From over 40 different countries, Moorpark College’s international students are bringing diversity to the campus.

Stacy Chen, the international student specialist at the college, said they bring a wealth of information and cultural influences.

“They bring the world into the classrooms when presenting their country and culture,” said Chen. “Indirectly they are educating our campus staff and students about being international.”

Having students from different parts of the world whose culture and lifestyle are very different is an amazing thing. It allows students and staff who aren’t familiar with those places and insight to how their culture and lifestyles are.

Callum Miles Hicks, 19, international business major, from Roystown, England said they are seen as adults in England from the age 16 to 18 years old.

“We are brought up to be independent and are expected to work at the ages of 16 to 18 as well as fend for ourselves,” said Hicks.

Hicks is one of the many international students who bring diversity to the campus.

Chloe Demosthenous, a 19-year-old media communications major from Cyprus, Greece, said it was difficult adjusting to the way of greeting people over here due to the cultural differences.

“You guys greet each other with handshakes, but we greet each other with two kisses on the cheek,” said Demothenous.

“The students that make up this diverse group are part of a club named the International Student Organization, where all students have the opportunity to learn and observe the different cultures as well as interact with one another

The International Students Organization is a great way for the international students to meet each other. It allows them to learn about each other’s culture and relate through similar experiences,” said Demothenous.

Hicks said that his best friends are actually international students too and has learned their cultures and kind of similar.

“I’ve learnt so much about their cultures and I learned that we are actually no different from each other,” said Hicks.

Chen said it is important having the international students at Moorpark, they bring so much to the campus.

“Given the globalization it’s crucial to have the international students’ organization on campus. They bring the world to our local students and enhance cultural diversity,” said Chen.