Karen A. Santiago - Director of International Student Services & PDSO at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Greetings From ISS!

A few weeks ago, at the end of a typical student meeting, my student looked up at me and said "Miss. Karen, it seems like you really enjoy your job". I was pleasantly surprised by this comment. Yes, it's always good to get positive feedback from those you serve. Even more important to me, however, was the fact that my love of working with international students and my dedication to this role shines through. I take a distinct pleasure in helping others pursue their educational and professional goals. While this office may seem from the outside to be wrapped in layers of rules and regulations, the true purpose is to help international students ensure that rules and regulations don't impede their academic and professional pursuits. The Office of International Student Services here at Wesley may be small and serve a small population, but does so with excellence. If you receive any less, well have some compassion. I am a one-person office after all! I look forward to working with every new student and continuing to support our vibrant international student community. Sincerely, Karen A. Santiago

A One-Person Office

Like so many offices around Wesley, ISS is run by a team of, well, one. However, it takes the work of many people to keep things operating smoothly. In addition to ISS staff, see below information on key staff in other offices who support international student needs.

Karen Santiago: Director & Primary Designated School Official (PDSO),
International Student Services
(202) 885-6069, ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu

Karen joined Wesley Theological Seminary in December of 2014, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in international education and intercultural communication. In her previous roles, Karen served as the Director of American University's Intercultural Management Institute, where she continues to serve as a member of their Advisory Council. She also served as Program Manager for the Afghanistan Development Portfolio in Purdue University's International Programs in Agriculture department. Karen has served as international trainer, guest lecturer, and adjunct professor, currently teaching Wesley's International Student Seminar (IS-205). She holds a M.A. in International Communication from American University in Washington, D.C., and a B.A. in Journalism from the Pennsylvania State University (go Lions!). Karen has a deeply-rooted interest in international populations with a particular interest in how we can communicate effectively across cultures. From Afghanistan to Spain, Libya to China, Karen's personal and professional experiences have taken her to some unique places. She's not done yet and hopes to visit more countries soon!

Wesley's DSO Team (Designated School Officials)

Wesley DSOs have the ability to provide support for students in need of assistance with certain I-20 and SEVIS functions in the absence of the PDSO (for example, obtaining a travel signature). Our DSO team includes:

JaNice Parks, Director of Enrollment
(202) 885-8687, jparks@wesleyseminary.edu

Chip Aldridge, Associate Dean of Admissions
(202) 885-8686, caldridge@wesleyseminary.edu

Vannessa Terzaghi, Registrar
(202) 885-8649, vterzaghi@wesleyseminary.edu