Courtesy of Carol Vasquez

For international students the International Students Program at San Jose City College is a home away from home.

The SJCC International Students Program has been here for more than 25 years and was here before Student Exchange Visitor Information System.

“It’s always good to have an organization like this because it’s important to know the area in which you are living and the people in your environment,” said an international student Ashutosh Dube, 25,  electrical engineering major.

Dube said he likes everything the program has to offer.

“My main interest is the once-a-week gatherings with other students in the program,” Dube said. “During these gatherings, the students get to know new people.”

Weekly social hours provide an opportunity for international students to get together, help each other with homework, create a family environment and come up with field trips. These field trips are to help them explore lifestyles; they are also there to help them feel more at home.

International students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester and keep at least a 2.0 GPA. The maximum number of semesters a student may participate in the program is five semesters, but extensions may be given under certain circumstances.

International Education Week is celebrated worldwide every year on Nov. 13-15. SJCC celebrated the week for the first time in 2012 to inform students about different cultures and cuisines from around the world.

They also have American culture events on campus to help them get to know American culture and lifestyles.

The program is also starting an International Students Club, and they are looking for students to join, who are interested in learning about different cultures from around the world.

“The people at San Jose City College’s International Students Program are very polite, welcoming, and always willing to help out,” said international student Abibat Oshiobugie, 18, a microbiology major. “It’s hard to blend in when you come from different background, but they make it easier to meet new people and new friends.”

The program is for students who are here on an F-1 student visa, meaning they have the following: a valid passport, I-94 Departure/Arrival card, F-1 visa and I-20. All international students are required to have a health insurance plan.

International Student Counselor and Coordinator Doriann Tran, 36, said, “My goal is to help the students involved in San Jose City College’s International Students Program transfer on to the universities and for them to be successful in their careers.  The students are the best part of this program, getting to know them, learning their culture, and it’s fun.”

The program is currently accepting applications for spring 2013 semester, fall semester 2013 and summer semester July 1, 2013.

The deadline for spring semester is Oct. 15 and the deadline for the fall semester is April 15, but the program will continue to admit students after the deadline if there is available space.

For more information visit:
Student Center  Room 216J
Tuesday 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m..

Telephone: 408-288- 3751
Fax: 408-297-3924