Tampa, Fla. (May 18, 2020) –The University of South Florida has recognized that international students face unique challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. International students are not eligible for financial assistance that U.S. students receive from the federal CARES Act. In order to support these students and help them fulfill their dreams of completing their degree at USF, the USF World International Student Support Fundwas created.International students represent nearly 10% of the student body, and are a crucial part of USF’s core values of diversity andinclusion.“Our international students bring the world to USF,” says Dr. Kiki Caruson, Interim Vice President for USF World. “They provide a diverse set of perspectives in the classroom and enrich our broader campus life. For those domestic students unable to travel abroad during their USF careers, their peers from around the world contribute to the globally-minded culture that defines the University of South Florida.”Throughout the past couple of months, many of these students have had to remain in the U.S. far away from their families, while others have had to return to their home countries without knowing when or if they will be able to return. In addition to these stressors, many of these students and their families are facing loss of jobs and income. “My family… has had no means of making an income in weeks, on top of the dollar becoming more expensive compared to our own currency each day,” says USF Student Body Vice President Gustavo Spangher from Brazil. “We international students are not eligible for any government financial assistance and our employment opportunities are limited. We really need help covering every day expenses including rent, food, and other necessities.”The fund will go directly to providing financial relief for international students who have been adversely impacted by the current global economic crisis. Those who are interested in helping these valued students can make a contribution through the USF Foundation’s website.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.