CISC: A conversation with the president
The CEHD International Student Community (CISC) was founded in 2022 by Satomi Mitani, a PhD student from Japan in the comparative and international development education (CIDE) program in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. She served as president of the organization for two years. We sat down with current president Vongrathayuth Hingphith to learn more about how CISC came to be and what it offers our students.
Originally from Cambodia, Yuth is also seeking a PhD in CIDE.
I began my journey as a public school teacher in Cambodia, a role that shaped my understanding of education at its most immediate and personal level. Over time, I expanded my work into the public and nonprofit sectors, focusing on policies and programs that aimed to create broader impact. When the Fulbright Program selected me in 2021, it felt like a pivotal moment—an opportunity to step outside the systems I knew and explore education and development from an entirely new perspective.
Initially, I intended to pursue education policy, but after thoughtful conversations with my Fulbright advisor, I shifted to international development and was recommended for the University of Minnesota. That decision led me to the MA in Comparative and International Development Education (CIDE) program within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). I began my studies in 2021, during the uncertain final phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of global and personal unpredictability, but the program became a space where I could anchor myself in intellectual and professional growth.
In 2023, I completed my MA with a minor in Evaluation Studies, and after much reflection, I decided to continue in the CIDE PhD program. This choice wasn’t just about advancing academically; it was about continuing to explore the bigger questions that drive education and development: How do power, social justice, and societal change intersect in meaningful ways? How do we bridge the gap between vision and action?
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to believe in the balance between research and practice. As I often say, "School is where you get challenged intellectually. Work is where you get challenged practically." My experiences as an MEd and MA graduate have taught me the value of finding that balance—of grounding ideas in real-world application while ensuring that practice is informed by rigorous thought.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to returning to Cambodia and contributing to education policy. My personal mantra as a teacher stays with me: "No matter how big or broad the change you envision, it will not mean a single thing if the students you teach do not see the future they deserve." That belief continues to guide my work, reminding me that at the heart of every policy, every program, and every reform is a student whose potential must be nurtured.
The CEHD International Student Community, or CISC, is a student-led organization that represents and supports international students pursuing education within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota. Established in 2022, CISC was founded by a group of students who recognized the importance of creating a dedicated space for international students to connect, learn, and grow together.
At its core, CISC aims to build a vibrant and inclusive community that enhances mutual understanding and fosters a sense of belonging. It was born out of the belief that a strong network of international students is essential not only for personal and academic success but also for amplifying our collective presence and addressing shared challenges.
The unique experiences of international students at CEHD, while diverse, often share common threads: navigating a new academic environment, adjusting to cultural differences, and seeking a balance between personal and professional growth. CISC serves as a response to these needs, offering a platform where students can find support, share resources, and advocate for changes that improve their experiences within the college and beyond.
Through its mission, CISC is committed to:
- Advocating for the rights and interests of international students within CEHD and the larger university community.
- Providing activities tailored to the needs of international students, including career workshops, academic discussions, and social events.
- Facilitating open conversations between international students and university leadership to address key issues and opportunities.
- Orienting students to the wide range of resources available at CEHD and across the University of Minnesota.
- Creating a welcoming and supportive space where international students feel valued and connected.
By focusing on these goals, CISC has become a cornerstone of the international student experience at CEHD. It is not just an organization; it is a reflection of the shared values, aspirations, and resilience of a diverse group of students coming together to thrive in a new environment.
In many ways, CISC embodies the idea that while academic success is vital, so too is building a supportive community where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
For me, the CEHD International Student Community (CISC) represents more than an organization—it’s a deeply personal journey of connection and advocacy. The story of CISC begins with an understanding that while academic pursuits are vital, building a sense of community is equally essential.
I had the privilege of becoming one of the co-founders of CISC through the encouragement of a wonderful senior and friend, Satomi Minami. At the time, she was a PhD student in my program, and her invitation to help establish this community felt like a natural extension of my own desire to create spaces of belonging for international students. Satomi’s vision was deeply informed by her own experiences as an MA student and the challenges she had faced navigating her academic and personal journey.
CISC is, in many ways, a reflection of Satomi’s story but also a shared narrative among many international students in the College of Education and Human Development. We recognized a critical gap: while CEHD celebrates its diversity, the international student population is so varied—spanning different countries, cultures, and perspectives—that the existing resources often felt stretched or generalized.
There was also a noticeable absence of spaces where international students could work alongside one another to co-create an inclusive environment, addressing needs and opportunities from within the community itself. This realization sparked a call for action.
CISC emerged as a response to these challenges and a shift in perspective: rather than viewing international students through a lens of need or adjustment, we wanted to embrace an asset-based approach. How can international students actively contribute to improving CEHD, enriching its academic environment, and shaping its culture?
Our goal was to build a community that:
- Recognizes and celebrates the incredible diversity of international students while addressing the limitations of existing resources.
- Creates spaces where students not only feel included but are also empowered to take ownership of their experiences and advocate for meaningful change.
- Repositions international students as leaders and contributors within the college, showcasing the value they bring to academic, cultural, and institutional growth.
