Citrus College helps international students navigate education in USA

By Anthony Contreras, Ed.D., Citrus College Governing Board Member

When Hiroyuki "Hiro" Inoue first enrolled at Citrus College, he experienced culture shock. As an international student from Japan, his perspectives were different from those of his classmates, and the language barrier often made communication difficult. "The most challenging thing was making new friends," he remembers. However, all of this changed when he became active in the college's International Student Center (ISC).

A central location on campus where international students can receive information and interact with peers, the ISC is part of the Citrus College Student Services Division. Offering assessment testing, F-1 visa orientation and course registration assistance, among other services, the center helps students adjust to their new higher education environment. "It is very supportive," Hiro explained. "I've never heard of another college that provides as much guidance to international students as Citrus College."

Educating international students has long been part of the American higher education landscape. While colleges and universities throughout the country have been admitting non-immigrant students since the 1850s, enrollment numbers didn't see significant growth until after World War II. By the end of the 20th century, more than 500,000 students had temporarily left their home countries to study in the United States. This number had nearly doubled by 2022.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, more than 350 of these international students were enrolled at Citrus College. Hailing from 35 different countries, they all have two things in common: a motivation to succeed and an eagerness to experience the quintessential American college life.

The Citrus College International Student Center is committed to helping students accomplish both of these goals. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to answer questions about a variety of topics, including campus safety, academic programs, non-resident health insurance and local organizations of interest. A dedicated counselor is also on hand to provide academic advisement geared specifically toward international students.

Another way the ISC meets the needs of international students is through special activities. Social gatherings, such as the popular Global Grooves karaoke event, help foster connections between international students and the campus community. "Participating in activities at the International Student Center has been what I have enjoyed most about Citrus College," Hiro said. "They are great opportunities to build a community and make new friends."

This fall, a new International Student Peer Mentor program will be introduced, which pairs experienced international students with new students who may have questions about their academic pathways, Citrus College and life in the United States.

According to Hiro, this addition will enhance a program that is already outstanding. "I am so glad I became involved with the ISC and I am proud to be a Citrus College Owl," he said.

As the Azusa area's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am grateful to the students and staff in the International Students Center for creating an environment in which students thrive. I look forward to sharing more news of the center's progress in the future.