ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville, Student Services

Yibin is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia's robust F-1 and J-1 students. His expertise covers a range of issues related to visa, enrollment, employment, travel, etc. 

Before Columbia, Yibin was an International Student Advisor at Stockton University in Galloway, NJ. There, he monitored and advised F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors and helped manage study abroad programs and advised on outbound programs. Currently he has over 7 years of experience in international education. “Seeing my F-1 and J-1 students turning into young professionals in their fields is very rewarding,” says Yibin.

Yibin’s family moved from China to Venezuela and in early 2000, he went back to China for three years to study Chinese and then returned to Venezuela to finish high school. He came to the U.S. as an F-1 student to start his undergraduate program and decided to stay in the U.S. and work after completing his degree. Yibin speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish and English!

Although Yibin is new to NYC and Columbia, he enjoys visiting different Chinese and Korean food places in Queens, NY. Besides that, Yibin enjoys snowboarding and biking. Most importantly, he likes Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

Simone is an Assistant Director for International Student Services at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Simone is originally from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago but has lived in NYC long enough to consider herself a native New Yorker. In her free time, she enjoys DIY projects and traveling both near and far. Her favorite neighborhood in the city is Chelsea as its sidewalks are less populated than the rest of Midtown.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Shay assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

Seong Hwan is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. Seong Hwan has been with the ISSO since 2021.

Seong Hwan has over 20 years of experience in the field. Before joining Columbia, he was an International Student Adviser for several years. Prior to that, he held a corporate relations management and senior paralegal position at an immigration law firm.

Seong Hwan was born and raised in South Korea, so he is well-versed in the rewards and challenges that come with being an international in the U.S. In his free time, he enjoys meditation and collecting paintings and LP disks. He also enjoys music and can play both the french horn and trumpet: talents he put on display during his mandatory military service as part of an army band.

Scott is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Scott, an Indiana native, has extensive experience working both domestically and abroad. Prior to joining Columbia, he lived and worked in Poland, France, Mexico, Guatemala, French Polynesia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Massachusetts. Through this lens, he understands and appreciates the challenges international students may face as they pursue their academic goals in the U.S. or if they plan to study abroad.

In his free time, Scott enjoys exploring new neighborhoods across the city: an activity he has maintained since moving to NYC in 2015. He recommends visiting Astoria for Greek food, Greenpoint for Polish, Flushing for Chinese, and any neighborhood that has a good Jewish deli.

Saunda is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she assists the Morningside campus’s robust international student community in matters regarding their immigration-related needs by providing advisory and documentation services as well as information on a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Saundra has over 30 years of experience in the field of International Education. Prior to Columbia, she worked at Pratt Institute, Hunter College’s International English Language Institute, and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. No matter where she’s worked, she has always been a passionate international student advocate and educator. She holds an M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management, a B.A. in Political Science, and an A.B.D. in Organizational Studies.

Saundra is a native New Yorker and proud of it, as she considers NYC “the capital city of the world” due to its all-encompassing multiculturalism. She also identifies as a world traveler, having visited 80 countries and all 7 continents. In her free time, she enjoys tapping into her creative side by making collage art inspired by all of her travel and cultural experiences. Her favorite restaurant near campus is Dinosaur BBQ and especially recommends the Chicken Bowl.

Regina is the Assistant Director for International Student Services at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of advising and support services to the Morningside campus’s robust international student community. She is an expert resource on F-1 and J-1 regulations and international students' work authorizations. 

Regina loves to travel and immerse herself in different cultures. Most recently, she traveled to Tokyo, Japan and is excited to share her enthusiasm for Japanese culture. She has also lived in Mexico, Uruguay and Peru, so feel free to ask her about working in any of these countries.

When not helping students, she is an avid runner and fuels her runs with coffee from Koro Kuma on Broadway and La Salle Street.

Bringing 10 years of international, global, and multicultural education experience, Raya provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. 

Raya arrived in the U.S. as a refugee, an experience that has deeply shaped her professional journey and personal commitment to helping international students thrive in their academic and personal lives. Having been in their shoes (originally from Iraq, speaking both Arabic and English), she understands the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where they can feel at home and focus on their academic success.

