Programs
Featured Programs
The goal of the ISC Ambassador Program is to foster academic and personal excellence among international students by:
- Increasing their sense of knowledge about U.S. culture and lifestyle;
- Connecting them to campus resources that will help them succeed at SDSU;
- Helping them build essential skills for academic and personal success
As part of a support team, the ISC Ambassadors encourage international students (participants) to embrace their new learning environment, while recognizing the importance of overcoming the diverse challenges and demand of college life in order to successfully pursue their academic goals.
Benefits of the program
International students who have participated in the International Student Center Ambassador Program for at least one year will be able to:
- Maintain High GPA
- Improve Confidence
- Participate Actively in Classroom
- Form Friendships with U.S. Experienced Students
- Adjust Better to their New Environment
Who should apply to be a participant?
International students who would appreciate the guidance, support and friendship of an experienced SDSU student.
Are you interested in mentoring an international student?
The ISC Ambassador Program is a volunteer based program seeking SDSU students, faculty, and staff who are passionate about motivating and empowering other students to be successful.
Our staff
Alison Peppers, ISC Ambassador Coordinator
(619) 594-1977
[email protected]
ISC Ambassador Program Email
[email protected]
At its core, the purpose of the International Student Advisory Board is to bring together dynamic community builders drawn from a broad spectrum of campus organizations, affiliations and networks to ensure advocacy and support of international students at SDSU.
The board will actively provide feedback to the International Student Center and campus partners focused on international student services and programming. Board members serve as campus liaisons that represent the International Student Center and the international student population it serves. They engage with the ISC staff through monthly board meetings and our international student population through our online Discord community.
Ideal Members & Expectations
Goals and Responsibilities:
- Represent the ISC and our international student community across SDSU and the ISAB
- Liaison across campus for international students
- Provide feedback on current programs and services
- Solicit information that will inform your advocacy here at the ISC
- Actively engage in our online Discord community
The Global Perspectives Syposium (GPS) program brings cross-cultural student panels into the classroom. International students are invited by SDSU faculty to present their personal cultural perspectives related to their home countries and are about topics selected by the professors. The GPS program offers a great opportunity for international students to deepen their connections with the SDSU campus community as GPS ambassadors.
Topics covered by the GPS ambassadors vary widely based on academic disciplines. Here are some examples of past panel presentations:
- Anthropology
- Business & Culture
- Business Intercultural Communication
- Children's Literature
- Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
- Collectivism & Individualism in Society
- Diplomacy
- Environment & Climate Change
- Family & Gender Roles
- Fine Arts & Film
- Food and Culinary Arts
- Foreign Affairs
- Geography
- Human Rights
- Intercultural Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- International Business
- International Security
- International Security Studies
- International Studies
- International Trade
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Science, Technology and Society Studies
- Social Engineering
- Social Exclusion and Inclusion
- Social Innovations
- Social Science
- Sustainability
- Transborder & Immigration Issues
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Urban Studies
- Women in STEM
- Women's Studies
- Women & Gender Equality Studies
SDSU Faculty
Apply to host a GPS panel in your class by visiting the International Affairs Faculty Resources page. They can also access the GPS Faculty Application Form. In addition, they can also send an email with some questions about GPS to Dr. William Twayigize [email protected]
SDSU international and exchange students who are interested in participating in the GPS program as GPS ambassadors are encouraged to send their applications to Dr. William Twayigize [email protected].
SDSU International Students:
- Have you ever wanted to share your experiences and insights with Americans about your country and culture?
- Do you enjoy working with children or youth?
The Intercultural Ambassador Program may be an excellent opportunity for you. This program helps you develop unique skills by promoting intercultural understanding in San Diego's public schools.
How it works
A group of SDSU international students will be selected to participate in a leadership development program promoting global understanding and cross-cultural exchange in San Diego public schools. This is a volunteer-based program. Volunteers will receive $400 to cover travel expenses and materials.
In the past 30 years of this program, more than 450 international students from 95 countries have visited more than 650 classrooms and personally enriched the lives of more than 200 teachers and 30,000 San Diego children!
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply to become an Intercultural Ambassador, you must:
- Be a currently enrolled international student at SDSU during both the fall and spring semesters
- Hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa
- Have an overall G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
Selection process
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements listed above will be selected based upon:
- Ability to communicate effectively to groups, especially children and youth
- Ability to view international events and issues from a global perspective
- Ability to gather and share informaiton about one's own country and cultures
- Previous experience with intercultural programs and activities
Program details
- During Fall and Winter, participants will receive 9-12 hours of training in public speaking, intercultural communications, global education, and leadership development.
- During the Spring semester, partcipants will prepare and make 3 presentations in each of 2 public school classes (a total of 6 presentations) on topics related to their respective countries and cultures. (Note: During the 2020-21 academic year, presentations will be virtual.)
- After training, the time commitment during the Spring semester will be approcimately 16-18 hours. This includes the time necessary to prepare and give 6 presentations, inculding purchasing materials and travel time to schools (when applicable).
- Financial compensation for the costs associated with training, travel, preparing and giving 6 presentations is in the form of a $400 tuition reimbursement ($200 for each assigned class).
- Ambassadors also have lots of fun and learn about San Diego's children/youth, schools, and communities!
How to apply
Applications to be an Intercultural Ambassador take place at the beginning of each Fall Semester. Applications and essays are screened by the selection committee and interviews are arranged for the finalists.
If you are interested in becoming an Intercultural Ambassador, please contact Dr. William Twayigize at [email protected]
A collaborative program
The Intercultural Ambassador Program is an annual program and a collaborative effort of the SDSU International Student Center and the California Global Education Project of San Diego (University of San Diego). It is a combined student leadership development/community outreach initiative designed to promote greater intercultural awareness and international goodwill in the San Diego public schools.
Meet the Ambassadors
Meet last year’s group of International Ambassadors.
More Information
Find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
About the ISA
As a recognized student organization, ISA plans and coordinates a variety of programs and activities to enhance international understanding and friendship.
Our mission is to promote international understanding and cultural awareness on the SDSU campus and in the San Diego community. We represent the interests of international students on the Associated Student Council, SDSU's student government. We organize social programs to form a supportive and fun network of internationally minded students and faculty from the U.S. and abroad.
How to be Involved
Getting involved in the ISA is a great way to enrich your experience at SDSU and make new friends! Sign up to host weekly International Coffee Hour and annual International Peace Village as well as potlucks, dances, camping trips, and more.
Activities and fun
The ISA organizes activities to help students get to know each other and their community better! Come get involved and experience the Annual Prom dance, potlucks, camping, whale watching . . . and so much more. Activities are different every semester, based on the interests of current students.
Host an International Cultural Hour
The International Student Association (ISA) sponsors the event by providing a stipend to students to help prepare for their cultural hour.
If you would like to represent your country by hosting a cultural hour, please email [email protected].