Exciting News: Shoreline’s International Team Is Growing!

Hello Friends of Shoreline,

We have some exciting news to share! As we look ahead to 2026, Shoreline College remains deeply committed to supporting international students, their families, and trusted partners like you around the world. Even as international education faces challenges this year, we continue to invest in the long-term success of our students and the strong value of community colleges.

To support this work, we have expanded our International Outreach team. It is our pleasure to warmly welcome Bjorn Myhre as our new Associate Director of International Recruitment at Shoreline College! 🎉

  • Bjorn has more than 20 years of experience in international education. He has worked with community colleges, as well as public and private universities.
  • Most recently, he worked with global companies to build partnerships that support college enrollment.
  • His experience and collaborative approach will be very valuable as Shoreline continues to grow its global presence.

Bjorn is excited to promote Shoreline as a great choice for international students, known for academic quality, strong transfer outcomes, personalized support, and our vibrant location just north of Seattle. He looks forward to working closely with students and recruitment partners and to connecting with many of you online and in person.

Outside of work, Bjorn enjoys painting, cheering for the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks, and spending time with his family.

New Associate Director of International Recruitment, Bjorn Myhre

Please join us in welcoming Bjorn to the Shoreline community! You are welcome to email him and say hello at bmyhre@shoreline.edu!

Friends of Shoreline Newsletter – January 2026

Hello Friends of Shoreline,

A new year has begun, and we are happy to start 2026 together with you! How did you celebrate the New Year? Here is a look at how we celebrated in Seattle!

As we look forward, we want to share a few updates from our campus from the past month:


Campus Updates

  • New Students for Winter 2026: Shoreline College welcomes new international students 4 times a year, in the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters. This Winter Quarter, we welcomed students from over 20 countries into our community, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and more!

    Orientation (Dec. 29–Jan. 2) gave students the chance to learn about campus resources, meet with academic advisors to choose their classes and create study plans, connect with our Shoreline Police and Safety & Security departments, and even take selfies with our mascot, Dolphie the Dolphin!


  • United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Day: December 2 was UAE National Day, celebrating the unification of the 7 emirates in 1972. Our Khotwa scholarship students from the UAE helped bring this celebration to life at Shoreline! Together with friends and community members, they shared traditional food and coffee, poetry, trivia, music, and plenty of dancing, and yes, there was even some homemade Dubai chocolate. Moments like these remind us how our students shape campus life by bringing their cultures and stories with them.


  • Virtual Tour: In October, we shared our new virtual tour, which allows prospective students, their parents, and our partners like you to explore our campus and classrooms from anywhere in the world. Now we’re excited to let you know that the tour is officially posted on our website. 👉 Take a look here (and share it)!


Admissions Updates

  • Apply for Spring Quarter 2026: Spring Quarter begins on April 1, and orientation starts on March 23. There is no strict application deadline, but we recommend that students apply early if they want to join us in person. Students can also start classes online from their home country. So, students have a lot of flexibility at Shoreline! 👉 Apply here.
  • Apply for Scholarships: Students can apply for $500, $1,000, or $2,000 scholarships after receiving their acceptance letter to Shoreline. 👉 Take a look here.

Have questions or comments? Write to us anytime at ieoutreach@shoreline.edu. We’ll be back with more updates next month!

Friends of Shoreline Newsletter – December 2025

As the winter holiday season arrives and we look back on the past year, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your partnership, and for the opportunity to support you and the international students we all serve. We hope this season brings you rest, joy, and meaningful moments with the people you love!


Campus Updates

  • Vote for Shoreline’s New Logo: Shoreline College changed its name from Shoreline Community College earlier this year, and now it is time for us to choose a new logo. Our Communications & Marketing team has created 3 logo designs, and we invite you, as an important member of our community, to help us choose the new logo.

