Welcome our newest ISSS Advisor, Ranali!!

We would like to welcome our newest addition to the International Student Advisor team at our office! Ranali has joined the Advising team this April and is very excited to meet with all of our international students. Meet the rest of our team here. We hope to see you at our office!

Ranali Dewaraja

International Student Advisor

Hometown: I am originally from Sri Lanka- I have lived in San Jose for over 8 years

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy hiking and taking long walks.

Fun Facts: I love the beach because I grew up on an island and it reminds me of home

Studying abroad is a challenging yet rewarding journey and I am excited to support students during these pivotal years. I hope your time here at SJSU is enriching, memorable and filled with meaningful connections which last well beyond your studies.

Global Spartan Photo Contest 2025 Winners!

One of the many activities that happens during Global Spartan Month is our Global Spartan Photo Contest. This year we had 49 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

Nature’s Teddy Bear with Tusks

This photo is special to me because I personally love Lord Ganesha, who symbolizes wisdom and new beginnings. Seeing this elephant reminds me of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, where we welcome and honor Him with devotion. I admire elephants for their intelligence and gentle nature, and this image takes me back to childhood visits to temples where I watched them being worshipped and cared for.

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Second Place

Hitomi Tassone

Mitama Matsuri

I took this photo during a spontaneous late-night outing with friends near the end of my semester abroad. It was from one of the summer festivals, or “matsuri,” that I had attended while living in Tokyo, reminiscent of the matsuri from my childhood. The lanterns illuminate the path to the torii, the umbrellas reflect the summer’s rainy season, and the people gather to enjoy a cultural celebration.

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Third Place

Brittany Ngo

Jiufen A-Mei Teahouse

This photo is taken in front of A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan. Jiufen is a town located in northeastern Taiwan and is known for its looming mountains, narrow alleyways, and teahouses. Tea is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture, and I had the opportunity to visit A-Mei Teahouse and experience a traditional tea ritual while learning about how tea is farmed in the high mountain regions.

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Best Narrative

Rutuja Nemane

Miles Away, Yet Home Within

This photo depicts devotion, connection and pride. The beautifully adorned Ganesh idol, symbolizing wisdom and new beginnings, stands at the heart of our celebration. Ganesh Visarjan at SJSU turned a farewell into a homecoming. The dhol beats echoed our cultural roots, and every step carried unity. It reminds me that culture knows no boundaries, it lives wherever hearts unite to celebrate it.

Spring 2025 ISSS Events So Far…

It’s close to being a month since the Spring 2025 semester has started! (that’s crazy!) ISSS has had many events in this short amount of time (about 30)! We had our Global Spartan Welcome for the new incoming international students and Campus Tours lead by our Global Leaders in the few weeks ahead of the spring semester starting, then once the semester started we had our staple International Welcome and Grad Panel Networking events just to name a few. Below are some of the events that we wanted to highlight. We will have many more events during the semester so keep a lookout on our Instagram page (@sjsuinternational) and our events webpage for all of our upcoming events!! March is Global Spartan Month where there will be many different kinds of events, a fair and many opportunities to connect with fellow Global Spartans!

International Grad Panel & Networking 

For this event we had around 62 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 Suhaa Ahmed an Urban Planning major from India, Ambarish Govindarajulu Kaliamurthi a Computer Engineering major from India, Bokyung Kang a Counseling & Guidance major from Korea, and Dimple Mulchandani a Biomedical Engineering major from India. After the panel, students were able to mingle, network and speak with staff from the Career Center.

 

 

 

 

International Welcome

At the start of the semesters, we host an International Welcome event to welcome in new and returning international students. This semester’s theme was Back to Childhood. About 60 students were able to join us in playing throwback games from childhood, connect with other students and also learn about other cultures! Students had fun playing Passing the Pillow (Hot Potato), Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and Rochambeau Train! Special shout out to the committee leads: Sanya Mandhyan, Piero Miranda 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 Spring 2025 we’ll meet every Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 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 Spring 2025 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 Fun & Games on Feb 17, Come game with us!

 

Global Leader Chats

Our Global Leader team facilitated chats that covered different topics from tours to advice. This semester we’ve had Global Leader Chats with topics that included, 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 Feb 19  and Feb 24 respectively so you still have time to join and experience a Global Leader Chat!

 

Join the Global Spartan Photo Contest!!

March is Global Spartan Month (GSM) where we celebrate international education and exchange! During GSM we offer many events and opportunities to learn about diverse cultures and also a space where you can share your own. You can also learn about opportunities to study abroad, make global connections and also expand your knowledge about the #GlobalSpartans community! See our Global Spartan Month website for more details on events!

One of the featured events that takes place is the Photo Contest. Students can submit photos and a narrative from students who have experience in one of our study abroad programs and/or 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.

Last year we had an amazing pool of 43 photo submissions! See our past blog posts for the winning submissions.

Submissions for this year have started from January 21 and will be open until Feb 17th at 11:59pm.

Scholar Spotlight: Jose Ignacio de Alvear Cardenas

Jose Ignacio de Alvear Cardenas is a visiting scholar from Delft University of Technology and is an Aerospace Engineering Master’s Graduate. Read more about Jose below!

Which SJSU department/college are you affiliated with?

SJSU Human Factors Program – NASA Ames Research Center

What is your role here at SJSU? What do you hope to accomplish during your time here?

SJSURF Project Associate working at NASA Ames.

I would like to contribute to a project of national or worldwide impact in the fields of aircraft operations, robotics and/or AI with the ambition of positively impacting millions within years reach, while being supervised by world-class experts in the field.

