Congratulations to all 2024 graduates!
ISSS would like to share stories and advice from your peers who have gone above and beyond to advocate, support, and create a community for international students. In gratitude and appreciation, we have bestowed each student the ISSS International Service Award pin to commemorate their tenacity and efforts.
As always, if you have questions related to immigration, you can email ISSS or make an online appointment with your ISSS adviser. Please note that this will be our last newsletter until fall 2024. Our office is so proud of each and every one of you, and we wish you all the very best! We also look forward to what next year's graduates achieve!
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| Graduating Student Spotlights
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Vibha Bangalore VenkataramuDegree Level: Graduate
Program: MBA (STEM - Business Analytics Concentration)
Position Served: VP of Events and Community Building, Graduate Student Board
"During my tenure as the Vice President of Event and Community Building, I spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment within the international student community. One of the highlights of my role was organizing signature events such as year-end celebrations, spring social gatherings, and holiday events. These occasions provided students with valuable opportunities to unwind, connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, and celebrate cultural diversity. ... The impact of these events extended beyond mere entertainment. They served as platforms for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation among the international student community. By showcasing the richness of various cultures through food, music, and performances, we promoted cross-cultural dialogue and solidarity. ... Moreover, these events played a crucial role in enhancing the sense of belonging among international students, many of whom are far from home."
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Honghuai Ke
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Program: Computer Science/Math
Position Served: Minister/Event leader, USF CSSA (Chinese Students & Scholars Association)
"As the Minister for Event Organization within USF's Chinese Students & Scholars Association, my role has been pivotal in enhancing the life of Chinese international students at USF. Since assuming my position, I have led several initiatives aimed at providing a robust support system for our community, especially in navigating the complexities of academic and cultural adaptation in a foreign country. ... I've also been instrumental in organizing social events that foster a sense of community among Chinese students away from home. These events provide a platform for students to network, share experiences, and find a collective voice within the broader USF community. The impact of these initiatives has been profound, leading to increased engagement and a supportive network that underpins student success."
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Sofia Sarwat Casanova
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Program: Finance & Business Analytics
Position Served: Student Government Finance Assistant (SGFA), ASUSF and GSS
"Throughout my time at USF, I have embraced every opportunity to serve and lead within our vibrant community, guided by the core principles of our Jesuit heritage. In my role as the Student Government Finance Assistant, I oversaw a significant budget with a commitment to Jesuit values. In addition to my responsibilities as the SGFA I actively pursued initiatives to improve campus life. One such endeavor involved creating a resolution to alleviate the financial burden faced by international students seeking internships. ... By addressing this issue, we aimed to create a more equitable and supportive campus environment for all students, aligning with the Jesuit values of social justice and inclusivity."
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Prakriti Shakya
Degree Level: Graduate
Program: International and Development Economics
Position Served: ISSS Student Assistant
"As a front desk/communications student assistant for ISSS, I've had the opportunities to interact and help answer queries for all the international students at USF which has been very satisfying. On top of that, I also got to curate and work on the weekly newsletters that we send out to the USF international community. This job not only let me use my creativity but also let me contribute to the international community which again I find very fulfilling."
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Emmanuel Abuenyi Odum
Degree Level: Graduate
Program: Masters In Business Administration
Positions Served: GSS Senate Representative (School of Management), International Student Orientation Guide, GSS President
"In my role as an ISO Guide, I had the honor of assisting first-year international students, both graduate and undergraduate, during international student orientations. Collaborating with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team, I supported these students in navigating the university, ensuring they felt welcomed and supported in their new environment. As a member of the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) finance committee, I played a pivotal role in approving conference funding used by students for their professional development. Additionally, I was a part of the senators who advocated for and approved the establishment of a food pantry at the Sacramento Campus, providing essential support to students in need. ... These experiences, among many others, have reinforced my commitment to supporting and enhancing the experiences of international students within the university community."
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Minh Tam TranDegree Level: Undergraduate
Program: Communication Studies major, Business and PR minors
Position Served: Events Associate, International Student Association
"I have taken part in organizing Culturescape, the biggest annual cultural festival at USF. I have also helped carry out plenty of fundraisers for the organization to help raise money for our bigger events. On top of that, I also initiated and organized events where I took international students out to eat and explore new food around the city."
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New Episode of ISSS Podcast Out Now! ✨
Celebrate the culmination of a semester-long journey with Global Connections at USF's final episode titled Global Graduates: Student Success Stories! Join us as we spotlight two graduating students who share their transformative experiences and future aspirations. For inspiring stories on perseverance, growth, and success, tune in here »
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 International Student and Alumni Network (ISAN) promotes the exchange of ideas and celebrates the achievements of USF international students and alumni. We invite students and alumni everywhere to come together and use this group to connect with old friends, network, and share your favorite USF memories and experiences living, working, and navigating immigration in the U.S. Join here »
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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.
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Chat with the ISSS Team in Real-Time
Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of the ISSS website, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.
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