    The winning design will be announced in the next couple of months. 👉 Vote here.
  • Fall Transfer Fair: One way we support our international students is by hosting a Transfer Fair twice a year. On November 6, we welcomed over 75 colleges and universities to campus, including Arizona State University, UC Davis, UC Irvine, the University of Washington, and many more from around the United States. Students were able to ask questions about the transfer process, learn about different majors and student life, and connect with university representatives who can guide them if they decide to apply. It was a great opportunity for students to plan for their future after Shoreline.
  • International Education Week: Every year for the past 25 years, international educators at colleges and universities across the United States, and around the world, have come together to celebrate International Education Week each November. It is a moment to “pause, recognize, and uplift the contributions, values, and impact of international education.”

    This year, International Education Week was held from November 17-21. Students, staff, and faculty at Shoreline College enjoyed tea and coffee from around the world, played international board games, participated in sports like Zumba and badminton, and shared meaningful items from their cultures (such as photos and clothing).

    Although it has been a challenging year for international education, this week was an important reminder of the value of global learning, and of the care and appreciation our campus communities have for international students!


Admissions Updates

  • Visa Delays? Apply Online for Winter 2026: It is not too late for students with visa delays to apply and begin their studies online for Winter Quarter. Orientation begins December 29, and classes start January 5. 👉 Apply here.
  • Airport Pickup for Winter 2026: It is also not too late for students coming in person to sign up for our airport pickup service on December 27! The deadline to apply is December 19, and the cost is $40. It is an easy and convenient way to get to campus! 👉 Sign up here.
  • Practice Visa Interviews: Is your student nervous about their upcoming visa interview? They can sign up for a free practice interview with Shoreline staff! We will share helpful tips and ask sample questions to help students feel confident and ready for their official interview. 👉 Schedule an interview here.


Shoreline’s Executive Leadership Visits the UAE

  • In early October, our President, Dr. Jack Kahn, and our Associate Vice President, Samira Pardanani, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet with government officials, partners, alumni, students, parents, and counselors. Shoreline is currently hosting a number of students that receive fully funded government scholarships from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

    It is an honor to have Shoreline College leadership traveling internationally to meet partners and continuing to show their support for international education!


Student Success Story: Abdulrahman

  • Originally from the Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman began studying at Shoreline in 2015 and graduated in 2017. He then returned to Saudi Arabia to begin his successful career in technology.

    “I chose Shoreline College because it is in Seattle and its welcoming campus, which provided an ideal study environment. As an engineering major, I developed a strong foundation that has served me well. One of my fondest memories is cycling to class at 6am during Seattle’s enchanting fall fog. After graduation, I specialized in logistics and supply chain, and I currently hold the position of Country Manager for inDrive.com, the second most downloaded ride-hailing app in the world. My advice to future graduates is to cherish the amazing moments they make while studying, as they become invaluable memories.”

Have questions or comments? Write to us anytime at ieoutreach@shoreline.edu. We’ll be back with more updates next month!

Friends of Shoreline Newsletter – November 2025

Fall is here, and our campus is filled with beautiful autumn colors! We’re excited to share some photos and updates from our community with you.

Campus Updates

  • Bainbridge Island Trip: To take advantage of the lovely fall weather, we took about 40 international students to Bainbridge Island, one of the beautiful islands near Seattle. Students enjoyed the cozy downtown area, boutique shops, and a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound!
A group of students posing on a ferry, with the Seattle skyline in the background
  • Halloween Party: Halloween is one of our most exciting fall traditions, and on October 23, we hosted our annual Halloween Party! Students wore fun and spooky costumes, danced to lively music, took lots of photos, and joined a costume contest. It was a fun time!

Admissions Updates

  • Apply Now for Winter 2026: Orientation begins December 29, and classes start January 5. Students with visa delays can begin online with Shoreline Online Learning and then easily come to campus once they have their visas. 👉 Apply here.
  • Airport Pickup for Winter 2026: Students can join our airport pickup service on December 27 for $40. The deadline to apply is December 19. It’s an easy and convenient way to get to campus! 👉 Sign up here.
  • Practice Visa Interviews: Is your student nervous about their visa interview? They can sign up for a free practice interview with Shoreline staff! We’ll share helpful tips and ask sample questions to help students feel confident and ready for their official interview. 👉 Schedule an interview here.

