

The first two weeks of class at USF are called Weeks of Welcome (WOW) and are packed with programs, events, and services. WOW serves as an extended orientation and helps new students get involved, find community, and learn more about the opportunities and resources at USF. Welcome Weekends are also happening but they are for incoming first-year and transfer students ONLY. Learn more »

Thursday, Aug. 22  |  5–7 p.m.
Thatcher Gallery, Gleeson Library

Opening Celebration for Long Distance Relationship: Asian American Comics Artists and the Complexities of Connecting with artists Eddie Ahn, Rina Ayuyang, Tessa Hulls, MariNaomi, and Thien Pham. Join us in celebrating this exhibition and meet the artists featured in Long Distance Relationship.

Thursday, Aug. 22  |  11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Gleeson Library — Plaza

Chat with representatives from 130+ student organizations to find out how you can get involved at USF. For more information, visit Student Leadership and Engagement on the University Center 4th Floor, follow on Instagram or learn more on the SLE website.

Thursday, Aug. 22
6–9 p.m.

Thought leaders, elite athletes, diplomats, inventors, and more have come to the Silk Speaker Series at USF, but this time, we invite Trevor Noah to the stage. This is your exclusive chance to hear from the former host of The Daily Show, and Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, actor, television and radio host, Trevor Noah. Register to watch the livestream.

If you are an F-1 student graduating in fall 2024, you may want to consider applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a 12-month work authorization benefit that allows students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their field of study. Students can apply as early as 90 days before their program end date. Students are encouraged to apply early, as doing so allows for more flexibility in choosing work start dates. Before you can apply for OPT, you must attend a workshop. 

Register for an OPT workshop »

Tuesday, Aug. 20  |  11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PDT  |  Online  

Attend this virtual session to learn about on-campus employment and driving in the U.S. To attend the event, please click the Zoom Link.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS webpage, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Please visit the ISSS website to schedule an appointment. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.