Our 2023-2024 Global Leader team hails from India, Myanmar, Nigeria, 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

Avinash Mangalore Suresh

Major: MS Computer Science, 3rd semester

Hometown: Mysuru, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Being in a new place with different people, cultures, lifestyles, along with new responsibilities like classes, assignments, jobs can get intimidating at times. But remember, you’re not the first to face these, and you won’t be the last. Just buckle down, seek some advice when needed, and above all, never loose hope.

Dania Jaison

Major: MS Computer Science, 3rd semester

Hometown: Kochi, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to SJSU! So thrilled to have you here and look forward to sharing incredible experiences together.

Devansh Bansal

Major: MS Software Engineering, 3rd semester

Hometown: Chandigarh, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to SJSU! Devansh here.

I am a graduate student in software engineering and a current global leader at ISSS. I am from Chandigarh, India, and came to the US in the fall of 2022 after wrapping up my 3-year stint as a software engineer at Microsoft. I have immensely enjoyed my time here at SJSU and am looking forward to starting the new semester and interacting with incoming students.

PS: You may find me rollerblading on campus carrying an Insta 360 selfie stick!

Jeet Parekh 

Major: MS Data Analytics, 4th semester

Hometown: Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to our diverse and vibrant community of international students! Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

Joyce Lewis

Major: MS Civil Engineering

Hometown: Nigeria

Michelle Law

Major: BA International Business, Senior

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Make lots of friends and travel!

Nick Shein

Major: BS Business MIS, Junior

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!

Sarthak Chauhan

Major: BS Computer Science, Sophomore 

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.

Shanivi Gupta

Major: MS Human Factors/Ergonomics, 4th semester

Hometown: New Delhi, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Hey there, international students, a warm welcome to you all! Here’s to making meaningful connections, embarking on a journey of personal growth and embracing every new adventure that comes your way during your stay here. Remember, we are here for you! So, if the road ever gets a bit bumpy or you simply want to chat, know that we’re just a message away! Go Spartans!

Shanmukha Sri Harsha Anivilla

Major: MS Computer Science, 3rd semester

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

Welcome to the SJSU family. We, here at ISSS, are here to support you on your academic journey and help make your experience unforgettable.

Vinav Raj

Major: BS Management Information Systems, Junior

Hometown: Foster City, CA 

What message do you have for our Global Spartan Community?

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

Saketh Kamatham

Saketh is a Spring 2023 graduate who is one of our amazing speakers at this semester’s graduation celebration! He has been involved with our iSucceed Mentorship Program as a mentor for a few years.

Major: MS Computer Science

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

View Saketh’s Speech at our Spring/Summer 2023 ISSS Graduation Celebration event!

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a Software Engineer with Apple. The curriculum design for the MS Computer Science Program at SJSU helps me a lot in pursuing this goal as it is designed to impart the necessary knowledge and practical skills that I would need to get to my dream Job. SJSU also has many opportunities to hone your leadership skills and build connections, which I believe will add a lot of value in achieving my goal.

What types of activities are you involved in at SJSU or in the community?

International Peer Mentor – iSucceed Mentorship Program

Team Member (Media) – SJSU Hike Club

Volunteer – SJSU Garden

What is something that you want others to know about your hometown, home country or culture?

Hyderabad is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and is known as the “City of Pearls” for its famous pearl trade. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Charminar, an impressive monument built in the 16th century, and the historic Golconda Fort. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes spicy biryanis, haleem, and kebabs. The people of Hyderabad are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it a wonderful place to visit or live in.

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

The people, the opportunities, the culture and the overall environment.

Where is your favorite spot on our campus and why?

My favorite Spot would be the SJSU Student Union. It has games, food, the bookstore and a great place to relax.

What do you wish you would have known sooner about life in the U.S. or being at SJSU?

It’s important to be proactive and take advantage of the many resources available to us and the people at SJSU are very friendly and helpful.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan community?

To our Global Spartan community, I want to emphasize the importance of balancing academic success with mental and physical health. As students, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of coursework and extracurricular activities, but it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and seek out campus resources when needed. I want to remind our community to have fun and enjoy the college experience. While academic success is important, college is also a time for personal growth, exploration, and making lasting memories. Don’t be afraid to try new things, join clubs and organizations, and connect with your fellow Spartans. Remember that difficulties are temporary and that with the right mindset and support, you can overcome any challenge.

Alyssa Ung

Alyssa is one of the first faces that you will see when you walk into the CPGE building so make sure to say hi!

Major: MS Human Factors

Hometown: Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be a User Experience (UX) Designer/Researcher. Being in such a diverse community at SJSU, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my network and connect with students, faculty, and staff that have enriched my learning experience. Also being in the heart of Silicon Valley, I am exposed to the myriad of opportunities in the tech world.

What types of activities are you involved in at SJSU or in the community?

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES SJSU Student Chapter), Girls Who Code (GWC), Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), iSucceed International Peer Mentor Program

What is something that you want others to know about your hometown, home country or culture?

Penang is a beautiful island and I think everyone should visit! Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and our unique blend of cultures makes our food extra special. Our unofficial national dish is Nasi Lemak which is fragrant coconut rice with spicy sambal, often also topped with cucumbers, an egg and crispy fried anchovies. The dish is said to be a representation of Malaysia because each component is independent on its own yet delicious when mixed together. Personally, I think that it is because the dish is very adaptable to the influences from each culture with delicious variations of nasi lemak dishes available all around the country.

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

Most probably the community. Campus organizations do a good job of hosting events that cater to the diverse community giving me the opportunity to experience and explore different things.

Where is your favorite spot on our campus and why?

I love hanging out at the Student Wellness Lounge. I get really productive with my work there. I also love the Ginger Market because they have various Asian snacks and different cup/bowl noodles.

What do you wish you would have known sooner about life in the U.S. or being at SJSU?

Help is everywhere. Don’t be shy at asking for help. It can get lonely being away from family and home but more often than not, other people are feeling the same. So lean on your community and ask for help when you need it.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan community?

You get as much as you give! Get involved with clubs and organizations to make the most out of your college experience. It also looks great on your resume.

Ali Sherpa

Ali has been one of our amazing peer mentors in the iSucceed Mentorship program since Fall 2021. 

Major: BS in Biology with minor in Chemistry

Home Country: Kathmandu, Nepal

Why did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?

I wanted to help fellow international students navigate through their college life in a new country. As an international student myself, I think I understand their concerns and can relate to them on many levels.

What types of activities are you involved in at SJSU or in the community?

Vice president of  Global Student Network

Treasurer of Women Wellness Organization

Club Coordinator in International House

Where is your favorite spot on our campus and why?

My favorite spot is the 5th floor of MLK library. I like to study there and enjoy the view as well.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan community?

Please help one another as we are all here to build our future. Being kind will make yours and someone else’s day.