Transfer Partner Spotlight

  • MyPath2ASU (Arizona State University): Did you know Shoreline students can complete their bachelor’s degree fully online through our partnership with Arizona State University (ASU)? This is a great option for students who want flexibility or face visa challenges. 👉 Learn more here.

Student Success Story: Sirine

Sirine (left) poses with her friend at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony
  • Sirine began studying at Shoreline in Winter 2023. She started in our English Language Learning Program and now studies Pre-Nursing while working on campus as an International Student Ambassador.

    “Back home in Morocco, I often heard wonderful things about Shoreline and how it supports international students. After joining the Pre-Nursing program, I experienced that support myself. The small classes, helpful advisors, and welcoming community make a huge difference. I became an International Student Ambassador because I understand how it feels to be new in a different country and want to help others feel at home. One of my favorite memories so far is welcoming new students at the airport and seeing their excitement for the journey ahead.”

Have questions or comments? Write to us anytime at ieoutreach@shoreline.edu. We’ll be back with more updates next month!

Friends of Shoreline Newsletter – October 2025

Hello Friends of Shoreline!

There are many things happening in the world and on our campus right now. So, we want to keep you updated with a monthly newsletter. Each issue will share important information, events, and stories about our students.

As the new school year begins, we are excited to send you our first newsletter!

Campus Updates

  • New Name: We’ve changed from Shoreline Community College to Shoreline College! This new name reflects our growth and global vision, while keeping the Shoreline identity that students, alumni, and partners know and love. You may still see the old name until our full transition in 2026.

  • New Students: We welcomed 166 new international students from 20 countries, both in person and online this fall. Orientation (Sept 15-19) included meeting advisors to plan studies, learning I-20/F-1 rules, exploring campus resources, getting tips for life in the U.S., and joining fun activities like a tour of Seattle.
Groups of students attending Orientation.
  • Virtual Tour: You can now explore our campus and classrooms online from anywhere with our new virtual tour! (Our friends in China can use this link.)

Admissions Updates

  • Apply Now for Winter 2026: Orientation begins December 29, and classes start January 5. Students with visa delays can begin online with Shoreline Online Learning and then easily transfer to campus later.

  • More Scholarships: Students can now apply for $500, $1,000, or $2,000 scholarships after receiving their acceptance letter.

Student Success Story: Nanami

  • Transfer Spotlight: Originally from Japan, Nanami began in Shoreline’s English Language Program, then earned both her high school and associate’s degrees through our High School Completion Program. She also gained leadership skills as an Office Assistant and International Student Leader.

    Nanami graduated from Shoreline in June 2025 and has transferred this fall to the University of California, Berkeley, one of the top universities in the U.S. — to study neuroscience — along with 11 other Shoreline students. We are so proud of her! Please share her story to inspire your students.
A graduating student with her family.

Have questions or comments? Write to us anytime at ieoutreach@shoreline.edu. We’ll be back with more updates next month!

Be well and be in peace,

The International Outreach Team

Note: A previous version of this newsletter included an incorrect number of transfer students to the University of California, Berkeley in 2025. This has been updated.

Senior Associate Director of International Outreach, Lisa A. Maroni, wins NAFSA’s 2023 Award 

Lisa Maroni, Sr. Assoc. Dir. of Int’l Outreach

At the 2023 Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., Lisa A. Maroni received the award for Outstanding Contributions to International Enrollment Management (IEM). NAFSA, the Association of International Education, is the world’s largest and most diverse nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. The Annual Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Enrollment Management honors a NAFSA member who has made exemplary contributions to the field of IEM for at least 10 years.

Lisa is currently the Senior Associate Director of International Outreach at Shoreline Community College. She will soon be moving to Nairobi, Kenya, to work for the Institute of International Education as the EducationUSA Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC) for East and Southern Africa. This U.S. Department of State network of over 425 international student-advising centers in more than 175 countries is the official source that promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world and provides services to help the U.S. higher education community meet recruitment and campus internationalization goals. Lisa is excited to continue the work of broadly promoting international education while supporting a network of 30 advising centers across a 25-country portfolio. Lisa will be missed by all of us at Shoreline, but please join us in congratulating her on her distinguished award and prestigious new role!

Lisa’s award from NAFSA!

