International Programs and Services

As you prepare to study in the United States, you will have many questions. You will need to learn about U.S. customs and values, academic requirements for your studies and community facilities for medical care, banking, shopping and amusement. You will obtain some information before you leave for the United States, but most of the important questions can only be answered once you have arrived at USD.

The purposes of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is to assist you while you are in the United States. Therefore, it is important that you attend the Torero Days Programs. We have planned programs specifically designed to meet your needs.

We are committed to providing an environment in which each individual student and scholar is able to share his or her own culture with the rest of the USD community, and through the same process learn to value and respect all cultures of the world. Moreover, the OISS strives to ensure that each international student is given the opportunity to experience a rich and meaningful university experience through the following measures:

(1) By providing the students and scholars with comprehensive information regarding federal government regulations that affect their status in the United States

(2) By providing socio-cultural and educational opportunities that will ease the adjustment process of international students and scholars as well as enhance their learning experience at the university

(3) By providing an environment conducive to the scholastic and cultural well-being of our international community.

 

Services Provided to Students and Exchange Visitors

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is tasked with processing immigration requirements and benefits for students and exchange visitors:

• Extension of stay
• Transferring schools
• Adjustment of status
• Reinstatements
• Practical training pre/post completion of studies
• Employment authorization for economic hardship
• Internships
• Visa and passport information
• Letters for consulates and embassies
• Authorization to drop below full-time attendance
• Change of address reporting to immigration
• Change of major reporting to immigration
• Assistance with replacement of lost documents
• Concurrent enrollment
• Travel advising
• Travel signatures for re-entry into the U.S.
• Disseminates SEVIS updates
• Documents for dependents
• Provides written immigration information to all international students and exchange visitors
• Sends email alerts and deadline reminders to our international community
• Serves as liaison between our international students/scholars and their respective consulates
• Health Insurance enrollment
• Advising and assistance on making living arrangements in the United States
  

 

Special Events for Transfer Students

International Student & Family Dinner
This is an informal but important event for international students and their parents. Parents of international students have the opportunity to meet new and returning international students and learn about resources available.

Office of International Students Scholars
Phone: (619) 260-4598
Fax: (619) 260-4170
http://www.sandiego.edu/oiss/

Yvette Fontaine, Director
Chia-Yen Lin, Assistant Director
Greg Grassi, Assistant Director
Rhona Reyes, Assistant Director