Since its founding in 2022, CISC has become a platform for international students to connect, share, and collaborate. It’s a space where we can amplify our voices, support one another, and ensure that CEHD not only accommodates its diverse population but thrives because of it.
This journey is one I’m proud to have been a part of, and it continues to inspire me to think about the role of community in shaping not just our education but our collective futures.
As of Fall 2024, the CEHD International Student Community (CISC) has a membership directory that includes 137 international students out of 307 students pursuing their degrees within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). This makes up a significant portion of the student body, highlighting the need for a dedicated community space for international students.
Of those 137 members, seven active board members (all international students) are leading CISC initiatives, forming partnerships, and advocating for the needs of international students across various platforms. These board members are the driving force behind CISC’s efforts to create meaningful change, both within the college and beyond. They work hard to ensure that the voices of international students are heard and that their unique challenges are addressed in every facet of their academic and social experiences.
Our membership continues to grow, and we are always excited to welcome more international students to join, participate, and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Over the past three years, the CEHD International Student Community (CISC) has organized and led over 25 initiatives, and we’re just getting started! Our activities are designed to engage, support, and celebrate the international student experience while fostering a sense of community within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
We believe in showing up where it matters, so we've been involved in key campus events like the ISSS’s Meet Your College Day and Small World Coffee Hour, CEHD's Block Party, Homecoming, and International Thanksgiving Dinner. Whether we’re hosting a table, walking alongside students, or engaging in meaningful conversations over coffee or dinner, we are there—actively creating spaces where international students can connect and feel supported. We even welcome new international students before they even set foot in the U.S.! We make sure to be present at all major events, both at CEHD and the University of Minnesota, as long as it provides significant value for international students.
An exciting addition to our programming is the Colloquium on the World’s Education Systems Series. This dynamic, three-part event series explores the diverse philosophies, disciplines, and organizational perspectives that shape educational systems around the world. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of global education by bringing a transnational and comparative lens to the CEHD community, which includes students, faculty, and university professionals. The colloquium offers not only academic insight but also practical development tips to support the growth of international scholars in CEHD. You can read more about it here: Colloquium on the World’s Education Systems Series. Our 2025 colloquium has been greenlighted, and we cannot wait to celebrate once again the intellectual contributions of our CEHD international students and alumni!
In addition to events, we’re committed to connecting our community through information-sharing. Our CISC Newsletter was created to bridge the gap between international students and the resources available at the University of Minnesota. We’ve been actively sharing resources, events, and updates through this newsletter since our first issue went out on November 19th, 2022. It’s sent out every month on the 1st and 3rd Monday, helping keep our members informed and engaged.
You can explore our past events here: Past Events.
This Fall 2024 alone has been an incredible semester for CISC. We’ve exceeded our goals by collaborating with six amazing organizations and leading seven events and activities, including Meet Your College Day, Block Party, Undergraduate Welcome, International Café, Homecoming, WEJC, and Post-Election Resources. And we’re not done yet—three more events are on the way before the semester wraps up!
Through all these activities, our goal is clear: to build a strong, inclusive community where international students feel heard, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
When we ask our members what they think about the CEHD International Student Community (CISC), the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it fills us with pride and motivation to continue doing this important work.
One thing we often hear is, “Hahaha, we see pink, and we think of you guys!” The impact of our branding is real! We made a conscious decision to use pink as an alternative to UMN's maroon and gold, and it has certainly made a memorable statement. This choice was all thanks to our amazing Undergraduate Co-Director of Communication in 2022, who expertly understood that branding isn't just about the logo; it's about creating a presence that stands out and resonates with the community.
It’s not just about the color, though. Our members have often expressed appreciation for how accommodating our programs are. Our past and present Director of Programs and Project Coordinators have worked hard to ensure that our events are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Some of the feedback we receive goes like this: “Hey, when do we have dinner together again with CISC?” or “Are you running the International Café again?” These events have become essential gatherings where people feel welcomed, connected, and supported. It’s these moments that remind us of the importance of having spaces where we can come together, share experiences, and simply connect.
Another compliment that we cherish is hearing, “You guys are everywhere.” To us, this is one of the highest compliments we can get. It means we’re showing up where we’re needed and being present for our members. We’ve worked hard to make sure that our presence is felt across key events and activities, and it's rewarding to hear that it's being noticed.
Even faculty and staff have expressed their appreciation, saying things like, “Thank you so much for doing all of these,” and “We know it’s not easy, and we really appreciate that you’re taking the time to create these opportunities.” But the best phrase we've heard from them is, “If you need anything or support, please let us know. We’re ready to help you make it happen.” This type of support, especially from faculty and staff, is the highest form of recognition for us. It reassures us that we’re on the right path, and it encourages us to keep pushing forward with the work we’re doing.
And of course, there’s the constant “thank you” and “let’s do this!” from our members and peers. As board members, hearing those words is incredibly empowering. It reminds us that we’re making a difference, and it drives us to keep going, knowing that we are supported and appreciated in return.
My vision for the CEHD International Student Community (CISC) is rooted in sustainability—not just in maintaining the legacy of this organization, but ensuring that it continues to thrive and evolve as a valuable partner for international students. I want CISC to remain a key advocate and thought partner for the services that support international students, ensuring that their needs and voices are heard within CEHD and across the University of Minnesota (UMN).