Fortunately, I am working for SJSURF at NASA Ames as part of the Airspace Operations Lab, and our work is focused on the integration of new vehicles in the current airspace, such as drones, Urban Air Mobility or air taxis, balloons and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALEs) vehicles.

In my case, I am mostly focused on drones. Nowadays, one of the main reasons why we do not see drones flying in urban areas is that they are constrained to the visual line of sight of the pilot. So, during my time here, I am excited to be working on a project in collaboration with the FAA and industry that will help realize scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations such that vehicles can be piloted from a distance or fly autonomously. This will enable the introduction of new services and vehicle types at a national level in the years to come.

What do you enjoy most about SJSU or your time here in the U.S.?

Beyond the academic and professional sphere, my time in the U.S. has allowed me to explore some of the most astonishing natural landscapes in the world. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe to the breathtaking vistas of Yosemite National Park, I’ve been fortunate to witness the sheer majesty of nature. In Lake Tahoe, I also traded my hiking boots for skis and embraced the thrill of downhill skiing amidst the picturesque snow-capped mountains. Stinson Beach provided scenic hiking trails that led to a refreshing plunge into the cool waters. And in Santa Cruz, I embraced the California surfing culture and caught waves in the Pacific Ocean. These remarkable destinations not only provided moments of tranquility but also filled my time in the U.S. with thrilling outdoor adventures and unforgettable memories.

Moreover, my time in the U.S. has been instrumental in expanding my professional network. The Bay Area, known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, has provided abundant opportunities for networking. I’ve had the privilege of attending multiple networking events organized by incubators, start-ups, and embassies, where I could connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential collaborations and learn about branches of knowledge that are very distant from my area of expertise. Additionally, I was honored to be invited as a panelist at an event hosted by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, where I had the unique opportunity to share my expertise in AI and its societal impacts. We delved not only into the future potential of AI and its associated risks but also explored the essence of what it means to be human.

Finally, one of the things I have enjoyed the most is to learn about the diverse American culture. The region of California, particularly the Bay Area, is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and cuisines, providing a rich tapestry of experiences. The hospitality of the American people has been a constant throughout my journey, making me feel welcome and at home. Despite being far from my family, the genuine kindness of strangers has left a lasting impression, making my time in the U.S. not only professionally rewarding but also incredibly enriching on a personal level.

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

Spain is a country that thrives on diversity. From the food we savor to the landscapes we explore, there’s an astonishing array of experiences awaiting anyone who visits or gets to know my homeland. One thing I want others to understand about Spain is that there are not two places in the country that are exactly the same, making it a truly unique and captivating destination.

When it comes to Spanish cuisine, the diversity is astounding. Each region boasts its own culinary traditions and specialties, resulting in a food lover’s paradise. From the iconic paella of Valencia to the hearty stews of Castilla y León, and the fresh seafood of Galicia, you can embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you in awe. Tapas vary from one corner of Spain to another, showcasing local flavors and ingredients.

Spain is not a monolithic culture; each region has its own language or dialect, traditions, and unique cultural practices. From the ancient Basque traditions in the North to the lively flamenco traditions of Andalusia in the South, Spain is a patchwork of rich regional identities.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, Spain offers an astonishing range of landscapes. In the North, you’ll find lush, green hills and dramatic coastlines along the Cantabrian Sea, while the South boasts the arid beauty of Andalusia’s deserts and the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean. Spain also features the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. The country’s diverse geography leads to an equally diverse climate, from the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to the snowy slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama near Madrid.

In summary, similar to the US, Spain is a land of diversity, where culinary delights, regional customs, and natural wonders come together to create an enchanting mosaic. So, when you think of Spain, think of a place where there are not two spots alike, where every corner is a new adventure waiting to be discovered. 

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

Firstly, the American way of life often revolves around personal vehicles, which came as a surprise after living in the Netherlands for seven years, where public transportation and bicycles are more common. In the U.S., a car is indispensable for everyday tasks, from grocery shopping to accessing healthcare services. Furthermore, having a car is vital to fully experience the breathtaking natural landscapes that the U.S. offers, as many of these locations are not easily reachable without personal transportation. If you don’t already have a driver’s license, obtaining one can significantly enhance your mobility and overall quality of life during your stay in the U.S. In my case, I am now in the process of obtaining mine.

Secondly, the U.S. visa process is a complex and time-consuming endeavor, and it’s essential to be well-informed about the requirements and potential challenges that can arise before and during your stay. It’s vital to stay on top of the subject and to work closely with your sponsoring institution, seeking expert guidance from immigration professionals when needed.

What message do you have for our Global Spartan community?

Studying or working abroad is an incredible journey of growth, learning, and exploration that will leave an indelible mark on your life and career. For those of us that yearn to explore the world, with luck our lives span as little as 100 years, so seize every opportunity you have to burst the bubble you live in, get out of your comfort zone and discover how other parts of the world think and what makes them tick; their goals and dreams.

Given the extremely polarized world we are witnessing, it’s now more crucial than ever to bridge gaps, build connections, and foster a global perspective. By immersing yourself in different cultures, you not only expand your horizons but also become a catalyst for positive change. You become a bridge between nations, a unifier of ideas, and a champion of understanding. Let curiosity be your compass, and let the world be your classroom; the world is waiting for you to make your mark!

Recent adventures!

The photos in this post are from recent adventures that I’ve been on! I was able to visit Sequoia National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Santa Cruz, and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia! Fun Fact about General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park is that by volume, it’s the largest known living single-term tree on Earth!