Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS)

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Carmen Nicole Smith

Carmen provides visa and immigration support to international students and scholars from across the globe.  She joined Bard in September of 2021 as the Berlin Programs Manager for Bard Abroad and later shifted to OSUN where she managed the Student Mobility program.  Before moving to the Hudson Valley, Carmen had a successful career as professional contemporary dancer, choreographer and arts educator.  As a member of Battery Dance Company, she led movement residencies on five continents, often sponsored by the U.S. State Department, and was an Arts Envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carmen has also taught dance and choreographed musicals at academic institutions in the area.  She has an MA in International Affairs from The New School and a BA in Psychology and Movement Studies from SUNY Empire State.

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Manishka Kalupahana

Manishka Kalupahana has been working as international student adviser and principle designated school official since 2009.

Prior to 2009, she worked as the study abroad adviser and continued to work in both study abroad and international student advising for a couple of years. Her experience working as a study abroad adviser provided her a breadth of knowledge about the Bard networks outside the Annandale-on-Hudson campus, along with welcoming international students and scholars who visited campus from partner institutions.

As international student adviser she works closely with all international students prior to their arrival on campus, during orientation, and throughout the time students remain at the College. Her main focus has been to welcome all international students to campus and to educate them about maintaining their student status at the College. In addition, she focuses on providing advice and support toward international students adjusting and thriving in the new academic, social, and cultural environment.

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Abigail Swartvagher

Abigail supports displaced and refugee students with services unique to their status in the United States. She also provides general support to international students at Bard College.