Author Archives: Parinaz Zartoshty

Happy Thanksgiving and reminders about travel and events

On behalf of the entire ISSS team, I would like to extend our best wishes to you for a restful and peaceful Thanksgiving break. We remain hopeful that with time, we will be able to see each and every one of you in person. However in the meantime, it is critical that you continue to stay strong, committed to self-care and continue to persevere. We acknowledge that this has been a challenging semester filled with uncertainties. The ISSS team continues to be here to support you, as you reach the milestone end of a semester.

Overseas Travel During Winter Break: We recognize that many of you miss your families and are considering traveling abroad for the winter break. As always, please be cautious in making that decision, but especially during these extenuating circumstances. Because of the pandemic and continued travel restrictions, your re-entry to the United States is not guaranteed. However, we also understand if you feel compelled to take that risk to be with your family. If that is the case, please make certain to review the information on this page regarding required documents once you seek re-entry into the United States. Please know that we cannot predict how your re-entry may be affected, as the experience at the port of entry is unique to each individual. Finally, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has not yet released their guidance for spring 2021. Once they do, we will be updating our website so please be sure to check back here for more up to date information.

Upcoming Programming/Events: We also want to remind you about our upcoming programming and ways to stay engaged and connected with our community. We are doing a special Thanksgiving-themed Tea Time on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26) from 3-4pm (PST) via Zoom, and plan on hosting several social events over the winter break. You can find the latest information on our events page, by following us on Instagram @SJSUinternational, or subscribing to our ISSS Views & News blog.

Finally, thank you for being part of our vibrant Global Spartan community. We are grateful for all of you and admire your continued resilience during an incredibly challenging year. Wishing you much hope, peace and joy. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break! 

Best wishes for the fall 2020 semester!

“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” – Dr. Maya Angelou

Parinaz Zartoshty,
Director of ISSS

As we start an unprecedented fall semester, I do want to acknowledge the challenges and obstacles you have all faced and overcome to continue or to start your studies here at SJSU. Amidst the backdrop of a pandemic, multiple immigration regulatory changes, social unrest and natural disasters, you have persevered and continued with your studies. I am constantly amazed by the dedication, determination and resilience of all of you, our Global Spartan community. 

Please know that all of us in International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) are proud of you and commend you on your tenacity. Although this semester and this moment in history are different than any other you may have experienced or will experience, we know that you will continue to thrive. The ISSS team is here to support you, albeit virtually. We have expanded our advising availability so please schedule an appointment with an advisor for the more complex questions or stop by for a quick question during our daily zoom Q&A sessions.

We hope that you will continue to stay engaged by participating in the virtual programming offerings this fall. Many special workshops have been developed to address issues we are encountering, grappling with and addressing this semester (i.e. social justice, diversity and inclusion, etc.) and beyond. There are also multiple virtual social gatherings, so take advantage and stay connected with your peers through these various events. Tap into our wonderful Global Leaders who continue to be an amazing resource for you and offer a unique peer to peer perspective.

Most importantly, please continue to practice self-care. These are extenuating circumstances and we are all experiencing mixed emotions on a daily basis, so don’t hesitate to reach out so we can connect you with the appropriate resources on campus. As President Papazian shared in her recent message, SJSU has created the Spartan Community Promise, which we hope you will join: As Spartans, we can make a difference.

Finally, welcome to the fall 2020 semester. I am confident that you will acquire new skills, continue to challenge yourselves and will come out stronger and more resilient than ever.  We are so proud of you and all that you bring to our campus and our classrooms. Best of luck as you start this next chapter and embark on the journey of the fall 2020 semester!