One of my biggest goals is to establish a strong foundation that allows CISC to continue its work for years to come. I envision the organization as a place where Board Members can grow and develop, a space where the organization operates smoothly, and where systems and structures are in place to guide future leaders. It’s important to me that we not only sustain our current efforts but also build on them, creating lasting impact and opportunities for those who come after us.
Right now, I am focused on transferring organizational knowledge into processes that can be followed long after our current Board Members are gone. This task has given me a deeper understanding of the life cycle of student organizations. Having been part of an international non-profit, I understand the importance of volunteering and the culture that surrounds it, but I also know the value of making sure that the organization is set up for long-term success. I believe in a low-lift, sustainable approach to running an organization, and I’m working on creating strategic direction and systems to support this vision. At the same time, it’s essential that we recognize and support the growth of our members, ensuring they are compensated in ways that encourage their continued involvement and development.
However, my biggest dream for CISC is something much larger: I see our organization as not just another service provider but as a platform for amplifying the voices of international students. We are not here to replace the existing services or activities provided by CEHD or UMN; rather, we aim to encourage the visibility of international students’ perspectives on how these services are delivered. I hope that the activities we create will serve as a model for what could be done to support this community better.
Ultimately, I want CISC to be a hub and collaborative space where international students can co-create meaningful activities and advocacy efforts. I want us to be a key point of contact for international students in CEHD, alongside CEHD International Initiatives and ISSS. Our goal is to connect students to the resources, community, and support systems that help them feel at home away from home.
In line with this vision, we also want to be thoughtful partners with all campus entities already doing fantastic work supporting international students. We want to collaborate with them to ensure that the needs of our international student community continue to be met and that we can grow together in ways that benefit all students.
Through this vision, I cannot wait to see how it guided my actions, and I am excited to see what goes beyond.
First and foremost, the CEHD houses the amazing Integrated Leadership and Development program, which provides our members with the tools and mindset to be advocates for one another. Our members are already familiar with leadership and advocacy, and they are excited to be part of the conversations that shape our community. This foundation in leadership sets CISC apart, as it creates an environment where advocacy is not just a value—it’s ingrained in the way we operate.
What makes us even more unique is our fluidity and self-awareness as an organization. We are committed to partnering with the University to address international student needs, but we also remain independent to hold the University accountable for what is required to support international students. We understand that our role is to collaborate and advocate while maintaining the flexibility to push for changes that are truly in the best interests of our members.
Additionally, the makeup of our Board of Directors is one of the things that makes us stand out. All of our Board Members are international students, representing a range of degree levels and academic programs. Despite the diversity in our individual backgrounds, we consistently show up to do the hard work that is needed to advocate for international students within the College of Education and Human Development. The shared commitment to the cause among our Board Members ensures that we’re always driven by the same goals and values, creating a strong sense of unity.
Finally, what makes CISC truly unique is our understanding of the intersectionality and complexity of international students. International students within CEHD often hold multiple identity markers, and we are mindful of how these intersect in relation to resources, support, and opportunities. We approach every initiative with an awareness of the unique challenges our members face, understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach will never work. By recognizing and respecting the complexity of these experiences, we are better able to serve our community and make sure that all international students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Looking ahead to 2030 (yes, I’m throwing in a little SDG joke for my International Development background), my vision for CISC is ambitious but deeply rooted in the values we’ve cultivated over the years. By 2030, I hope CISC becomes the central point of contact for all incoming, current, and alumni CEHD international students—where collaborations, support, and advocacy are not only centralized but actively communicated across various platforms. Imagine a dynamic space where students, alumni, and prospective students can easily connect, share experiences, and grow together.
Another key part of this vision is the expansion of our membership. While we’ve always been a hub for current students, by 2030, I see CISC as a multi-generational community that includes not only students but alumni who are actively mentoring and engaging with the new generation of CEHD international students. This sense of continuity would ensure that our impact reaches beyond graduation and fosters long-term relationships and networks. It would also mean that prospective students are eagerly seeking us out, knowing they can rely on CISC for support, guidance, and a welcoming community.
I also envision the Board of Directors becoming an even more powerful reflection of the unique complexity of international students within CEHD. We’ll have a Board that represents the full range of experiences, backgrounds, and academic pursuits of our members, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in decision-making processes. The development of our Board members will be at the heart of our growth, with support from both the University and external stakeholders. Their ongoing development will ensure that our leadership continues to evolve with the changing needs of our community.
In terms of our outreach and events, by 2030, I hope to see consistent participation from our community. Our events will be spaces where every international student, whether in their first semester or approaching graduation, shows up, gets engaged, and leaves feeling more connected to the CEHD family.
That said, I’m a realist at heart. I know that the road to realizing this vision will be challenging. However, I truly believe in the potential of the new cohorts of board members who will take CISC to even greater heights. They’ll dream bigger, advocate more effectively, and lead with more significant influence than I could. The dream is there, and I’m confident that CISC will continue to thrive and grow into the organization we all envision with continued dedication and collaboration.