Before joining Columbia, Raya worked at Quinnipiac University, where she also supported international students. Currently working on her Professional MBA at Quinnipiac University and with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature (B.A.) from Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Raya still finds time to enjoy cooking, reading, exploring new neighborhoods, and taking road trips in search of fresh perspectives.

Noelle is the Associate Director for International Student Services of International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of advising and support services for the Morningside team of Student Advisers. Additionally, she ​​assists the Morningside campus’s robust international student community in matters regarding their immigration-related needs by providing advisory and documentation services as well as information.

Noelle has been with the ISSO since 2015. Prior to joining Columbia, she was an International Student Advisor at The New School and taught ESL courses in Barcelona, Spain and in Boston, Massachusetts. She holds an M.A. in International Education and Training from American University in Washington, DC.

Noelle has spent her fair share of time abroad. She has studied in Florence, worked in Barcelona, and participated in a two-week seminar in South Korea as a Fulbright recipient for the International Education Administrators Award. These experiences have allowed her a multicultural perspective and a first-hand understanding of what it’s like to be an international in a foreign country: qualities she lends to her work with the ISSO.

Nilyufer is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia's robust F-1 students. Her expertise covers a range of issues related to visa, enrollment, employment, travel, etc. 

Holding a Master of Arts in Human Right Law and Political Science, from Manchester (UK), prior to Columbia University, Nilyufer has worked in academic affairs and international student services since 2016. Nilyufer has also worked as an International Student and Scholar Advisor at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ and an International Student Success Coach at LIM College in New York City, NY.

Nilyufer comes from Uzbekistan and is fluent in Russian and Uzbek. In her free time, she enjoys practicing traditional/hot yoga and traveling.

Michelle is the Assistant Director for International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. She has been with the ISSO since 2003.

Michelle’s experiences living and working overseas in Spain and serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Russia have immensely shaped her worldview and influenced her career path into the field of international education. She has served the international community in various capacities, from teaching ESL classes to counseling them on immigration, academic and social adjustment matters.

Michelle holds an MA in International Educational Development from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, learning new languages, exploring new cultures and cuisines, going to broadway shows and scrapbooking. Her favorite spot near campus is Sakura Park, where she likes taking walks.

Michelle provides F-1 and J-1 visa advising, support, and immigration-related documentation services remotely to our robust international student community.

Starting her international education career in a language school in 2008, Michelle continued her career in a small business institution and then into higher education where she spent 12 years at Hofstra University as the Senior Associate Director in the International Enrollment with Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) role. 

As an international student who came to the U.S. in 2006, Michelle’s hometown is Qingdao, a coastal city in China which is famous for its Tsingtao Beer. Her native language is Mandarin and she can also understand Cantonese. Holding a B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature from Qingdao University and M.S. in TESOL from Mississippi College, she enjoys working with the international community because she gets to learn about their culture and more.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with family travelling around the world. Her family’s goal is to go to at least one country each year.  So far, they have visited 12 counties!

Martha is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Martha has been in the International Student Advising field since 2015. She first became interested in working with international students through a student worker position in the International Student and Scholars Office of her university during her undergraduate studies in Boston. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and a Master of International Studies with a specialization in International History and Politics. Martha spent nearly five years studying and working in Geneva, Switzerland, so she is well-versed in matters international students who plan to study or work abroad may face.

In her free time, Martha enjoys reading historical fiction, escaping the city to go on a hike, and visiting her family in Upstate NY and Southern Italy.

Mark is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Being a part of Columbia and working with the international student community has been a career dream of Mark’s. Though he grew up in Connecticut, he is grateful for the opportunity to embrace his New York City roots.

Mark is an avid animal lover, traveler and sports watcher. In his free time, when he is not exploring the city, he enjoys tennis and gardening. 

Jennifer is the Associate Director of International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides support and services focused on student wellness and mental health to the Morningside campus’ robust international student community. In particular, she attends to students with more significant needs, such as those facing difficulties related to their academic performance and adjusting to life at Columbia and/or in the U.S.

