Student Experiences
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Updated: March 20, 2024
Studying Biology at Southwestern College in San Diego
Alexis Putrino from Switzerland is a biology major at Southwestern College, a community college in San Diego. After earning her associate degree, Alexis plans to transfer to the University of California system or a private university such as the University of San Diego to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. She chose Southwestern because of its program variety and transfer options.
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Updated: March 11, 2024
Studying Mathematics at Appalachian State University
Fulbright scholar Silva Keohulian from Lebanon is earning her master’s degree in mathematics at Appalachian State University (aka App State) in North Carolina. She chose App State because of its great reputation, excellent math department, and welcoming community.
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Updated: February 14, 2024
From Irvine Valley College to UC Irvine: Annie from Taiwan’s Education Journey
Annie from Taiwan decided to attend Irvine Valley College (IVC) for its top university transfer rates to the UC system and its diverse, opportunity-rich environment for international students. She shares the benefits of joining campus clubs for networking, the supportive educational journey with the help of faculty, and the significant resources IVC offers for university transfer — plus, her love of IVC’s local beaches.
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Updated: January 04, 2024
Studying Computer Science at Southwestern College in California
International student Hnin Ei Shwe Yi (also known as Scarlett) is from Myanmar. She is majoring in computer science at Southwestern College in Southern California and plans to transfer to the University of California system after finishing two years at community college. Studying in the USA has been “challenging, transformative, and rewarding,” said Scarlett.
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Updated: January 04, 2024
Discovering New Horizons
True to its name, Mission College in Santa Clara, California, is dedicated to empowering its students to find their mission. This Silicon Valley–based community college goes beyond quality course offerings to open doors for international students to achieve the future they envision.
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Updated: December 07, 2023
Studying Biomedical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology
A passion for creating things paired with a love of biology led Marcello Mattei of Caracas, Venezuela, to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. The only problem was, this relatively new field of study wasn’t offered in his home country. So a career advisor recommended the program at Florida Institute of Technology. After earning his bachelor’s at Florida Tech, Marcello is now working toward a master’s degree there as well.
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Updated: November 24, 2023
Studying Marketing at Hillsborough Community College in Florida
Mio Ariga from Japan is a sophomore studying marketing at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. As a self-described “blasian” (for Black and Asian — her father is from Jamaica), her dream is to build a business around providing beauty products, information, and community for young Black people living in Japan.
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Updated: February 21, 2024
Global Dreams Realized: Inspiring Journeys of Priscilla and Eduardo at American English College
Priscilla and Eduardo are two international students from Gabon and Mexico respectively who are working with American English College to pursue their dreams of mastering English. Priscilla is paving her way towards a pathway program to gain access to top college partnerships, while Eduardo is developing his communication skills. Through American English College's unwavering support, they are both making amazing progress on their respective journeys. Let's celebrate their success and learn more about American English College.
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Updated: October 31, 2023
Santa Monica College: Pursuing Academics and Community Abroad
Abril Olivares Nolasco from Mexico chose Santa Monica College (SMC) for its reputation and community. Abril not only pursues studies in communication, film, and cognitive science but also leads as the president of the International Student Forum. “Part of what I love about America is that you can be and do whatever you want,” shares Abril.
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Updated: October 31, 2023
Berkeley Global Graduate Shreya Nemani Lands Startup Marketing Role
Shreya Nemani, a Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) graduate, secured a pivotal position as a growth manager at Froogal, an innovative customer loyalty and engagement SaaS startup, upon returning to India. She attributes her success in the role to the real-world applicable knowledge she gained from Berkeley, particularly in subjects like pricing, marketing, and high technology.
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Updated: October 13, 2023
English Proficiency and International Success: Leslie's U.S. Journey
Leslie Moreno and moderator Maggie Wolford discuss the importance of English in U.S. education. Our Live session, “English Proficiency: Leslie's U.S. Academic Journey,” explored Leslie's journey from Colombia to Florida and how English played a key role in her success.
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Updated: October 13, 2023
Studying Film Production at Santa Barbara City College
Mathias Goeb from Munich, Germany, is majoring in film production at Santa Barbara City College in California. He chose SBCC primarily because of its desirable location, then discovered the high quality of education and faculty. “The teachers and the courses are wonderful,” said Mathias, who plans to transfer to a 4-year university to finish his degree.
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Updated: September 26, 2023
Molecular Biology Student Turns “Beautiful Disasters” into Lifelong Call to Service
Hikmat Abou Shahla from Beirut, Lebanon, is a senior at Chico State University in Northern California, majoring in cellular and molecular biology. Over the last few years, Hikmat has experienced several devastating and sometimes catastrophic events that led him to throw himself into public service and develop a passion for helping people.
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Updated: October 03, 2023
Studying English at the University of Texas at Austin
Carlos Velásquez Ortiz from Venezuela is a mechanical engineer with an MBA in business administration. He chose to improve his English skills through immersion at the University of Texas at Austin’s English Language Program (ELP). Carlos liked UT’s excellent reputation: “The program meets all my expectations to improve my English.”
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Updated: September 14, 2023
NYU Through Malene's Eyes: A Day in the Life of an International Student and the Key Role of TOEFL
Meet Malene, a Master's student at NYU, and get an insightful glimpse into her life as a student in the heart of New York. Plus learn more about the importance of the TOEFL test and how it serves a pivotal role in shaping a successful international academic journey.
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Updated: September 05, 2023
Studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mississippi
Andres Cepeda from Mexico is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in manufacturing at the University of Mississippi. “As an engineering student with focus on manufacturing and interested in aviation, studying in the U.S. has allowed me to have more access to opportunities directly related to what I want to be doing,” he stated. “I have been able to build a strong network with people involved in the industry, and also develop a better understanding of what job opportunities are available and how they match my expectations.”
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Updated: September 05, 2023
The Power of English Proficiency: Insights from Marifer’s Journey to Success in the U.S.
In this insightful session, we explored the incredible journey of Marifer, an international student from Panama who achieved two degrees and embarked on a PhD in Human-Centered Design at Florida Institute of Technology. Marifer's story is a testament to empowerment and the idea that we have the ability to shape our destinies. It also highlights the impact of knowledge and perseverance. Language proficiency, especially English, plays a pivotal role for international students. Marifer shared her experience with the TOEFL test, and her preparation strategies, use of resources, and study habits shed light on the importance of getting ready for language assessments. Plus TOEFL offers resources and sessions that can help guide individuals on their paths to success, check this blog for further information.
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Updated: August 12, 2023
Join us on Facebook Live! The Power of English Proficiency: Marifer’s Success at University and Beyond in the U.S.
Imagine a world where the power is in your hands, your dreams know no limits, and the key to unlocking endless possibilities lies in the realm of the English language.
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Updated: July 19, 2023
Meet Francisca E. Del Pino, studying at The English Language Institute at the University of Florida
“Along with my research I stumbled upon the University of Florida — it’s a Top 5 public university and has beautiful architecture and an overwhelming college pride,” says Francisca E. Del Pino from Chile. “The minute I started learning about it was the minute I decided I would try and go there.”
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Updated: July 14, 2023
Meet Ryan Evans from England, a business major at St. Ambrose University
Studying in the USA is a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience that can help shape you into the person that you want to be,” says Ryan Evans from England, who is a senior Business Sales and Marketing major at St. Ambrose University. “Although it may be scary, International Student Services are there to help, and once you settle in you'll have no issues making friends and enjoying your time.
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