Written by Colin McEvoy | October 14, 2024 | SHARE
Lehigh University’s International Student Advisory Board aims to strengthen the international student experience by fostering community, providing critical feedback, and advocating for enhanced support services
Lehigh University’s Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) has launched an exciting new initiative called the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB). A diverse mix of students from around the world, this board provides critical feedback and recommendations to enhance the international student experience at Lehigh.
The board includes undergraduate and graduate students who serve as key advocates for Lehigh’s international student community. Its primary goal is to support OISS by identifying ways to improve programs and services, which range from social and cultural events to immigration support and resources for international students.
“I think it’s important for OISS to help us create connections, so we can be part of a community and not feel like an outsider,” said board member Hayley Pham ‘26, who is from Vietnam and is studying Industrial and Systems Engineering & Computer Science at Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science.
OISS plans to use this information to continue advocating for and amplifying the voices of Lehigh’s international students and scholars, according to Patricia Goldman, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement. They also plan to invite other offices to discussions to focus on campus-wide events.
ISAB will act as an ongoing focus group, engaging in dialogue with OISS staff, asking thoughtful questions, and proposing meaningful changes to better serve the university’s global population, according to Amanda Connolly, Director of International Students and Scholars at Lehigh.
In their most recent meeting on Oct. 7, ISAB members gathered to discuss a range of topics, including the array of programming offered by OISS. These programs include the International Bazaar, Friendsgiving, the Global Lehigh Family Friendship Program, movie nights, and various events designed to help international students integrate into campus life.
Goldman asked what programs and activities the students associate with OISS. In addition to events the office organizes, most of the students said assistance that the office provides on immigration matters. This includes maintaining student visas, ensuring that students have proper employment authorization for internships and post-graduate employment, and answering questions about immigration protocols, among other topics.
“If I have a question, OISS is the place I’m going to come to,” said Michael Olivier ‘27, a ISAB member from South Africa, who is studying Management at Lehigh’s College of Business. “If there’s something I don’t understand related to being an international student, this is where I’m going to start.”
Several students mentioned that the guidance OISS provides regarding tax-related issues is particularly helpful. “I always get so stressed about that,” said board member Aabiskar Thapa Kshetri ‘26, who is from Nepal and is studying Computer Science and Statistics at the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science.
The board also discussed the future of the Global Union, a student-led coalition representing more than 40 international and cultural student clubs. The Global Union is on pause for this academic year to allow for an assessment of the mission of the organization and determine how to best serve the current and future Lehigh community. The pause took place after a board could not be formed due to low interest from students in serving in leadership roles.
“This is something we really want your input on,” Patricia Goldman, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement, said during the meeting. “What does the future of the Global Union look like? What needs to change, and how can we get people excited about it.”
Looking ahead, ISAB will continue working closely with OISS to refine programming, advocate for international student needs, and ensure that Lehigh’s international community feels a strong sense of belonging.
For many international students, adjusting to a new place far from home can feel isolating, Connolly said. ISAB members play a vital role in amplifying their voices and helping to direct resources that make international students feel welcome and integrated into the Lehigh community.
By engaging students in dialogue and focusing on their diverse experiences, the board aims to make a lasting impact on campus, ensuring that future international students have the resources and support they need to thrive, Connolly said.
ISAB membership is open to all international students and students who are served by the Office of International Students & Scholars. This includes students on F-1 or J-1 visas, or those who have lived outside of the United States for a substantial period of time prior to coming to Lehigh.
Applications open once per year, and students are asked to serve one year terms, Goldman said. Students may serve multiple terms on ISAB.
The current members of ISAB include:
- Aabiskar Thapa Kshetri (Nepal)
- Benjamin Pauls (Germany)
- Chioma Chigozie-Okwum (Nigeria)
- Eileen Kandie (Kenya)
- Fathmat Bakayoko (Ivory Coast)
- Fareed ul Haq Khan (Pakistan)
- Haixin Wu (China)
- Hayley Pham (Vietnam)
- Luca Mandiya (Italy)
- Michael Olivier (South Africa)
- Nazrin Hasanova (Azerbaijan)
- Patience Chukwu (Nigeria)
- Subramanian Meyyappan (India)
- Natalie Kam (Hong Kong)
- Tinotenda Chibvuri (Zimbabwe)
- Zelalem Ayalew (Ethiopia)