Student organizations are something that the campus of UTM does not run short of. There are an abundance of organizations for every student to get involved with whether it be for academics, religion or even the residence halls. There are also student organizations that come together for the single purpose of supporting each other. There is one organization that some students may not be aware of, and its purpose is to unify the international student community by establishing the International Student Association.

The UTM International Student Association values cultural diversity and is committed to improving internationalization of the UTM campus. They encourage the greatest level of cooperation and communication between international and American students as well as within the UTM international community itself. The organization helps to ensure the protection of international student rights and helps to improve excellence in education.

Established in October of 2003, the International Student Association, also known as ISA, is now on their way to becoming a very active organization on campus. They jumped right in to planning events such as a reception for the organization and faculty members and another program called “Tea Ceremonies Around the World.”

They are also very busy this semester with the officers meeting every Tuesday evening at 9:00 in the UC room 217. ISA’s members are from countries ranging from Japan to Turkey, and they all come together to work and plan many upcoming events for the semester. These events include International Dessert Nights in which the group makes desserts from other countries that students in the residence halls can purchase.

International Week on the campus of UTM will be April 1-8. ISA will be hosting an international fashion/talent show and dance night during the week. The event’s date and time is not determined as of yet, but it will be held in the Duncan Ballroom.

ISA is also planning an International Food Fest for the week. So, as one can see, this diverse group is on a roll planning events and projects.

The officers of ISA are President Emre Serbest, Vice President Risa Yoshimura, Secretary Do-Kyoung Kim, Treasurer Phuongdinh Nguyen, Public Relations Chair Ousmane Diop, and Activities Coordinator Jin-Tae Kim.

“We encourage everyone, international student or not, who is interested in active participation, has ideas, and is willing to help to come to our meetings and get involved,” said President Emre Serbest.