International
Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) promotes a global perspective for
the USF community through educational and programmatic outreach while
fostering the holistic development of international students and
scholars by providing support services and immigration advising.
The ISSS team works to create a welcoming environment and
provide high quality services for international students and the
University community. Through our programs and services, we encourage
all students to develop a global perspective and learn about cultures in
addition to their own. We strive to provide our students with skills
necessary to become fully integrated members of the USF community and
well-prepared citizens of the world.
To fulfill our mission, ISSS offers Orientation Programs,
Immigration Advising and Document Support, Informational Workshops,
Educational Programs, and Advocacy/Training.
International Student and Scholar Services assists various
student groups and hosts educational programming to promote the global
mission of the University. Student-centered programs include:
International Student Association, Global Living Community,
International Advisory Council, and International Network Program.
ISSS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday. We can be reached as follows:
- International Student and Scholar Services
- University Center Room 402
- 2130 Fulton Street
- San Francisco, CA 94117-10880
- USA
- isss@usfca.edu
- +1 (415) 422-2654 telephone
- +1 (415) 422-2412 fax
- http://www.usfca.edu
See below for details about ISSS.
Educational and Programmatic Outreach
International Student Association
The International Student Association (ISA) promotes
cultural education, advocates for the USF international student body,
and provides a social community by being the voice of the international
students, creating social interactions, and developing educational
opportunities for cultural enrichment.
Advised by ISSS and recognized as an umbrella organization
by the Student Leadership and Engagement Office, the International
Student Association is a student group charged with representing the USF
international student community.
Culturescape
Culturescape is the signature event for the International
Student Association. Each November, usually in conjunction with the
International Education Week celebration, Culturescape is celebrated at
USF.
The event includes student performances (i.e., dance, voice,
instrument, fashion, etc.) that highlight international cultures.
Following the presentations, everyone is invited to enjoy international
cuisine provided by international student organizations.
International Network Program
The International Network Program (INP) facilitates
community development and assists with transitional adjustment for
incoming international students by providing social activities and
opportunities for engagement among new and returning USF students. The
program is open to current U.S. domestics and internationals (as
mentors) and all new international students, graduate and undergraduate.
Planned activities are offered monthly for the INP members.
Additionally, group members are encouraged to meet independently to
build relationships.
International Advisory Council
The International Advisory Council (IAC) serves as a
consultation body to International Student and Scholar Services by
identifying international student concerns, disseminating important
information to the international student community, and initiating
proactive measures to address international student needs.
IAC was established in the Fall of 2005. Membership is open
to any student organization with an international emphasis.
Global Living Community
The Global Living Community (GLC) strives to develop an
intercultural community that stimulates exchange of cultures within an
intentional living-learning environment.
The community consists of U.S. domestic and international
students, sharing the common goals of gaining a global perspective,
building a strong community, learning from each other, helping those in
need, and forming meaningful relationships. GLC members live together in
the Lone Mountain residence hall.
GLC meets weekly for activities such as guest speakers on
global justice issues, international films, and cultural dinners in the
city. GLC also participates in community service projects.
International Education Week
The week prior to the Thanksgiving holiday is International
Education Week (IEW).
At USF we sponsor a week-long program of activities that
typically include an International Fair with the San Francisco
consulates, an appreciation reception for faculty and staff, an
opportunity for storytelling, an educational speaker, Culturescape, and
more!
Support Services and Immigration Advising
Orientation Programs
International Student and Scholar Services conducts
mandatory orientation programs at the beginning of each semester for new
undergraduate and graduate international students. The programs address
areas of cultural adjustment, academics in the United States,
immigration matters, San Francisco resources, and other student
concerns.
Informational Workshops
ISSS conducts a variety of workshops to provide information
and assistance to internationals.
Workshop topics include off-campus employment (i.e.,
Optional Practical Training/Curricular Practical Training), employment
after completing F-1 status (i.e., H1-B visa), job success strategies in
the United States (i.e., cover letters, resumes, networking,
interviewing, alumni advice, etc.), and taxes.
Immigration Advising and Documentation Support
Internationally-related paperwork is processed through ISSS
once international students and scholars arrive at USF. ISSS updates
records in the federally mandated system, SEVIS (Student and Exchange
Visitor Information System), to ensure internationals maintain lawful
status while in the United States.
ISSS advisers provide internationals with assistance in
understanding the U.S. immigration regulations and navigating
application procedures for benefits such as status verification, work
authorization, change of status, and exit/re-entry consultation.
Specific documentation services are also available (e.g., issuance of
I-20/DS-2019 forms, letters of support, etc.).
Advocacy and Training
ISSS also focuses on advocacy for internationals and
intercultural training for the USF community.
We are committed to working on campus to promote
ethnorelativistic understanding, intercultural communication, and
cultural awareness. ISSS accomplishes this goal through training
sessions, guest speaking, classroom presentations, and referral
resources.
