Skip to main content
International Students & Programs Office ISPO
  1. ISPO
  2. CAMPUS PARTNERS
  3. Advising International Students
  4. iResource

iRESOURCE: On-Campus Resources to Support International Students & Scholars

(Updated: 11/29/2022)

(This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: iresource.ucsd.edu)

 

Thank you for visiting the iResource page - a comprehensive list of on-campus resources to support UC San Diego’s international students, scholars, and researchers. The list is grouped into five broad topics (Academic & English Learning Support, Career & Professional Development, Cultural Engagement, Student Health & Well-Being, and Other Resources). Click on the name of the program/resource to view a brief description and link to their website.

 

To submit additions or changes to the list, please contact the International Students & Programs Office (ISPO).

 

Academic & English Learning Support

Academic Integrity Office (AIO)

  • Academic Integrity Advising: Students are able to book private and confidential, one-on-one appointments with an AI Peer Educator. In these meetings they can discuss anything related to the AI process or Policy and learn the expectations and standards for completing their academic work.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • Opportunities for Student Involvement : You can get involved through a number of opportunities! Integrity Peer Educators help lead workshops and facilitate small group discussions; Integrity Mentors mentor students in a one-on-one setting, we also have students who serve as proctors and who serve on the Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB).  Each of these offers excellent leadership experience, the opportunity to help our peers, and to make a positive difference on our campus!    
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring 
  • Excell with Integrity Contest: Every year, UC San Diego coordinates an Excel with Integrity Contest. We ask undergraduates, graduate students, and post-docs—“how do you excel with integrity?” This contest is open to all UC San Diego undergraduates, graduate students and post-docs. Submit a drawing, video, song or written piece that expresses how you excel with integrity, or why you think it is important to excel with integrity. Everybody loves free money!
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring

Analytic Writing Program

College Writing Programs

International House (I-House)

  • Language Conversation Tables: The Language Conversation Table (LCT) program emphasizes the social and cultural dimensions of learning a language that involves connecting with people, sharing ideas, and understanding the culture and context of a language.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)

  • English-in-Action Conversation Program: cultural exchange for students to grow more proficient in conversational English. Students are matched with other UCSD students/staff as well as members of the local community. 
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • International Student Orientation and Welcome Programs: During iOrientation, ISPO partners with the Colleges and the Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs for intentional programming in order to ease the acclimation process for incoming international students.
    • Available: Fall, Winter

Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services (OASIS)

  • Language Arts Tutorial Services Program (LATS): OASIS LATS provides tutoring support for students with critical writing, reading, and study skills. The LATS individual tutoring and group workshop schedules is also posted on our website each quarter. Our tutors and staff welcome and support international students and ESL students.
  • Math and Science Tutorial Program (MSTP): OASIS math and science workshops are group study-sessions led by a tutor that explains course concepts and encourages a collaborative learning environment.
  • First-Year Interest Groups (FIGS): geared towards academic success, enrichment workshops, and community building of 1st-year students who participate in Summer Bridge. 
  • OASIS Programs: offer opportunities to proactively engage in structured experiences in order to ensure academic success, student retention, and social satisfaction.

Teaching & Learning Commons (TLC)

  • The Academic Achievement Hub (AAH) provides peer-led academic support to students at UC San Diego through our three programs: Supplemental Instruction, Content Tutoring, and Learning Strategies. 
    • Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions offer students the opportunity to master course material within a community of learners. The SI program gives students a safe and inclusive environment to engage with, ask questions, and review lecture material with their peers. The SI Leaders facilitate these discussions through activities and guided questioning.  
    • Content Tutoring offers students tutoring sessions led by peer tutors who have successfully taken the course(s) they tutor. Our sessions are meant to help students actively problem solve and guide them towards the answer to their questions/concerns. Our sessions challenge students, yet help them at the same time. Our tutors are eager to answer students’ questions, but are also eager to help them build their own critical thinking skills. We host virtual and in-person services, as well as drop-in hours and appointments.   
    • Learning Strategies offers students the ability to develop metacognitive skills and study strategies to support them in their coursework. Our Peer Learning Strategists are trained to support students' understanding of how to better develop or learn new skills promoting efficiency in learning, time management, note making, exam preparation and general study skills and strategies promoting success in UC San Diego courses. This program supports all undergraduate students with any discipline/course. 
  • English Language Program for International Instructors (ELP-ii) screens English language abilities of international graduate student TAs and offers classes for international graduate student TAs to improve their language and cultural awareness in order to teach effectively in the US.
  • Writing and Communication Learning Services: At the Writing Hub, we believe writing is a skill that can always be improved. Come to the Writing Hub to get supportive and actionable feedback so you can take your writing to the next level. Whether you’re in the brainstorming phase or final drafts, our undergraduate and graduate writing consultants are trained to help you make the writing process smoother. Our undergrad staff is comprised of writing consultants from seven different colleges and all types of majors. Likewise, our grad staff comes from a multitude of disciplines. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, go to writinghub.ucsd.edu to check out all the other programs and services we offer. Questions? Email writinghub@ucsd.edu

