Contact Us
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Located:
Kutz Hall, second floor, room 215.
Mailstop 040
Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: 781-736-3480
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am -5:00pm
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Visiting Hours: Monday -Friday, 11:00am - 4:00pm
During this time, students and scholars can stop by to say hello, or pick up/drop off documents.
Walk-In Advising Hours: Monday -Friday, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
During this time, an ISSO Advisor is available to answer quick questions. More complicated questions will require an appointment.
Zoom Drop-In Hours
- Tuesday 2:00pm - 3:00pm
- Thursday 2:00pm - 3:00pm
ACCESS Zoom Drop-IN hours
Zoom Drop-In Hours are generally reserved for quick questions that require a 5-10 minute discussion with an ISSO advisor. If you have a more complex question, please schedule an appointment. To schedule a Zoom appointment with your ISSO Advisor, please use our booking page.
To schedule an appointment with your ISSO Advisor use our You Can Book Me booking page.
Be sure to book your appointment with your assigned ISSO Advisor and to check if your Advisor is available in-person or by Zoom on the day you wish to book your appointment.
If your assigned ISSO Advisor does not have availability at a day and time that is convenient for you, please contact the ISSO. You can also visit our Walk-In Hours or Zoom Drop-In Advising hours without an appointment for quick questions.
Scholars who would like to book an appointment should email scholars@brandeis.edu.
If you have an urgent situation that may make international travel seem necessary (e.g. for family emergency), please contact the ISSO immediately so we can arrange an appointment to discuss any risks associated with your travel abroad or your return to the U.S. If you are experiencing one of the following emergency situations outside of the ISSO's normal business hours, you may reach out to the Brandeis Public Safety Emergency Line at 781-736-3333 and an ISSO staff member will be contacted:
- If you are denied boarding a flight bound to the U.S., or denied entry into the U.S., where all of your immigration documentation is valid and are a current student, scholar, or dependent; or
- If you are detained at an airport or a U.S. Port of Entry (e.g., border-crossing, seaport, etc.)
Please note the exceptions to calling this number below:
- If you forgot or lost your immigration documents (I-20, DS-2019, EAD card, I-797 Approval Notice, etc.), do not call the number. Instead, email your ISSO advisor or isso@brandeis.edu for assistance.
- If your visa application is delayed or denied, do not call the number. Instead, email your ISSO advisor or isso@brandeis.edu for assistance.
- If Brandeis does not sponsor your immigration status, do not call the number. Instead, contact your immigration sponsor for assistance. (Example: Fulbright, F-1 OPT or J-1 AT through another institution, etc.)
- If you are in the U.S. and hurt or in danger, do not call this number. Instead, call 911. If you are overseas, call emergency services in that country.
The International Students and Scholars Office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and can be reached by phone at 781-736-3840.
Who is my ISSO Advisor?
For Students (New Assignments)
Last Name A-Arh and D-I: Daniela Periolska (dperiolska@brandeis.edu)
Last Name Ari-Bhan and J-L: Adrea Papadopoulos (apapadop@brandeis.edu)
Last Name Bhas-Chau and X-Z: Ian Metivier (ianmetivier@brandeis.edu)
Last Name Chen and Q-W: Karen Zuffante Pabon (kpabon@brandeis.edu)
Last Name Cheng-Cz and M-P: Rachel Benjamin (rbenjamin@brandeis.edu)
For Scholars Employed at Brandeis University in J-1, H-1B, TN, and F-1 OPT/STEM OPT Status
Daniela Periolska (dperiolska@brandeis.edu)
Jodi Hanelt (hanelt@brandeis.edu)