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International Studies Student Association (ISSA)

The International Studies Student Association (ISSA) is the official student organization of the International Studies Program (ISP) at the University of California, San Diego. The organization gathers like-minded individuals who share diverse interests in international studies and international relations. ISSA intends to provide a platform of rich experiences and opportunities in international studies.

We are:

  • A professional organization for students exploring internationally oriented careers, grad/post-grad school, and experiences: international policy, economics, cultural studies, business, education, etc. ISSA offers help with internships, scholarships, interviews, resumes, and volunteer experiences.
  • A social organization for students looking for networks and mentorship. The ISSA Mentorship Program organizes social events for students who share the same hobbies and interests. Members love eating, studying, and hanging out with each other – and meeting other UCSD students!
  • An academic organization that is closely associated with the International Studies Program and the GPS Graduate School. Faculty, staff, and alumni from these departments provide ISSA with a wealth of resources.
  • An I-House organization for students of all majors and minors who want to learn more about the world. ISSA actively partners with Prospect Journal, the Global Forum, and others!
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Weekly Event Schedule - Winter 2024


 

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 2023-2024 Executive Officers


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President: Sona Ovasapyan

Sona Ovasapyan is a third-year Eleanor Roosevelt student majoring in International Business and minoring in Environmental Studies. She grew up in a diaspora of Armenians in Glendale, California. She is fluent in Armenian and refining her Spanish skills. She loves exploring botanical gardens, going on beach hikes, and adding to her collection of plant babies!

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Vice President: Jeniffer Espinosa

Jeniffer is a fourth-year Muir College student majoring in International Studies- Political Science. She was born and raised in San Diego, California. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Currently, she has been learning Korean. Her hobbies include dancing, traveling, and going to concerts.

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Director of Marketing: Kaylie Lam

Kaylie is a third year student in Seventh College majoring in International Studies – Business with a minor in Marketing. She was born and raised in San Francisco. Some of her favorite things include cooking, reading, Taylor Swift, Marvel movies, and Star Wars!

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Director of Public Affairs/Graphic Design: Emily Nihn

Emily is a third year Marshall student majoring in Political Science: Public Law with a double minor in design and marketing. She loves art, reading, and baking with friends. As a San Diego native, she also loves the beach. Finally, she loves traveling and exploring new places!

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Director of Mentorship: Sara Pirzad

Sara is an undergraduate at UCSD majoring in International Economics and minoring in Computational Social Science. She grew up speaking English and Farsi, and aspires to gain a proficiency in other languages as well. She would say she takes a "venturesome" approach to life. Engaging in conversations with friendly faces, and experiencing new environments and hobbies are her little joys in life.

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Director of Administrative Affairs: Jasper Wu

Jasper Wu is a second-year student in Seventh College majoring in International Studies — Political Science, and comes from San Jose, California. Jasper is fluent in Mandarin and English, but is eager to learn another language in the future. While usually glued to the computer playing video games, Jasper also enjoys hiking (when it's not too hot!), geeking about geography and history, and playing pool on the weekend

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Director of Special Events: Arya Singh 

Arya (Aryamaan Singh, he/him) is a third-year Sixth student double majoring in International Studies - Political Science and Economics. He is an International student from New Delhi, India. He has a passion for world politics and likes to explore new places, cultures and cuisines. He is fluent in English and Hindi. Some of his hobbies include reading books, watching movies, and trying new restaurants!

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Director of Alumni Affairs: Landon Lee 

Landon is excited to serve as ISSA's Alumni Affairs chair for the 2023-2024 school year! He is majoring in International Business and has been part of ISSA for over a year now. He is excited to meet everyone!

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Director of Membership: Elizabeth Chang 

Elizabeth Chang is a second-year Marshall student pursuing a double major in International Studies - International Business and Real Estate and Development. She is from Irvine, California. Currently, Elizabeth is fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia while learning Mandarin at school. In the future, she hopes to visit more countries in Europe and South East Asia. Some of her favorite activities include finding new foods, going to concerts, learning new sports, and spending time in her hometown.

ISSA Undergraduate Mentorship Program

Join The ISSA Mentorship Program to connect with other members of ISSA through academics, social events, and other networking opportunities! Participants will be matched up with another student of similar academic and professional interests.