Enhanced Technical Support
In a continued effort to effectively support our international student population around the world, ISPO has moved all document requests online. iPortal.ucsd.edu allows students to request documents securely and online. We are also now able to send I-20 documents to students directly as a secure PDF instead of by mail (DS-2019 documents will continue to be sent by mail per State Department guidance). The iPortal has effectively decreased processing time and will help students who still need to receive documents for visa appointments in a timely, hassle-free manner.
Increased Virtual Advising Capacity
To meet the needs of our international students who are starting remotely in their home countries, our friendly and knowledgeable ISPO advising staff is available to meet during our expanded hours. Students can schedule a 1:1 zoom advising appointment to discuss their needs at a time that is convenient for them. Students are also encouraged to contact ISPO via iContact.ucsd.edu for urgent needs.
Missing Something? We Have You Covered!
#AllTritonsWelcomeHere
ISPO is dedicated to ensuring that all Tritons feel welcome and are treated as the valuable members of the Triton community that they are! We have numerous virtual community building opportunities, programs and events available at iEvents.ucsd.edu. For ISPO and non-ISPO international events and activities, check out globalhub.ucsd.edu. We encourage all new and continuing students to join us for our signature programming events Intercultural Social Hour, Community Building Circles, ISPO Chats and more!
Supporting Students' Health and Well-Being
ISPO is dedicated to ensuring that students not just succeed academically, but that they have what they need to stay healthy. The iTable program, in partnership with The Hub, provides anyone in our international student community facing food insecurity with resources such as a food packet or gift card. Additionally, the iTable program has expanded to help support those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19-related challenges.
ISPO also partners with Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
to provide support for international students physically in the state of California who may need help navigating challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, social and romantic issues, and crisis intervention. CAPS providers can provide therapy in different languages including Mandarin, Spanish, Farsi, Khmer, Japanese, Nepali and Hebrew, and all services are confidential and free of charge.
In Closing
With our international student community now located across the globe, we are here to assist them as they begin or continue their journey as a Triton. In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, ISPO wants to serve as a resource for all our campus colleagues who directly or indirectly work with our international student population. Our international students are likely feeling the challenges this year brings more acutely than most. Please know that we are only a phone call, email or Zoom meeting away! We value you as important partners of our campus community and look forward to working with you in this upcoming year.
ISPO is here for you – welcome to Fall quarter!
Sincerely,
Dulce Amor L. Dorado
Director, International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)
UC San Diego
