Michelle Desikan

Michelle 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. 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.