The Library

  • Ask Us: Have questions about library spaces, services, or finding materials in our collections? You can get help in-person, via email, or by using our 24/7 online chat service!
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Workshops at The Library: All instructional workshops are open to UC San Diego students, staff, and faculty. Individual/group consultations and customized workshops on these or other topics are also available.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Subject Guides: Find detailed resources by subject using our online guides.   

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

  • English Language Institute (ELI): offers a wide variety of programs, developed for international students of all levels of English proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Programs include Intensive Academic English, Graduate School Preparation Academy, Medical English, Legal English, and many others. 
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 
  • English as a Second Language (ESL): Offers individual credit-bearing courses to high-intermediate and advanced English language learners to improve and refine their language skills for academic and professional success. Courses are offered in-person at our La Jolla campus, live online via Zoom, or online asynchronous. Students can choose to enroll in as many of as few classes as they would like to each quarter. Course subject areas include writing (academic, business, and technical), conversation, presentation and public speaking skills, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and fluency, career preparation, business communication, and more.  
    • Courses are available in every quarter (including summer). Course offerings rotate each quarter. View our current course offerings here. 
    • Discounts are available for current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students. Most course fees range from $167-$500+ 
    • Contact esl@ucsd.edu with any questions. 
  •  

 

Student Health & Well-Being

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS provides counseling to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. We meet with students for both individual and group counseling to help with a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, cross cultural adaptation, homesickness, social and romantic issues, study skills and time management, among other issues. We also provide crisis intervention. We have a large, culturally diverse, multi-disciplinary team. We offer CAPS services in various languages, including English, Hebrew, Mandarin, and Spanish. Our services are free of charge and are confidential.  
  • Mental Health Services for Students Residing Internationally: At this time, UCSD Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS) are able to provide ongoing clinical services to registered students located in California only. CAPS has put together a resources page listing options for UC San Diego students residing outside California.  
  • CAPS has many services available to all registered students regardless of insurance, or whether residing in or outside of California. Go to our resources page and scroll to "Non-clinical services to ALL students." These resources include skill-building workshops called RISE, places of support in our Community Forums, informal consultations with a CAPS therapist in Let's Talk, and access to a FREE Headspace app through our iFlourish self-care program. 

Student Health Services (SHS)

  • Student Health Services: provides quality primary medical care, including urgent care and support services such as laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD)

  • The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD): at UC San Diego works with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students with documented disabilities, reviewing documentation and, through an interactive process with the student, determining reasonable accommodations.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

CARE at Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)

Athletics & Recreation

  • Athletics: UC San Diego sponsors 23 intercollegiate men's and women's sports at the NCAA Division I level. The Tritons compete primarily in the Big West Conference. 
  • Recreation: Recreation engages students and the campus community to pursue lifelong wellbeing, growth, and success. Come learn, play, and find community with us. Recreation offers opportunities for every student’s interest and ability level. 

Health Promotion Services (HPS)

  • Health Promotion Services (HPS): Offers 1-1 consultations to students for Stress Management , Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs, Sexual Health, Health Coaching and Nutrition. HPS also offers the Zone, a lounge for students, that features free programs such as yoga, meditation, Zumba, therapy dogs, and cooking demonstrations to help you achieve your optimal well-being.   

Center for Ethics and Spirituality

  • The Center for Ethics and Spirituality: The CES is the spiritual wellness resource center for UCSD students, faculty, and staff of all worldview identities. It is an independent, self-supporting campus resource assisting members of the UC San Diego community in their personal pursuits of spiritual well-being. It is ultimately a pursuit to discover peace and harmony in our lives, to live with integrity, and to realize a common purpose that binds creation together.

 

Career & Professional Development

Career Center

Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs

  • Featured Events: list of upcoming events, student organization activities, and new resources and opportunities for graduate students.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • grAdvantage: A suite of programs designed to promote the career and professional success of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)

  • iWork is a resource to learn more about opportunities for on and off-campus employment, internships, legal work authorization, and career resources. Learn more about working in the U.S. during and after your program!  

