Leadership Opportunities & Programs for International Students
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) supports leadership opportunities, programming and events designed to enrich the USD experience of our international students and scholars. The following three areas represent key elements of our international student and scholar opportunities and programming.
International Student Organization (ISO)
The goal of ISO is to act as a support group and represent international students to help them adjust to life in the United States and to USD. They also help students get acquainted with and involved with the USD community. Involvement with ISO is a great way to meet people from all over the world, the organization serves as a platform for domestic students and international students to meet and learn about each other's cultures. ISO organizes cultural events throughout the semester, including the following:
- Weekly themed "Coffee Hour" meet-ups in the International Student Lounge
- International dinners off-campus
- Annual International Expo and Cultural Fashion Show
- Annual International Holiday Dinner & Dance
International Team Ambassador Program
The International Team (I-Team) Ambassador Program seeks to assist first-year and transfer international students with their cultural, social and academic adjustment to the University of San Diego. The program helps to foster an intimate connection between new students and their experienced peers, who acts as mentors throughout the new student’s first semester at USD. I-Team Ambassadors are paired with incoming first-year and transfer students to ease their transition and foster an inclusive international community.
OISS Programs
- Workshops for faculty, staff, and students. Topics include:
- Catering to the needs of international students
- Working visas and employment in the United States
- Adapting your international resume and cover letter
- Optional Practical Training
- International Academic Success Workshop - collaboration with Center for Student Success and College of Arts and Sciences
- Be Safe International Student Wellness Training - collaboration with Center for Health and Wellness Promotion
- Celebration of cultural holidays, including: Eid, Diwali, American Halloween, Lunar New Year
- Customized training for Resident Assistants on "Working with International Students"
- International Parent Welcome and Orientation - collaboration with Parent Relations
- Torrey Pines State Beach hike