Say “Hej” to Students from Denmark for IE’s Short-Term Program, Feb. 5-25!

The International Education Department is bringing back its first short-term program since 2020! From February 5-25, we are hosting a group of 23 high school students from Learnmark Gymnasium HHX & HTX in Horsens, Denmark, who are doing a Globalization-themed short-term program.

Students from Horsens, Denmark join International Education staff for a Welcome Session on February 6.

ESL faculty Jackie Sheppard and Lauren Wilson are leading two sets of workshop sessions, and IE staff will be taking students on different field trips to explore the Greater Seattle area. Their first stop was downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market on February 6! Other stops will include Microsoft, MoPop, University of Washington, and more.

The Danish students enjoy exploring Pike Place Market!

We’re very excited to be able to host the Learnmark students on campus! Short-term programs are a wonderful way for students around the world to learn more about Shoreline and the United States. If you see these students on campus, please feel free to say “hej” (pronounced just like our own “hi”) and welcome them!

A Thankful International Education Week, November 15-19, 2021

Last week, November 15-19, 2021, we celebrated the International Education Week (IEW) at Shoreline Community College and collaboratively across the U.S. and around the world. During a season of gratitude, here are three things we are especially thankful for.

1. On Monday, November 15th, the 2021 Open Doors Report released the new data of international students at Associate’s colleges. Shoreline Community College currently ranks 16 in the U.S. We are thankful to welcome our international students from 68 different countries!

International students enjoy a ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island

2. We are thankful to have had a successful International Education Week with six different events this year! Shoreline’s faculty and staff shared their global stories on social media. Student panelists shared the meaning and cultures behind their names. Honors College students shared folklore stories from five diverse cultures. Alumni shared their OPT (Optional Practical Training) employment experiences in the U.S. and tips for current students. WCCCSA (Washington Community College Consortium for Study Abroad) introduced upcoming study abroad programs and resources. And we have two student winners for International Trivia! We genuinely appreciate everyone who is contributing to our global environment.

Students and staff share stories and cultural meanings behind their names during International Education Week

3. There have been various educational outreach events for Shoreline to promote internationalization. We are thankful for the opportunities to be part of these events and initiatives. Our current students participated in two EducationUSA events last week. Another two students and our Vice President of Student Services and International Education, Samira Pardanani, were interviewed for a chapter in the upcoming book, “International Students at US Community Colleges: Opportunities, Challenges, and Successes.” Shoreline was specifically sought out to contribute to this book, as we are among the top 20 community colleges in the U.S. for international student enrollment and are thus seen as a national leader in the field of International Education.

International Education Week 2021

Updated Fall Quarter and Vaccine Requirement FAQs

Shoreline has announced that we will be a vaccinated campus starting September 7, 2021, under the guidelines set forth in Governor Jay Inslee’s Higher Education proclamation. In the last few weeks, we have received updated guidance from local and regional public health officials, as well as updated College policies. We’ve created a new set of Frequently Asked Questions to help you with your planning as you prepare to arrive in the U.S. to join us for Fall Quarter! You can still refer to our previous FAQs for additional information.

*Please note that some of the information posted below has changed. We have an updated FAQ post available at this time. All information posted below is subject to further change, particularly if health guidelines in our area change. We are committed to providing you with updates as quickly as possible should any of the information change.

1. Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend clases on campus at Shoreline?

If you are enrolled in on-campus classes or will be coming to campus for any on-campus activities, you will need to be fully vaccinated or attest to an exemption by October 18, 2021. If you have concerns about meeting this deadline, please contact us – we are happy to work with you! This information has changed since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

2. What vaccines will be accepted by Shoreline? 

Currently, all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use are accepted. These vaccines are:

  • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
  • Moderna
  • Pfizer-BioNTech (may also be known as Comirnaty)
  • Oxford/AstraZeneca
  • Serum Institute of India: Covishield
  • Sinopharm (Beijing): BBIBP-CorV
  • Sinovac: CoronaVac

This information has changed since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

3. What if I received a vaccine that is not on the list above? 

You will be required to be fully re-vaccinated (all required doses) in the United States by October 18, 2021 or attest to an eligible exemption. Please contact us at international@shoreline.edu if you have questions about this. This information has changed since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

4. What do I need to do to submit proof of my vaccination?

Please complete this attestation form to indicate which vaccine you have received, and the dates that you received them. You will not need to upload or show any documents, but you will declare that the information provided is accurate and true. Providing false information may result in disciplinary action.