UC San Diego Division Extended Studies

  • International Programs: offering English language, university credit, professional certificate, and customized programs for personal, academic, and professional development to international students who are here for a full-time program of non-degree studies.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Leadership and Teamwork Certificate: This certificate is part of the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs grAdvatnage program and is starting in Winter this year.  The program is only open to graduate students and postdocs and acceptance is by application only.  Applications this year are due by December 2nd, 2022. This certificate is designed to equip participants with strong "soft skills" to complement their technical skills and expertise. Regardless of the field, qualities such as solid communication skills, self-awareness, time management, and the ability to function on diverse and collaborative teams are highly sought-after. 
  • Student Grant Program: offers undergraduate and graduate vouchers to full-time UC San Diego students every quarter. A limited number of vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are good for up to $500 off one Extension course. Please see the website for dates of availability.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

 

Cultural Engagement

Center for Student Involvement

  • Alternative Breaks: Alternative Breaks is open to all UC San Diego students. No prior Alternative Breaks, travel, or service experience is required.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Communications & Leadership: has quarterly and yearlong seminar programs geared as topics such as: Interpersonal relationships, public speaking, professional communication, the chancellor’s scholars program, as well as many iLead workshops where you can earn a certificate. Checkout iLead.ucsd.edu for more information.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • Community Health Project (CHP): is a program where you serve as a long-term volunteer intern a local nonprofit working on community-based health initiatives and learn about health as a social justice issue.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • Community Service: hosts a variety of one-time and ongoing service opportunities, including tutoring and mentoring, community health, justice corps, and more.  
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring 
  • Sorority & Fraternity Life (SFL): is open to any student interested in joining one of over 50 fraternities and sororities associated one of three Greek councils: Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • Justice Corps: is a program where you can assist self-represented litigants to file paperwork related to family law and civil matters.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring
  • Student Organizations: Leadership development, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations. Students can get involved in many ways, through joining one of over 600 student organizations or starting one on something they are passionate about.
    •  Available: Fall, Winter, Spring

The Library

  • Library Events & Exhibits: The library hosts a variety of events and exhibits covering all disciplines, including public lectures, author talks, film screenings, and more! Everyone is welcome to attend.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 

Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)

  • The Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA): exists to advocate the rights and interests of our diverse community, to provide for the enjoyment of social, cultural, and service-oriented events, and for the betterment of academic and non-academic life of all graduate and professional students at UC San Diego.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring

International House (I-House)

  • Global Forum: The Global Forum at International House is dedicated to promoting global awareness, understanding and citizenship throughout UCSD and the communities it serves through public lectures, discussions and events.
  • I-House Programs: Engaging and connecting people are what I-House is all about. Whether it’s through resident activities, campus-wide programs or community programs, there are a number of different ways you can get involved.
  • International House (I-House): is a wonderfully vibrant on-campus community dedicated to the promotion of international awareness and intercultural understanding at UCSD and around the world! All UCSD students, faculty, staff and community friends are welcome to participate in our programs.
  • Student Organizations: I-House is home to several diverse and influential student organizations that collaborate to define and promote global citizenship. 
  • Sunday Supper: A spectacular night of dining, inspirational talks, and stellar community performances to celebrate our vibrant global community.

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)

  • iPrograms: Head to iPrograms to learn more about the programs that ISPO offers.
  • iEvents Calendar: Live calendar of events that promote cultural engagement.
  • Get CCR: The Globally Engaged Tritons (GET) Co-Curricular Record (CCR) program allows UC San Diego students to earn credit on their Co-Curricular Record for being involved in events on campus that promote the global engagement and internationalization of our campus. That could mean any events that allow students to highlight their own culture or learn about other cultures or allow students to demonstrate or develop their global leadership skills.
  • International Student Advisory Council (ISAC): The International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) is comprised of leadership from student leaders and stakeholders invested in the international student experience at UC San Diego. By being involved in ISAC, you have the chance to express what unique concerns are affecting you and your constituents, ask questions directly of ISPO leadership, and advocate for change. We have also brought in leadership from other areas of campus that address issues identified in ISAC. You will have access to the latest information as well as other resources to support your student engagement and advocacy efforts (such as possible funding for events, various initiatives, etc.). ISAC meets monthly throughout the academic year. 
    • Interested in getting involved in ISAC? Please email iprograms@ucsd.edu to learn more. 

