Tampa Introduces New Global Student Center for International Students
TAMPA – The University of South Florida (USF) has recently opened its new Global Student Center, aimed at providing enhanced support for international and study abroad students. The center officially opened its doors on November 19, 2023, located within the Faculty Office Building on the USF Tampa campus.
Enhancing Support for Students
Sumit Jadhav, the student body vice president and an international student from India, highlights the significance of this center. Jadhav shared that adapting to a new country and its educational system can often be stressful and intimidating. He emphasized that the Global Student Center will foster a sense of community and a feeling of home away from home for international students.
“You enter one office and you find all these services in the same space,” Jadhav explained. The center combines several USF services, including the Office of International Services and the GloBull Ambassadors Office, streamlining access to vital resources for students.
USF World’s Initiatives
Sean Gilmore, assistant vice president for global academic partnerships and enrollment at USF World, noted the center aims to make it easier for both international and domestic students to access global services. “We realized we’re kind of a powerhouse. We really need to get our ducks in a row so that we can amplify those efforts,” he stated.
Rankings and Impact
According to the OpenDoors Data report released in November, USF has been recognized as the No. 1 university in Florida for having the most international students. The report also ranks USF No. 2 in Florida for U.S. students studying abroad, with over 7,000 international students attending the Tampa campus for the 2023-24 academic year.
A Place for Cultural Exchange
The Global Student Center is designed not just to merge services but also to bring international, study abroad, and exchange students together. Gilmore noted, “This is the spot where we not only bring our international students and give them a home, but then invite our domestic students to share that home and really amplify the cultural exchange piece of it.”
This opening comes more than two years after the shutdown of INTO USF, a program specifically focused on supporting incoming international students. Gilmore explains that the previous program was single-purpose, whereas the Global Student Center now functions as a comprehensive global space for all students.
Facility Improvements
Planning for the center began back in June, incorporating complete renovations. This included replacing floors, repainting walls, refurbishing offices, and bringing in new furniture. However, details regarding the total cost of the renovation or the contractors involved have not been disclosed at this time.
Supporting Student Well-being
Jadhav spoke on the center’s educational spaces, noting that classrooms and recreational areas designed for events or interactive games would greatly benefit student interactions, especially during stressful periods, such as final exams. “This can be a good place to chat, network, and bond with people,” he said.
Personal Experiences
Adriana Martinez, a freshman from Honduras studying information technology, echoed Jadhav’s sentiments. She mentioned that the wealth of resources available at USF eased her transition as an international student. After participating in a campus tour, she quickly made friends, making her adjustment to life in Tampa smoother.
“Even if you want to be here, you get homesick, you miss your country,” Martinez said. She pointed out how helpful the international offices were, assisting her with everything from insurance questions to making her feel welcomed in her new environment.
A Commitment to Experience
Gilmore expressed his dedication to ensuring that international students have a fulfilling experience at USF. “You come into my house, come to my school, I want it to feel like family when you get here,” he said, reflecting the university’s vision of creating a welcoming atmosphere for all students.
