“Need help navigating life as an international student?” That’s the question the International Student Center answers every day. Here at San Diego State University, the International Student Center fosters student success. It promotes global perspectives. It also encourages intercultural awareness and international cooperation.
The International Student Center is located within the SDSU International Affairs Complex. You’ll find it at Canyon Crest Drive and 55th Street. The mailing address is 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego.
Want to connect with the International Student Center? You can call them at (619) 594-1982. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected]
The International Student Center is led by Ricky Paniagua, the Director. Isabel Martorell serves as an International Student Advisor. Clarissa Fontanilla-Fajardo is the International Student Services Coordinator. Alison Peppers works as the Intake Coordinator. Alana Ritchison and Vanessa Fennell are also International Student Advisors. Michael Moak is the International Student Retention Coordinator. Barry Fass-Holmes is the SEVIS Coordinator. Noah Hansen is the Senior Director of the International Affairs Complex.
The International Student Center offers open advising hours. These are first come, first served meetings. Each student meeting lasts a maximum of 10 minutes. Virtual meetings are held over Zoom. You can find the link in the ISC calendar. In-person open advising is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Virtual open advising takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
You can also schedule advising appointments. Click the “Chat” icon and request appointment links. Alternatively, email the ISC reception at [email protected] to request appointment links. Each appointment is 20 minutes long. Personal meetings can be in-person or virtual. Appointments must be made at least one day in advance.
The International Student Center helps students with employment in the U.S.. International students in F-1 and J-1 status can find information about working and interning at SDSU and off campus.
The ISC Lounge provides a friendly meeting space. A variety of on-campus organizations use it. Contact the center via email at [email protected] or in person to check availability. Inbound exchange students can contact [email protected]
The International Student Center has in-person office hours Monday to Friday. These hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Team members are available during virtual office hours too. They assist with general inquiries. They also help with scheduling advising appointments through the LiveChat tool. Virtual office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All times are in PST. You can also leave a message by clicking the “Leave a Message” button. Someone will follow up with your inquiry.
Before you leave the International Student Center, be sure to check out the International Photo Gallery. It shows the diversity and global connections fostered here. The International Student Center is more than just an office. It is a hub for international students. It is a place where they can find support, resources, and a sense of community.