The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) represents the voices of international students and advocates for the quality of life and success of the international student community at Old Dominion University. ISAB commits to engage and work closely with the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) and other university departments: to provide constructive feedback for improving current programs and services and to offer recommendations for new initiatives.
- Serve as an accessible and visible resource for the international student community.
- Create a supportive intercultural community among inernational and domestic students.
- Provide information about international students' concerns to Old Dominion University administration.
- Encourage leadership skills through discussions, collecting feedback, and advocating for the needs and increased visibility of the internatioal student community on the campus.
- Help shape the international student experience at the University.
- Gain leadership skills through advising and mentoring.
- Enhance public speaking and intercultural communication skills.
- Build relationships with international students, faculty and staff on campus.
- Create a stronger international presence at Old Dominion University.
The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) represents the voices of international students and advocates for the quality of life and success of the international student community at Old Dominion University. ISAB commits to engage and work closely with the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) and other university departments: to provide constructive feedback for improving current programs and services and to offer recommendations for new initiatives.
- Serve as an accessible and visible resource for the international student community.
- Create a supportive intercultural community among inernational and domestic students.
- Provide information about international students' concerns to Old Dominion University administration.
- Encourage leadership skills through discussions, collecting feedback, and advocating for the needs and increased visibility of the internatioal student community on the campus.
- Help shape the international student experience at the University.
- Gain leadership skills through advising and mentoring.
- Enhance public speaking and intercultural communication skills.
- Build relationships with international students, faculty and staff on campus.
- Create a stronger international presence at Old Dominion University.
Eligibility
Students who meet one of the following requirements may apply to serve on the ISAB:
- International undergraduate students who have accomplished at least two academic semesters with a minimum of 3.00 GPA
- International graduate students who maintain a minimum of a 3.50 GPA.
Faculty advisors may encourage qualified students to apply to serve on the ISAB.
Application Process
- Submit an application.
- The Faculty Advisor, President, Vice President, and Board members will conduct a group interview with applicants. At the very least, the President or Vice President and two Board members shall be present during the interviews and provide recommendations for the selection. The faculty advisor serves as an ex-official member at the interview. An interview shall be scheduled within 2 weeks after the receipt of a new application.
- Regular attendance and active participation in events is required.
Jem Baldisimo
President
- Country of Origin: Philippines
- Program of Study: Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences
- Status: Independent Member
"Serving through ISAB has allowed me to connect with more international students, with the greater ODU community, and with the greater Hampton Roads area. My experiences and learnings as a graduate student is made richer by the unique opportunity ISAB gives — a space to learn outside the classroom and create positive change in the lives of international students while using and further developing my skills and talents."
Ren-Neasha Blake
Vice President
- Country of Origin: Jamaica
- Program of Study: Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy
- Status: Fulbright Student Organization Representative
"I am passionate about serving and consider myself a servant leader. Being an ISAB member gives me the opportunity to connect with, and advocate for fellow international students at ODU. ISAB provides the ideal platform to not only hear students' concerns, but to assist in addressing them. You just never know when your actions will put a smile on someone's face and that is fulfilling."
Gyanendra Kharel
Past-President
- Country of Origin: Nepal
- Program: Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry
- Status: Independent Member
"Besides developing my leadership skills, ISAB has provided me a platform to teach me the value of teamwork and lets me give back to the international community."
Hameedullah Hassani
Academic Affairs, Chair
- Country of Origin: Afghanistan
- Program: M.A. Student in International Affairs
- Status: Independent Member
"ISAB is an opportunity for me to be engaged on campus and give back to the community. As an ISAB member, I am able to expand my network and get to hear about students from different backgrounds."
Sofia Calicchio
Student Life & Cultural Integration, Chair
- Country of Origin: Italy
- Program: M.A. Student in International Studies
- Status: Global Monarch Club (GMC) Representative
"ISAB allows me to connect with other international students across campus and advocate for their needs. Being the chair of the Student Life & Cultural Integration committee gives me the opportunity to engage with the international community and make sure international student voices are heard and amplified."
