Show International Students Flee Community College x KathrYn Jones Faculty staff staffa Change is a difficult one for all of us Whether we are attending college for the first time as a recent high school graduate or coming back after a long siesta the demanding challenges of college life are rarely easy Yet Yen T T. Pham a 1995 graduate from University in Vietnam and currently a clerk for the International Students Services ISS at believes challenges can be overcome My language was very limited when I came to America in 2002 she said It was difficult for me Ph Pham m said the first two to three months attending col col- lege in 2003 were the most challenging but that through time and experience ence as well as working for her English improved In return for all of the help she has received especially from Nancy Fillat Filial Director of ISS Pham has been able to give back to students I am happy to do something something something some some- thing for the international and Vietnam student said Pham speaking of the challenges challenges challenges chal chal- lenges students face in coming coming coming com com- ing here as well as in being able to continue The Fl Student Visa is much harder to get than it used to be She explains that international attendance at has decreased sharply since 9 Immigration laws have changed and these changes make it difficult for some students to study here Once here international students face the required time full-time immigration enrollment laws They must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester and the learning difficulties they may unavoidably experience experience experience in one class or more must be worked through even if the experience is a afar afar afar far cry from easy When a student calls me and says My classes are too difficult I have to drop I say no you need to con con- Fortunately if a student doesn't understand how to contact an instructor via email or turn in a paper or is having problems with an instructor Pham and those who work at ISS are there to help I really enjoy this jo job Ive I've learned a lot from it I feel more confident to communicate communicate com com- muni ate with other people and have h ve adapted quickly with American life Other than class studies The International Club is a great way for international students to talk with American students said Pham Here students of both cultures spend time practicing languages sharing sharing sharing shar shar- ing cultures and other interests interests interests inter inter- ests and having fun The i group meets every Wednesday at 2 pm p.m. in the theISS theISS theISS ISS office Student Center For those interested Pham also suggests attendance attendance attendance atten atten- dance at the International Night to be held on April 15 Deta Details s of this event are coming soon |