5. What are exemptions? How do I attest to having an exemption?

Shoreline is currently accepting the following reasons to claim an exemption from having to provide vaccination status: religious or medical reasons. You can submit your exemption status by completing this attestation form. You may attend on-campus classes even if you are not fully vaccinated if you claim an exemption.

6. Will I need to wear a mask on campus? 

Everyone on campus is required to wear a mask indoors in settings with other people, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be made available at stations around campus for anyone who does not have one.

According to the guidelines from the U.S. public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks must follow these specifications:

  • Masks must be two layers
  • Completely cover your nose and mouth
  • Fit snugly against the sides of your face
  • Have a nose wire to prevent air leaking out of the top of the mask
  • Cloth masks must be washed after each use
  • Disposable masks must be disposed of after use
  • Neck gaiters must have two layers

7. Can I get vaccinated at Shoreline? 

Yes! In partnership with the local fire department, Shoreline will be offering free on-campus vaccine clinics on several dates between August 18 – October 6, 2021. You will be able to register to receive either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at this clinic. You can learn more about the clinic and register using this form. Vaccines are also available at many locations in the greater Shoreline/Seattle area.

8. If I already got COVID and recovered, do I still need to be vaccinated?

If you have contracted COVID-19 and recovered, you are not considered vaccinated. The U.S. public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends vaccination even for those who have had COVID-19 because it is not known how long any immunity lasts.

9. I am taking all online classes in Fall 2021. Do I still need to get vaccinated or submit the form to attest to an exemption?

No, only students enrolled in classes meeting on-campus are required to complete the form to indicate either vaccination or exemption status.

10. Do I need to quarantine when I enter the U.S. or before I come to campus?

While there are currently no requirements to self-quarantine after arriving in the U.S., the CDC recommends that all international travelers get tested 3-5 days after traveling, and for those who are not fully vaccinated, it is also recommended to self-quarantine for 7 days. The CDC provides a full page of recommendations for international travelers. At this time, Shoreline Community College does not have requirements for self-quarantine prior to coming to campus for the first time.

11. Are there any other updates I should know about?

Yes! Recently, the governor of Washington announced a reinstatement of the mask mandate indoors starting August 23, 2021. This means that when you visit any store, restaurant, or other public location indoors, you will need to wear a mask.

12. I have a question that wasn’t answered here!

Check the Shoreline webpage for COVID-19 updates, or contact us at international@shoreline.edu or IEhelp@shoreline.edu!

Message from President Roberts: In Support of International Students Taking Online Classes

Dear All,

On July 6, the federal Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) announced new plans to prevent international students at colleges operating online in fall quarter (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) from taking a full online course load and remain in the United States. 

This announcement is both senseless and cruel, causing undue anxiety, stress, and fear for our Shoreline international students and families in the midst of a global pandemic. Students must be granted the flexibility to live and study in the location that best supports their health and safety. 

While this rule change is not yet final, Shoreline Community College, along with our Board of Trustees, unequivocally condemns this change. Campus leadership is working closely with the International Education department and is actively reaching out to elected officials, professional organizations, and other colleges and universities to obtain more information and devise solutions to ensure all of our students are able to continue their studies in the fall, safely and without interruption. 

Please know the College is committed to finding ways to support our international students. Our community cares deeply and stands with our international students, many of whom have made great sacrifices to study in this country and chose Shoreline because of the tremendous support we provide throughout their educational experience. Any student who may be in need of emotional support during this uncertain time are encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Center (206-546-4594) for assistance. 

The Executive Team, along with staff in the International Education department, will continue to update the campus community as more information becomes available. Do keep our international students and their families in your thoughts. I know as a College, we will do what we always do: come alongside our students with support and care. 

Wishing you continued health and well-being,

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Office of the President