Basic Info
- Name:
- Volunteer International Students Assistance
- Category:
- Organizations - Volunteer Organizations
- Description:
- In the year 2000, a small group of students came together with a strong determination to create a better life for all international students at the University of Windsor. This determination gave rise to the second largest, non-funded, volunteer group at the university, the Volunteer International Students Assistance.
The Volunteer International Students Assistance (V.I.S.A) is a non-funded group at the University of Windsor that provides dynamic social opportunities for all students, both... (read more) - Privacy Type:
- Open: All content is public.
Contact Info
- Email:
- Website:
- http://In
http://Progress - Office:
- International Student Center, Cody Hall
- Location:
- Windsor, ON
Recent News
- News:
- ============================ Fall 2009 ============================
The V.I.S.A. Movie Night for Fall 2009 took place at the Basement of Cody Hall on November 13th. Students were treated to the screenings of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981) starring Harrison Ford & Karen Allen, as well as "There's Something About Mary" (1998) starring Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller & Matt Dillon.
V.I.S.A. had its FIRST ever Poker Night this Friday, October 30th at the Cody Hall Basement. Thank you to all who came down to support us!
V.I.S.A. held its first Indoor Games Night of Fall '09 this Friday, October 09th at the Cody Hall Basement.
V.I.S.A. had its first bowling night of Fall '09 at the Rose Bowl this Friday, September 25th. The event was a success and students had a great time! Pictures are in the photos section.
The UWindsor Amazing Race took place on Friday, September 11th, 2009. The race was a huge success with over 10 teams of two students each participating. The pictures from the event can be seen in the photos section of the group. We would like to thank all the volunteers who made this event such a success, and our sponsors;
* River Place Student Residences
* The Educational Development Centre, University of Windsor
* The International Student Centre, University of Windsor
* The Italian Studies Department, University of Windsor
* Drunkin' Burrito, and
* Students Orienting Students (S.O.S.)
V.I.S.A. is excited to announce its Executive Committee for the year starting from Summer 2009. They are:
Coordinator: Pumudu Liyanage (Sri Lanka)
Assitant Coordinator: Lulua Mala (Malaysia/India)
Executive, Events: Vanessa Sperduti (Canada)
Executive, Training & Operations: Aya Komatsu (Japan)
Executive, Special Events & Fundraising: Alanna Oddoye (Ghana)
Executive, Community Outreach: Jesleen Singh (India)
Associate, Events: Sheryl Bennett (Pakistan)
Associate, Training & Operations: Marsha Pereira (Qatar)
Co-associate, Publications: Avinesh Wadhwa (India)
Co-associate, Publications Mahek Ajmera (India)
V.I.S.A. will be hosting the UWindsor Amazing Race on September 11th, 2009. The race will begin in front of Leddy Library at 2.00pm.
=========================== Summer 2009 ===========================
V.I.S.A. took 47 students to Pelee Island, Saturday, July 26th, 2009. The trip was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the richness and the beauty of the islands.
Students joined up with V.I.S.A. for an afternoon of Laser Tag at the XS Family Fun Center in Windsor. It was a great outing for all the students who all had a great time.
Students from Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Panama and Sri Lanka joined V.I.S.A. for Indoor Rock Climbing on June 06th, 2009. It was a great experience for all involved with many memories which will 'rock'!
Our second movie night for students was held today, May 29th at the Cody Hall Basement. Students enjoyed the screening of the movie "Ice Age".
Bowling nights are back! V.I.S.A. held its first bowling night of the 2008-09 year at the Rose Bowl on May 28th.
V.I.S.A. held its first games night of Summer 2009, on Friday May 22nd at the Basement of Cody Hall.
V.I.S.A. held its first summer movie night this Friday, May 15th. Students enjoyed watching the classic movie "Back to the Future" starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Keep tuning in for more movie nights later this semester!
If you are interested in learning Salsa Dancing, this is your chance!!! Salsa lessons will be starting next Tuesday 28th at 5pm in the Cody Hall basement on-campus. They will be running every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6pm untill May 21st.