Ines Y
Public Relations, Chair
- Country of Origin: South Korea
- Program: M.S.Ed. student inEducational Leadership in Higher Education
- Status: Independent Member
"My involvement in ISAB aligns with my values to support and join in advocacy efforts with students of all backgrounds. International students carry incredible strengths and insight from various lenses, through ISAB I hope we can continue to build bridges to celebrate and strengthen the ODU community."
Zlatka Rebolledo Sanchez
Housing and Public Safety, Chair
- Country of Origin: Venezuela
- Program: Ph.D. student in Ecological Sciences
- Status: GMC / BGSO
"Being part of ISAB is a fantastic opportunity to represent and get involved in Old Dominion University to improve the diversity and inclusion on campus for the international community. For me, being part of ISAB means listening to others and being their voice to enhance conditions and provide equal opportunities."
Omotomilola Jegede
Administration and Finance, Chair
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
- Program: PhD Student in Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Status: Independent Member
"I love serving and serving with ISAB has given me a voice to better represent international students at ODU. This gives me a chance to better understand the needs of students, stay connected with various people from different parts of the world and advocate for students. This will in turn enhance my leadership and communication skills and serving with ISAB will help shape the future and lives of other students here at ODU."
Swati Mishra
Housing and Public Safety
- Country of Origin:
- Program: M.S. student in Data Science and Analytics
"Being a part of ISAB gives me the opportunity to serve people, meet new people from all over the world, and assist them in any way I can. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills."
Nicolas Paul
Student Life & Culture Integration
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Program: B.S. student in Computer Engineering
"I joined ISAB to meet new people and get more in touch with others. Also, I have always liked helping people and by joining ISAB I can help other international people. I think it will also be a lot of fun to work with other members."
Panagiotis Taoulas
Public Relations
- Country of origin: Greece
- Program: B. S. student in Physics
"I firmly believe that volunteering for ISAB will not only make me a better leader but a better person in general. Exposure to many people, leading abilities and communication in larger crowds is something that I undoubtedly need indented in my life."
Mahfoudha Sid’Elemine
Academic Performance and Success
- Country of Origin: Mauritania
- Program: Ph.D. Candidate in International Studies
"I am passionate about leadership and serving, ISAB gives me the perfect outlet for my passion. Being part of ISAB allows me to connect with, advocate for, and service the international community on campus and beyond."
Ponchanok Weeriyanun
Housing and Public Safety
- Country of Origin: Thailand
- Program: Ph.D. student in Ecological Sciences
"ISAB gives me a chance to contribute to a community where I belong. It is great to have a connection with other international students on the campus."
Amulya Sai Jonnalagadda
Student Life and Cultural Integration
- Country of Origin: India
- Program: M.S. student in Computer Science
"ISAB gives me an opportunity to be the voice of the students and helps me develop my leadership skills. I also get a chance to meet international students, learn and know different cultures and explore."
Aryan Bhandari
Administration/ Finance
- Country of Origin: Nepal
- Program: Masters of Business Administration
"Being in ISAB will allow me to connect with other international students, know about them and share our experiences. It'll help me develop my leadership skills, as well as teach me the value of synergy."
Joseph Martínez Salcedo
Public Relations
- Country of Origin: Colombia
- Program: M.S. student in Modeling and Simulation Engineering
"Through ISAB I want to be the voice of the unlistened students at ODU. Building a better community and a better campus with small but impactful changes. If we are 1% better everytime, we will succeed and skyrocket the international students' experience at ODU."
Ahmed A Alasiri
Administration and Finance
- Country of Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Program: Ph.D. student in Health Sciences
"ISAB is a unique form of volunteerism that allows students to be a part of the great ODU community. ISAB is not just a group of people from different parts of the world, it strives to help and facilitate international student lives and work with them to overcome the challenges."