Author Archives: Lena Meadows

Fall 2024 ISSS Events So Far…

The Fall 2024 semester has officially started! ISSS has had an event for most every day in August. Our events started with the Campus Tours and Global Spartan Welcome for our new international students starting this fall and the most recent events International Welcome Olympic Games and Global Connections Kick Off. The start of every semester tends to have lots of events so we wanted to highlight the ones that we have had so far. We will have many more events during the semester so keep a lookout on our Instagram page (@sjsuinternational) and our website (https://www.sjsu.edu/isss/events-programs/) for all of our upcoming events!!

 

International Grad Panel & Networking 

For this event we had around 175 attendees! They were able to listen to a group of international graduate students share about their experiences here at SJSU and share any work experience they may have had or experiences searching for a job. Our panelists this year were Bokyung Kang a Counseling & Guidance major from Korea, Nawal Nazar a Nutritional Science major from Kuwait, and Suhaas Teja Vijjiagiri a Computer Science major from India. After the panel, students were able to mingle, network and speak with staff from the Career Center.

 

 

 

Global Leader Chats

Our Global Leader team facilitated chats that covered different topics from tours to advice. This year we have 5 Global Leader Chats with topics that included a Virtual Downtown Tour, SJSU First Steps, Making Friends & Getting Involved, Time Management, and Study & Job Search Tips. Each chat has had great turn out and great conversions! Our last 2 Chats (Time Management, and Study & Job Search Tips) will happen on Sept 4 and Sept 11 respectively so you still have time to join and experience a Global Leader Chat!

Global Get Together

We hosted our first Global Get Together this year! This event was centered around connecting SJSU students who’ve studied abroad with current International Exchange Students from our overseas partner universities. We had over 30 students come and make new friends while playing games, sharing similar global experiences, chatting and having a good time!

 

 

 

International Welcome: Olympic Games

For the past few years, we’ve hosted an International Welcome at the start of the fall semester to welcome in our new and returning international students. This year was our biggest turn out yet with more than 200 people joining in on the fun! This year was an Olympic Games theme where students were split into different teams to battle against each other in various games. Games where: Build a tower using marshmallows and spaghetti, balloon trashcan shooting, ping pong ball passing with spoons, and pick up cups with balloons. Congratulations to our Olympic winning team, Team 6!!!! Shout out to the committee leads: Nick Shein, Sanya Mandhyan, and Dimple Mulchandani!

Global Connections: Kick Off 

Global Connections is a weekly meetup where each week we focus on a different theme. Students can come  to connect with people from around the world, explore cultural topics, and learn tips for improving your overall well being. It is open to all students. In Fall 2024 we’ll meet every Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. (PT). Please refer to the schedule on our webpage for all the topics and locations!. Everyone is welcome! For our first Global Connections of the Fall 2024 semester we had a Kick Off event where we had a large turn out! We were able to have meaningful conversations, play games, eat some snacks. Our next Global Connections will be focusing on Making Friends & Getting Involved on Sept 9, Join us!!

Meet your 2024-2025 Global Leaders!!

Our 2024-2025 Global Leader team hails from India, Myanmar, China, Peru and right here in the U.S. They are a mix of both undergraduate and graduate students with majors ranging from various Engineering departments, Data Analytics, Human Factors/Ergonomics, and Business. While they may come from different cultural backgrounds and have different academic pursuits, one thing they all have in common is their commitment to supporting SJSU international students. Read their welcome messages, and view their welcome video here

Ambarish Govindarajulu Kaliamurthi

Major: MS Computer Science, 2nd semester

Hometown: Chennai, India

Favorite spot on Campus?

MLK Library, SJSU Rose Garden

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Hey new Spartans, welcome to SJSU! Any Questions? Come to CPGE Front desk. Also, To Infinity and Beyond 🚀! 

Dimple Mulchandani

Major: MS Biomedical Engineering, 4th semester

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Favorite spot on Campus?

Spartan Recreation Center

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Your time here will shape you in countless ways. Immerse yourself in the culture, challenge your perspectives, and grow into the best version of yourself.

Nick Shein

Major: BS Management Information Systems, Senior

Hometown: Myanmar

Favorite spot on Campus?

Gym, Bowling, Starbucks

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to SJSU! Make sure to make as many connections as you can! Trust me it will be worth it! If you see me on campus come say hi!

Piero Alejandro Miranda Mello

Major: BS Applied Mathematics, Junior

Hometown: Lima Peru

Favorite spot on Campus?

SRAC

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Hola Hola! I am Piero from Peru and I have been in San Jose for 2 years. I am excited to meet everyone!

Rui Zhang

Major: BS Computer Science, Senior

Hometown: Wuhan, China

Favorite spot on Campus?

Spartan Recreation

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to our vibrant university! We’re thrilled to have you here and can’t wait for you to experience the diverse and enriching journey ahead.

Sanya Mandhyan

Major: BS Data Science, Sophomore

Hometown: West Bengal, India

Favorite spot on Campus?

Towe Lawn

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Hey there, global Spartans! We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome you to our amazing community. Dive in, enjoy every moment, and embrace all the new experiences ahead. Remember, it’s all about balancing fun and focus. Excited to see you around! Here’s to making the most of both!

Sarthak Chauhan

Major: BS Computer Science, Junior

Hometown: Delhi, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome Global Spartans, I hope that you enjoy your time here at SJSU while elevating yourself through academics. Me and my team hope to see you at the future events.

Suhaa Ahmed

Major: Urban Planning, 3rd semester

Hometown: Bangalore, India

Favorite spot on Campus?

Student Union

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to SJSU. Now you all are officially part of the Spartan community. Hope you all have a great time and accomplish your goals whilst enjoying. 

