Students came from all around the world as a part of Multicultural Day at Moorpark College, to talk about what it is like to be an international student.
There are 15,839 students at Moorpark College, and 149 of them are international students. Students come here for a plethora of reasons, ranging from the education that college has to offer to just the experience of the American way of life.
“I wanted to get the education for something that I would love, so I could get a good job,” said Linus Mattisson, an international student from Switzerland.
The event was called “The World at Moorpark College,” which featured a panel of students who came from all over the world, from South Africa to China. The students talked about their experiences of leaving home and coming to California for their education. The event was held to help inform students at Moorpark that there are international students here and some of them may even be in their classes.
Most of the students at the event came here after high school. Among these students was Joseph Fajarde, who had lived in America for a while and had gone to junior high school in the States. He said that is was a big change coming here from the Philippines at such a young age. He said one of the biggest changes in coming to school here was the lack of uniforms.
“I had to create my own identity with my clothes”, said Fajarde.
One of the most stressful situations for the students is their problems with student visas.
“The visa situation is stressful. I’d like to stay here, but they may kick me out,” said Dylan Belton, a student from South Africa. “I can’t stay here unless I marry someone [who lives here].”
International students also have to pay more to go to school here. Classes cost $129 per unit and they must have a minimum of 12 units.
The transition from living elsewhere to coming here is also hard for many students who choose to leave their homes and move to the United States to further their education. Most have to leave their families behind, as well as their friends and home life.
“It was hard in the beginning,” said Irina Edert, a student from Germany. “I couldn’t really understand anything or say anything.”
So the next time you in class remember that the student next to you may come from a different country.
“You might have an international student sitting next to you in class” said Maureen Rauchfuss, the Matriculation Specialist, Office of Outreach and Admissions.
For more information on the international students program at Moorpark College go to http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/services_for_students/international_students/index.shtml.
