ISE Student Advisory Committee-old
The International Student Experience Student Advisory Committee (ISESAC) provides advice and feedback to staff representatives from the Centre for International Experience (CIE) on the strategic direction, services, physical space, and programming related to international student experience on the U of T St. George campus.
The responsibilities of the committee are to:
- Advise on and recommend improvements to international student experience (ISE) services and programs (health insurance, legal status services, building community, understanding U of T and enrichment programs)
- Advise on student outreach efforts throughout the University
- Assist with identifying new programs and initiatives
- Recommend future directions and possible areas for development
The advisory committee meets up to 6 times in an academic year (approximately 1-2 times per semester).
ISESAC consists of up to 10 registered U of T St. George campus students:
- At least two international students* in an undergraduate program studying full-time or part-time
- At least two international students in a professional faculty or graduate program studying full-time or part-time
ISESAC aims to include representation from a range of home countries, programs, and experiences. Applications from racialized students, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation university students, and students with disabilities are highly encouraged.
All representatives serve for a one-year term. For 2023-2024, the term will run from April to April. A student may be reappointed for up to one additional year.
If a student resigns from the committee prior to the end of term, the vacancy will be filled by a new applicant.
Students will earn CCR recognition for participating in the committee. Please note that students must attend at least 4 meetings a year in order to qualify for CCR recognition.
*Priority is given to international students, but domestic students with relevant experience may be considered (e.g. those with refugee status, recent newcomers).
Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 term!
To apply, please fill out the Microsoft Form before April 16th, 10:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact cie.information@utoronto.ca.
Se-hee (Selina) jang
Year and program of study: 4th year, Physiology and Health and Disease Major / Spanish Minor .
As an international student who embarked on a journey away from my home country in 2014, I have developed a strong inclination to support fellow international students in adapting to unfamiliar environments, just as I did when I first arrived in the United States. During my middle and high school years, resources like the Centre for International Experience (CIE) at the University of Toronto were not available, leaving me to navigate the challenges on my own, resulting in feelings of confusion and disorientation. However, upon entering university, I encountered CIE’s workshops and events, including informative sessions addressing study permits and SIN numbers, which inspired me to become a member of the International Student Experience Student Advisory Committee (ISESAC).
Being personally acquainted with the hardships faced by international students, I am motivated to contribute my time and effors to ISESAC, driven by a desire to provide the support and guidance that I once wished for. By leveraging my own experiences and insights, I am to advocate for improved resources and initiatives that will facilitate the transition and integration of international students into the University of Toronto community.
Through my involvement with ISESAC, I aspire to foster an environment where international students feel welcomed, informed, and supported. By actively participating in the committee’s activities, I will work towards enhancing the programs and services offered by CIE, ensuring that future international students have access to the guidance and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Charlotte choy
Year and program of study: Third year undergraduate, Psychology Specialist and Education & Society Minor.
As international students, we often face additional challenges apart from academics such as language barriers, cultural differences, and living alone. In the past two years, the pandemic has made the whole situation more complicated and worse. Many international students described the process as “a tough transition”. Being a member of ISESAC allows me to give comments and feedback based on my own experience and observations to the CIE directly, especially in ways to promote resources to more international students. Ultimately, I hope to create a welcoming environment for all international students and a positive, vibrant community at the University of Toronto.
yuqing wu
Year and program of study: Fourth year undergraduate, Human Biology and Cell & Molecular Biology Major, Physiology Minor
As an international student at the University of Toronto, I understand the challenges of being away from home and adapting to a new culture. My passion for exploring different countries and cultures has given me valuable insights into the difficulties faced by students studying abroad.
During my undergraduate years, I participated in a CIE exchange program in Singapore, where I experienced the local life and research environment. This firsthand experience deepened my empathy for international students who may feel disconnected and isolated.
Joining ISESAC, I hope to contribute to improving the international student experience at the university. I am to create a welcoming environment, address cultural integration and communication difficulties, and promote access to support and resources.
By sharing my experiences and collaborating with the committee, I want to make a positive impact and help international students feel valued, supported, and connected. Together, we can enhance the university’s programs and services for international students and foster a vibrant community.