Jennifer has over 30 years of experience serving Columbia’s international population through the ISSO, so she is an expert in handling a vast array of situations students may come across during their time here. She holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.P.A.–– both from Columbia University. 

Jennifer takes pride in being a native New Yorker, having grown up in Washington Heights. She is also a fluent Spanish speaker. In her free time, she enjoys salsa dancing, traveling and trying new cuisines from different cultures. Her favorite spot on campus is “Low Beach”: the steps of Low Library. She especially likes sitting by them in the springtime and watching the hustle and bustle of campus life.

Jennifer provides F/J visa advising, support and immigration-related documentation services remotely to our robust international student community. She enjoys supporting international students with their immigration needs as well as with their academic and personal goals. She is often inspired with their research projects and passion for learning.

Before joining ISSO, Jennifer had 15 years of experience in international higher education and regulatory compliance. She was an Assistant Director & International Student / Scholar adviser at the University of Connecticut where she oversaw SEVIS systems data management and compliance while supporting cultural adjustment through delivery of university resources, advising and outreach. Prior to UConn, Jennifer was a High School Spanish Teacher and worked in Healthcare Regulatory Compliance.

In terms of NYC, you can catch Jenn at Broadway shows or sporting events, gazing through museums, walking the High Line, shopping, or trying a new eatery or restaurant. As she describes it, NYC boasts culture, warmth and livelihood.

Jennifer enjoys spending time at the beach and fishing on the canal on Cape Cod with her family, pets, and friends. She also loves  practicing yoga and Pilates, cheering on her sons during sporting events, volunteering at local schools, traveling, and engaging in conversation with a stranger over tea, culture, or nature.

She has visited over 50 cities in the USA while having lived in 6 different states. Jennifer has traveled to 9 countries around the globe, including Spain, where she lived and studied abroad. Currently, Jenn is learning Finnish on Duolingo in her spare time.

Jennifer is an Associate Director for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services (both in-person and via phone) to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. She has been with the ISSO since 2020.

Jennifer has accrued over a decade of experience in the field. Prior to joining Columbia, she was a Director of Global Learning for a SUNY school, where she was responsible for international student recruitment, student services and study abroad. In addition to her work in international education, she has worked and traveled with the U.S. Department of State for global exchange programs such as the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program and Global UGRAD and has also served as chair of NAFSA Region X.

Jennifer has a passion for French Language and Art History, an affinity she discovered while studying at Reid Hall, Columbia’s Global Center in Paris, France.  Her favorite spot near campus is the Hungarian Pastry Shop as she enjoys their coffee and almond horn pastries.

Jacob is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Jacob has worked with international students in and around NYC for nearly 20 years. He also understands what it means to be able to live and work abroad: he previously spent four years in The Gambia, West Africa, where he worked in agroforestry and teaching local language literacy.

In his free time, Jacob is an active musician and enjoys singing in choral groups. He also enjoys juggling, and you can likely find him out on the university quad with the Columbia University Juggling Club. His favorite neighborhood in NYC is East 116th street– Little Sénégal!

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Daniel assists our large population of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Chuchu is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Prior to joining Columbia, Chuchu spent over seven years working for the Australian Consulate General, where she specialized in immigration regulations and laws. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

In her free time, Chuchu likes to travel and learn about different cultures. Her first international trip was to Botswana for an African-Chinese cultural exchange event. She also enjoys the arts, ballet, and spending time with her family. Her favorite spot near campus is Westside Market due to its large variety and its reasonable prices.

Alexis is a Senior International Student Adviser at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Alexis is a nationally recognized advocate for international education and US immigration policy. She holds degrees from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and Pitzer College. She is proficient in Japanese and Spanish.

In her free time, Alexis is an avid traveler. Her travels have taken her to Panama, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Italy, England, Mexico, Canada, Dominican Republic and 31 U.S. states. Her favorite place to visit near campus is the West Harlem Piers just off 125th Street, where you can get a stellar view of the Hudson River.