 

Other Resources

International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO)

  • J-1 Orientation: The International Faculty and Scholars Office is currently doing J-1 scholar registration and orientation remotely. Newly arrived J-1 scholars will receive an email with instructions on how to register and attend an online orientation.  
    • There are many regulations and requirements pertaining to your J-1 visa status, and orientation is an opportunity to learn about these requirements so that violations of your visa status do not occur. 
    • Due to COVID19 J-1 Orientations are being held via Zoom. Orientation sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. every first Wednesday of the month (excluding holidays), all scheduled orientations are noted on the calendar on our Programs and Events page. 
    • Orientation is required for all new J-1 Scholars at UC San Diego.
    • J-1 Orientation and related topics - https://ifso.ucsd.edu/j1/arrival/index.html#Attend-Mandatory-J-1-Orientatio
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • J-2 Family Orientation: Due to COVID-19, Family Orientation is currently on hold. 
  • H-1B orientation: Please note that the International Faculty and Scholars Office is currently doing H-1B scholar registration and orientation remotely. New H-1B scholars will receive an email with instructions on how to register and attend an online orientation.
    • Orientation is required for all new UC San Diego international scholars in H-1B status. 
    • There are special regulations that pertain to particular visa categories. Orientation is an opportunity to learn about these requirements so that violations to the terms of your H-1B status do not occur. 
    • Orientation is also a good way to meet others that are new to the university. Dependents are welcome to attend.
    • Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    • H-1B Orientation is held on the first Monday of every month at 9:30 am (excluding holidays) via Zoom. To see the schedule, visit IFSO's Programs and Events webpage. 
    • H-1B and related topics - https://ifso.ucsd.edu/h1b/arrival/index.html#Attend-H-1B-Orientation
    • For any inquiries, please contact IFSO at ischolars@ucsd.edu

Interpretation Services

  • The Interpretation Services Portal is available for UC San Diego faculty and staff to help facilitate effective communication when supporting students and their families with language needs. Via Single Sign-On, faculty and staff can select "I need an Interpreter" or "I am an Interpreter." This is NOT available for direct student use. Interpreters are UC San Diego staff/faculty who volunteer their time. Once a request is made, ISPO will do their best to find an interpreter to meet your needs. If you have questions, please email itranslate@ucsd.edu.
  • If this is an emergency request and/or the Interpretation Services Coordinator is not available, please contact 858-534-3730 and ask to speak with a member of the Leadership Team for assistance.

Student Legal Services

  • Student Legal Services - Legal Resources provides free, confidential counseling, education and referrals to all currently registered UC San Diego students and student organizations. Common issues for which students seek assistance at SLS include landlord-tenant law, lease and other contract review, traffic citations, student conduct charges, and many more. The office offers the “Discover the Law” program every Winter Quarter, which features a series of 30-40 one-hour workshops on different areas of law. Students who attend eight or more workshops are eligible to receive Co-Curricular Record credit for their participation.
    • Call Student Legal Services at (858)534-4374 to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our attorneys. 

Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

  • Explore-Prepare-Innovate-Connect (EPIC) Postdoctoral Training Program: its curriculum will provide postdoctoral scholars with training for multiple career paths, which consists of Essential Training, continued Foundational Training and Specialized Training in Specific Paths over the average three-year postdoctoral training period for UC San Diego postdoctoral scholars. Additionally, see the Postdoctoral Association Website for more information.  
  • A calendar of various events, workshops and training can be found here.

The Hub - Basic Needs Center

  • Affordable Grocery Store Map: The Affordable Grocery Store Google Map shows various grocery stores in San Diego. They are color coded to represent their cost ($ = green, $$ = orange, $$$ = red).
  • Grocery Shuttle:  is a FREE UCSD shuttle to grocery stores in the San Diego area. Running every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 30 minutes. The shuttle offers two separate routes: “GC - Grocery Convoy” (with stops in Clairemont Mesa/Convoy) and “GL - Grocery La Jolla” (with stops in La Jolla Village and the surrounding area). 
  • Food Recovery Network: The Food Recovery Network (FRN) distributes ready to go meals. No appointment necessary, we just ask that you please bring a reusable bag to store your selected items!  
  • Personal Hygiene Program: The Hub Basic Needs Center is offering emergency personal care products to students via pick-up appointment. Select needed products and schedule an appointment here. 
  • Triton Food Pantry: The Triton Food Pantry now has two locations: Student Center A and One Miramar Street (Graduate & Family Housing).
  • DoorDash Delivery Service: The program aims to target off-campus food insecurity through pre-packaged deliveries to students' addresses. Students can get pantry items delivered to their door at NO COST! Our goal is to make our pantry service more accessible for students who live off-campus or are unable to make it to either of our on-campus locations. Please see the webpage to determine whether you qualify for the program and for program details.
  • Connect with the Triton Food Pantry

Technological / Electronic Support Resources