Juliana rivas torrente
After having a great first year at UofT as an international student, I decided to join ISESAC with the hope of giving back to the community that has welcomed me whilst also working towards programs and changes that can facilitate the international student experience. Moving far away from home to engage and discover the opportunities the university has to offer comes with a series of challenges that can go unnoticed by many. I aspire to shine light upon issues such as home sickness, imposter syndrome as well as any language barriers that might come into play. Most importantly, however, I want to create and improve access to support for international students who must adjust to and navigate a campus, country and culture that is foreign to them. I hope to work collaboratively in the committee to achieve quantifiable results that benefit international students directly.
Utkarsh mali
I’m Utkarsh Mali (he/him), a first-year PhD student in the Department of Physics. In my research I look at gravitational waves, and I’m part of the LIGO observatory. Being an ISESAC mentor I’m able to act as a bridge between the university/CIE administration and, us, the international student body. I joined the team because I wanted to improve the international student experience. I did my undergrad at UofT (I went to Vic!) I’m happy to talk to any students on my experience transitioning into university and living in Toronto, so please reach out if you have any questions. When I’m not working, you can find me going on runs, playing sports and generally being outdoors”
Varruna kumar
Hello, I am Varruna (she/her), I am a second year Master of Social Work student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. I am happy to join ISESAC to reflect on my experiences as an international student, provide constructive feedback to the CIE team and provide helpful insights to incoming and existing international students to enhance their overall experience at the University of Toronto.
Eugenia lapania
Year and program of study: 3rd year, Double Major in Political Science and Ethics, Society, & Law
As an international student, I have struggled with adapting to a new country and a new education system. I especially understand the struggles of transitioning to university with English as a second language and learning how to adapt to a language different from my native one. Throughout my first two years at U of T, I have learned how to adapt to this new environment with the help of CIE services for international students. As a member of ISESAC, I hope to further improve these services and assist a variety of international students to improve their experience at U of T. By providing advice through ISESAC, I want to help international students so they feel supported and enjoy their experience to the full extent.
Brandon ma
Year and Program of Study: 2nd year in Political Science and Contemporary Asian Studies
Every day I walk on our beautiful campus, I am constantly reminded by how incredibly dynamic our student population is. Represented by students from 170 countries and regions, UofT can easily be described as a perfect microcosm of Canada today owing to its diversity. Needless to say, a supportive community that accommodates the interests of many will go a long way in securing the university as a safe space for each student, whether international or domestic, to reach their academic success. To that end, I believe having an inclusive learning environment will be key to student empowerment, and I am grateful to have this opportunity this year at ISESAC where I can advocate on your behalf, so that your experience as an international student can be the best yet.
ghazal malik
Year and program of study: Second Year Graduate student in the Adult Education and Community Development program at OISE
Since arriving in Canada, I have been actively involved as a community volunteer, collaborating with various organizations. Throughout this period, I have developed a passion for assisting newcomers and realized the transformative power of these activities in promoting equity, justice, and inclusion. My support for international students began with volunteering at UofT’s orientation events. This experience was the cornerstone of my active involvement in the valuable programs and workshops organized by CIE. The opportunities at CIE helped me connect with the international community at UofT and gain insight into their unique challenges and aspirations.
Furthermore, the compassionate staff at CIE inspired me to contemplate how I could help enhance international students’ experience. ISESAC offers the ideal platform to express my concerns, champion international students’ interests, and extend my support by identifying innovative programs and resources, suggesting improvements to facilities, and recommending enhanced student services. Through active engagement with ISESAC, I aim to create a positive impact and foster a stronger sense of community for international students at UofT.
aadya pokhriyal
Hi everyone!
My name is Aadya Pokhriyal, and I’m an international student from India. I’m currently in my third year and double majoring in History with a focus in law and Human Geography.
I wanted to be an ISE ambassador because I wanted to help other, incoming international students at UofT! I’m most excited about being able to engage more with other international students and helping students with their transition to Toronto!
Some of my hobbies include sketching, cooking, and reading!
anisatu alhassan
Year and program of study: 2nd Year MHSc Candidate in the Translational Research in Health Sciences Program.
As an international student in Canada with no family over here, I encountered numerous hurdles, and those experiences and challenges drove me to be a part of this team.
Being a part of ISESAC allows me to share my experiences and work collaboratively with others to help devise ways to improve systems and prevent others from going through the same or similar challenges.
The call to be an ISESAC member was also an excellent opportunity for me as a passionate volunteer to serve others again.
The opportunity to provide support in identifying loops, helping international students navigate the complexities in the system, and helping improve the smooth transitioning of international students is an initiative I find great pleasure in being involved in.
Coming soon