Vanessa Cisneros
San Diego
Summary
Professional with strong background in advising and support for international students, adept at facilitating cross-cultural communication and ensuring smooth transitions. Skilled in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and delivering tailored guidance. Known for fostering collaborative environments, adapting to evolving needs, and consistently driving positive outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
International Student Advisor
University of California, San Diego, International Services and Engagement Office
San Diego, California
10.2023 - Current
- Maintain accurate immigration and internal records for F and J visa holders
- Advise students on current federal rules and regulations along with office policies and procedures
- Develop training resources for students and ISEO staff
- Manage Pre-Arrival Team for all incoming degree seeking international students
Intake Advisor
University of California, San Diego, International Services and Engagement Office
San Diego, California
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Complete Designated School Official (DSO) duties, including CPT, STEM OPT validation reports, initial I-20 issuance, etc.
- Manage and respond to student inquiries on immigration compliance and navigating resources (virtual, in-person, email)
- Contribute to committees/working groups: programming, compliance, professional development, and Sunapsis launch
- Develop student-centered compliance and extracurricular programming
International Student Advisor
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Performed Designated School Official (DSO) duties, including updating information in ISSM, SEVIS/RTI, and Sunapsis
- Primary point of contact for student inquiries on compliance and maintaining legal status (virtual, in-person, email)
- Reviewed and processed F-1/I-20 requests, including dependent requests, passport verification, travel signatures, CPT, SEVP portal issues, letters of standing, and permission to attend another institution, employment relation to major verifications, reduced course loads
- Contributed to communication committee for students, scholars, advisors, and administrators
English Professor
Tokyo University of Technology
Tokyo, Japan
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Developed and implemented a training strategy with corresponding curriculum to meet programmatic goals
- Managed record-keeping and data entry for 300+ students weekly
- Utilized learning management systems to communicate and facilitate class assignments and information
English Language Instructor/Homeroom Teacher
Q International School
San Diego, California
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Led a 12 week intensive English Language program for 10+ Japanese high school students
- Researched and developed activities, trips, and educational opportunities
Team Lead/English Language Instructor
King Faisal University
Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
07.2016 - 07.2021
- Managed attendance and academic progress data for 240+ students quarterly
- Conducted instructor training needs assessments to determine performance gaps, proposed new training techniques
- Facilitated on-boarding of new instructors in administrative and instructional requirements, conducted teacher evaluations
- Created engaging English for academic purposes instructional materials for classes of 30+ students quarterly
- Envisioned and built the peer-led PYD Student Mentor Program, designed and implemented program evaluations
Communications Coordinator
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, California
03.2015 - 07.2016
- Designed promotional program material for participant recruitment, including social media content creation
- Processed a high volume of program inquiries through telephone, email, and social media
- Supervised the intake of 100+ applications to meet National Institute of Health/CSUN requirements
- Managed recruitment initiatives across CSUN and 6 Los Angeles community colleges
- Orchestrated campus program events (1000+ participants), and faculty trainings (50+ participants)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations (concentration: Peace and Conflict Studies)
University of California, Berkeley
Master of Arts - American Indian Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
Skills
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Multicultural awareness
- Immigration regulations and visa application expertise
- Collaborative interpersonal skills
- Multitasking
- Case management
- Program design and implementation
- Student records maintenance
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Research and analysis
- Effective communication
Timeline
International Student Advisor
University of California, San Diego, International Services and Engagement Office
10.2023 - Current
Intake Advisor
University of California, San Diego, International Services and Engagement Office
06.2023 - 10.2023
International Student Advisor
University of Southern California
10.2022 - 06.2023
English Professor
Tokyo University of Technology
03.2022 - 08.2022
English Language Instructor/Homeroom Teacher
Q International School
09.2021 - 12.2021
Team Lead/English Language Instructor
King Faisal University
07.2016 - 07.2021
Communications Coordinator
California State University, Northridge
03.2015 - 07.2016
Master of Arts - American Indian Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations (concentration: Peace and Conflict Studies)
University of California, Berkeley