Suhaas Teja Vijjagiri

Major: MS Computer Engineering, 3rd semester

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Favorite spot on Campus?

MLK Library

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Vinav Raj

Major: BS Management Information Systems, Senior

Hometown: Foster City, California

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to SJSU, and try to make as many friends as you can!

Global Spartan Photo Contest 2024 Winners!

The month of March is Global Spartan Month and one of the many fun activities that we have is the annual Global Spartan Photo Contest. This year, our Global Spartan Photo Contest had 43 amazing photo and narrative submissions from students who have experience in one of our study abroad programs and our international students. The Global Spartan Month Planning Committee selects the winner of the Most Impactful Narrative prize and also determines our set of finalists. Finalists then have their photographs and narratives posted on our Instagram pages, at the Global Spartan Fair and at the Global Games event. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo entry and to all those who voted. Congratulations to all our finalists and a special congratulations to our winners.

First Place

Sharat Hiremath

Ganesha’s Grace: A Festive Portrait

This Ganesha Chaturthi portrait captures the rich cultural tapestry of Hindu spirituality. The vibrant colors, intricate details, & the divine presence of Lord Ganesha symbolize the auspicious celebration of new beginnings. This photo holds personal significance as it embodies the cultural heritage that resonates deeply within me, connecting to spirituality & the joyous festivities of Ganesha.

Second Place

San Vu

My Seoulmates

This is the moment that I have been dreaming of! To walk around Gyeongbokgung Palace in traditional Korean hanboks with my new friends. While the city of Seoul sparks with new technology and innovation, walk into the next street and you will find gems like Gyeongbokgung, the oldest and largest palace standing at 629 years old. Pictured are 4 strangers turned housemates turned friends! 🙂

Third Place

Trusha Thakore

Haldi Ceremony

The photo was taken on the day of “Haldi rasam/ceremony”. It is a pre-wedding ritual in India and is also called “Pithi ceremony”. It is a tradition in which the body of bride and groom are applied with a paste of turmeric, sandalwood and other ingredients. The yellow color is considered auspicious and keeps the couple away from evil eye. The celebration is filled with dance, music and laughter.

Best Narrative

Madison Cross

Blossoming Cultural Experiences

This photo was taken on my first excursion in Vietnam, a day I had no idea what to expect with little knowledge of the language. Despite the language barrier, this lovely woman who was in charge of rowing our boat stopped to pick a flower and give it to me. It was the most welcoming and thoughtful gesture that brought the two of us together. Soon after she let me sit and row the boat with her!!

ISSS has Moved & Meet our Student Assistants!

As some of you may know, ISSS has moved locations! Don’t worry, we’re still in the same building but just on the first floor! When walking into the CPGE building, sign in at the front desk with our amazing student assistants using the computer. Wait in the lobby area and an advisor will come out and walk you back to our cubes. 

Meet our Front Desk Student Assistants below!

 

Sai Mouna Bogireddy

Major: MS Software Engineering 

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Fun fact about yourself?

I have an in-built dessert radar

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

I enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Stay positive and be kind!

Sarthak Chauhan

Major: BS Computer Science

Hometown: Delhi, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome Global Spartans, I hope that you enjoy your time here at SJSU while elevating yourself through academics. Me and my team hope to see you at the future events.

Michelle Law

Major: BS Business Admin/International Business

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Fun fact about yourself?

I can’t taste avocados 

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

Meeting new friends and spending time by going to on campus events

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Live your college life to your fullest and try to travel and have as much fun as you can before you start work obligations

Priyanka Sharma

Major: MS Computer Engineering

Hometown: Amravati,India

Fun fact about yourself?

I really like music, and I can remember all the lyrics to songs. It’s like my brain is a super good music player!

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

I particularly enjoy the vibrant and diverse community at SJSU. The mix of people with various backgrounds and perspectives creates a dynamic and enriching environment. Embracing this diversity enhances our learning experience, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. It adds a unique and positive dimension to my time at SJSU.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

In India, there’s a saying: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “The world is one family.” This idea aligns with the diverse community we have at SJSU. Let’s cherish our differences, recognizing that we’re all part of the same global Spartan family. Embracing this sentiment, let’s foster understanding and create a welcoming environment for everyone in our community.

Nick Shein

Major: BS Business MIS, 

Hometown: Myanmar

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Make a lot of new friends and connections! They are worth it, trust me!

Show & Movie Recommendations

The Global Connections theme this past Monday was about international shows and movies (because who doesn’t like to watch them?). Everyone had a lot of fun talking and sharing their favorite movies from both their home country and shows that they may have recently seen. Watching shows from diverse countries is a fun and great way to learn about other cultures and familiarize yourself with various languages! Below are some show & movie recommendations from fellow students at the Global Connections meeting, Global Leaders, and ISSS Staff members! Learn more about Global Connections here and join us next time!

Student Recommendations:

TV Series Movies
The Brother Sun (U.S) A Separation (Iran)
Samdal-ri (South Korea) Cook Up a Storm (Hong Kong, China)
Trapped [Indian Movie] (India)
KGF (India)

 

Global Leaders Recommendations:

TV Series Movies
Kingdom (South Korea) Meet Joe Black (U.S)
The Family Man (India) Rurouni Kenshin (Japan)
Atlanta (U.S) Captain Miller (India)
Athadu (India)

 

 ISSS Staff Recommendations:

TV Series Movies
Gilmore Girls (U.S) Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (U.S)
The Last of Us (U.S) Polite Society (U.K)
Letterkenny (Canada) Bend it Like Beckham (U.K)
Reservation Dogs (U.S) Elemental (U.S)