=========================== Winter 2009 ===========================
V.I.S.A. is excited to announce its Executive Committee for the year starting from Summer 2009. They are:
Coordinator: Laura Prada (Colombia)
Assitant Coordinator: Pumudu Liyanage (Sri Lanka)
Executive, Training & Operations: Aya Komatsu (Japan)
Executive, Publications: Lulua Mala (Malaysia/India)
Executive, Special Events & Fundraising: Alanna Oddoye (Ghana)
Executive, Community Outreach: Jesleen Singh (India)
Associate, Events: Sheryl Bennett (Pakistan)
Associate, Training & Operations: Marsha Pereira (Qatar)
Associate, Publications: Avinesh Wadhwa (India)
The Volunteer Recognition Dinner for V.I.S.A. and S.O.S. volunteers for 2008-09 was held at Winclare Dining Room, on Saturday March 28th, 2009. V.I.S.A. would like to thank all the volunteers who made this a memorable night for V.I.S.A. Special recognition must be made to the winners of awards on the night, who are;
Volunteer of the Year, 2008-09: Sheryl June Bennett
Volunteer of the Semester, Winter 2009: Avinesh Wadhwa
Outstanding Volunteer Contributions for 2008-09: Mahek Ajmera, Adam Folliott, Robin Hunter, Aya Komatsu, Marsha Pereira & Milinda Ranaweera
Executive of the Year, 2008-09: Alanna Oddoye
Outstanding Service Excellence Award: Pumudu Liyanage
Joanna Chan Leadership Award: Laura Prada
Alumni V.I.S.A. Spirit Award: Sheryl June Bennett
Congratulations to all, but as always all of you who came out that night are all winners.
The ALOHA BEACH PARTY, V.I.S.A.'s Semester fundraiser took place at the Basement Pub on Friday, March 27th. The event was a stirring success, and V.I.S.A. would like to thank all who came out that night and a special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make it happen.
V.I.S.A. would like to thank all the volunteers who helped create the promotional banner for the upcoming ALOHA BEACH PARTY Pub Night.
The Winter Game Night of V.I.S.A. was held at the International Student Center, Cody Hall on Friday March 06th. Students enjoyed a variety of board games as well as card games. The event was a great success with everyone enjoying a fun-filled start to their weekend.
V.I.S.A. will be recruiting its new Executive Committee for 2009-10 this month. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain student leadership experience, make a difference to students and campus life and gain work experience. Interviews will be scheduled upon receiving all applications so make sure you APPLY NOW! Information on all the available positions can be found on the message board on this page titled "V.I.S.A. Executive Committee, 2009-2010: Available Positions".
V.I.S.A., together with the Marketing Association at the Odette School of Business participated in a tour of the Hiram Walker offices in Windsor, today February 27th, 2009. Students were treated to the rich history of the company and a sampling of its products such as Canadian Club Whiskey. V.I.S.A. would like to thank the Marketing Association for its support in this venture, which was thoroughly enjoyable for all participants.
V.I.S.A. held its Winter movie night on Friday the 13th at the International Student Center, Cody Hall. The screening of the blockbuster hit "The Dark Knight" was a success and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all students who participated.
On Saturday, January 31st V.I.S.A. took 49 students from the University of Windsor for Tubing to St. Marys, Ontario. The trip also included a stop in London, Ontario for students to explore the city. Students from over 15 different countries including Colombia, China, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Romania, Bolivia, Germany, Mexico, Lebanon, Panama, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam and others were involved. The experience of a great Canadian outdoor activity was memorable for all involved.
"Visions for Darfur", a fund-raiser for the victims of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan took place on Saturday, 24th January 2008. This event was V.I.S.A.'s first such event focusing on humanitarian issues in today's world. The event was a huge success, not only in terms of raising funds, but as a way of raising awareness of the situation in Darfur. V.I.S.A. would like to thank everyone who helped to make this event possible, including our volunteers who did a marvelous job at the event itself. All funds raised will be donated to Oxfam Canada.
V.I.S.A. would like to thank all the amazing volunteers who participated in the Carrousel of the Nations, 2009. Thanks for helping the University celebrate unity in diversity. Because of your efforts, V.I.S.A.'s booth at the Carrousel was placed the a close 2nd in the contest for the best display. Thank you once again to everyone!
