International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)
What is ISAB?
The purpose of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) is to enhance the international student community at Penn and provide feedback and recommendations to ISSS in order to provide effective and successful programs and services. Members also give insight and develop relationships with other Penn units and student organizations.
Collaboration with ISSS and Administrative Offices: ISAB is a key advocate for international students at Penn. Working with ISSS and other administrative offices, ISAB aims to better the lives of international students by providing feedback, challenging current policies and designing new initiatives. ISAB also works with a variety of other on-campus agencies via the International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG).
Opportunities for ISAB Members: Members of ISAB meet a diverse range of peers and learn about the inner workings of our university and have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Penn’s international community.
Expectations for ISAB Members: ISAB members are expected to think critically, ask difficult questions, perform research and analysis, engage in dialogue, work with myriad cultures and promote advocacy.
Work in America Blogs
Carolina Yuka Nakada (MEAM ’24)
My name is Carolina Yuka Nakada, and I am an international student from São Paulo, Brazil. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics in May…
Gaurav Mangal (SEAS ’24)
My name is Gaurav Mangal. I was enrolled in the Master’s program in SEAS, where I studied Electrical Engineering. I graduated in May 2024. I hold an F-1 Visa. I’m…
Dr. Valerio Baćak (SAS ’15, W ’14)
My name is Valerio Baćak, originally from Croatia. I graduated with three degrees from Penn—an MA and PhD in Sociology, and an AM in Statistics from Wharton. I enrolled in…
Derya Yavuz (SEAS ’21)
My name is Derya Yavuz, I am a Class of 2021 graduate from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and I majored in Computer Engineering, with a minor of…
Rina Nagatani (CAS ’23)
My name is Rina Nagatani. I’m a 2023 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences with an F1 student visa from Japan. I currently work at Penn Medicine near…
Hugo Leo (W’22)
Embarking on a career journey as an international student can be both exhilarating and daunting. Hugo Leo, a driven individual from Jakarta, Indonesia, pursued his dreams in finance and business…
ISAB Leadership
Academic Year 2024-2025
Membership
A Message from ISAB Members (2022-2023)
How to Apply
We invite all international students (undergraduate and graduate students) to apply for board membership! Please see participation requirements before applying.
Application Process: Applications are accepted at the beginning of the fall semester of every year and are reviewed as they are received; Interviews are conducted after the posted application deadline; A limited number of applicants are selected as board members.
Qualifications
Qualifications for ISAB Members: ISAB Members represent the international student body at Penn, assess the services provided by ISSS, and provide recommendations that will improve operations. Members provide insight into what is working well and opportunities that ISSS could consider.
Leadership Team: ISAB chairs are elected by ISAB members. At the end of the spring semester, members vote for the next leadership team consisting of an Undergraduate Chair, Undergraduate Vice Chair, Graduate Chair, and Graduate Vice Chair.
Participation Requirements
Engagement with Penn Administrators: Members of the International Student Advisory Board attend meetings during the Fall and Spring semesters; share their questions, concerns and ideas with Penn administrators (International Partners Outreach Group) twice a year; and communicate with their fellow students to obtain feedback on ISSS services.
Meeting Frequency and Duration: Members will be expected to meet 4 to 6 times per semester. A typical meeting lasts one hour.
Regular Communication Responsibilities: Board members will be required to communicate regularly with other international students and Penn administrators in between meetings.
Presentations During IPOG Meetings: Presentations to Penn administrators during IPOG meetings will also be conducted by ISAB members.
Terms of Board Service
Expectation of Regular Participation: A term is one academic year, however members may return for succeeding years. Regular participation in the board’s meetings and activities are essential and expected in order to be effective.
Open Forum for Community Input: ISAB will decide whether or not to convene at least one open forum per year to discuss international community issues or to seek other venues for community input.