V.I.S.A.'s first general meeting of the semester took place on Friday, January 9th at Cody Hall. Afterwards, our traditional Bowling Night took place @ the Rose Bowl in Windsor amid an enthusiastic student response.
============================ Fall 2008 ============================
V.I.S.A. is pleased to announce its revised Executive Structure for Winter 2008.
Laura Prada, Colombia - Coordinator
Pumudu Liyanage, Sri Lanka - Assistant Coordinator
Imanga Kayama, Zambia - Executive, Publications
Aya Komatsu, Japan - Executive, Training & Operations
Alanna Oddoye, Ghana - Executive, Special Events & Fundraising
Anirudh Dobariya, India - Associate, Training & Operations
Robin Hunter, Canada - Associate, Publications
Naitik Parekh, Oman (India) - Associate, Events
Another successful Halloween party comes to an end with a round total of about 400 people. V.I.S.A. thanks you for your support.
Visions for Darfur, a humanitarian initiative is scheduled to be held on Friday, December 5, 2008. Please email us to purchase tickets.
V.I.S.A.'s Biggest Halloween Party is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, so make sure you have your costumes ready! Tickets earyl $3; at the door $5
V.I.S.A. will be decorating the International Student Center for Halloween on Friday, October 24, 2008 @ 5pm. We invite all students to be part of this fun experience.
The United Way training brought in a total of 75 students, one of the most successful training sessions so far. Thank you students and we hope you were able to understand the importance of volunteering and its benefits to our communities.
Party with style, thats what we do! V.I.S.A. is organizing THE RED CARPET @ Dean Martini on Friday, October 3, 2008. Cover $5. All proceeds go to Darfur Sudan.
V.I.S.A. is throwing one of the hottest parties yet! INFERNO is scheduled for September 19 @ The basement. buy your Tickets early for $3 only. Cover at the door is $5. cAN yOU fEeL DA hEaT?
V.I.S.A. is hosting Sexy Jack @ Jack Rabbit Slims tomorrow @ 9
V.I.S.A. took over 25 students bowling Friday, September 5, 2008 after a very successful meeting.
V.I.S.A. is looking for student volunteers interesting in the Executive, Marketing & Promotions position and Coordinator position for the group for the 2008-09 academic year. Submit your applications to visa@uwindsor.ca
V.I.S.A. in collaboration with SOS and the EDC will be hosting Adrenalin Rush, a huge carnival, full of inflatables, cotton candy, and snow cones this Windsor Welcome Week.
V.I.S.A. is helping to organize the International Students Orientation for Fall 2008 this year.
=========================== Summer 2008 ===========================
V.I.S.A. will be taking students bowling on August 8, 2008 so make sure you send us an email if you'd like to come.
Another successful weekly event for the year, as V.I.S.A. takes 17 students Laser Tag and Go-Karting. It is indeed amazing to see how a simple trip like this can be so memorable and fun for all the students.
V.I.S.A. too 43 students to Pelee Island, Saturday, July 12th, 2008. The trip was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the richness and the beauty of the islands.
V.I.S.A. is currently raising funds for the Genocide victims at Darfur. The event is set to be university wide and will be held in the first week of October.
Volunteers, Lamya Rangwala and Divya Dube participated in a documentary film that featured 12 indian boxers who participated in a Boxing Championship here in Windsor.
We have 14 of our volunteers participating in GenNext with United Way this Saturday, May 31, 2008.
V.I.S.A. took 29 students bowling on Friday and everyone had the time of their lives. We had students from many countries and that added to the diversity of the group.
V.I.S.A. students will be volunteering for the Senior Center for their Elvis night on June 27th, 28th, and 29th.
V.I.S.A. is taking students bowling Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 8pm. Everyone is Invited.
V.I.S.A. volunteers: Pumudu Liyanage, Anirudh Dobariya, Aya Komatsu, and Mallika Padmanahan volunteered for the OMRAT Conference at the Hilton hotel.
For more information on how to get involved, email visa@uwindsor.ca











