Lunar New Year Celebration at Shoreline!

February 17, 2015

Lunar New Year refers to the first day of a secular, sacred or other year whose months are coordinated the cycles of the moon.

Many people in Asia celebrate the Lunar New Year. 2015 is the Year of Goat. People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle, mild-mannered, sympathetic, amicable and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice.

We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 24, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at RM. 9208. We provide yummy dumplings, Chinese calligraphy, tradition paper cutting and festival music. Join us and have fun!

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Pictures from 2014 Lunar New Year Celebration:

 

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Bubble Tea Party!

February 10, 2015
The International Peer Mentors (IPMs) hosted the Bubble Tea Party last Friday Febuary 6th in the PUB (Pagoda Union Building). Over 75 Shoreline Community College students attended this event! The IPMs provided free Bubble Tea from a local restaurant, Looking for Chai. There were also many activities. Board Game Club brought board games for students to play while they enjoyed drinking their delicious bubble teas and Film Club showed their student made film, “6 Seconds.” Also, there was a bingo game with an opportunity to win movie ticket prizes. Students socialized, played and learned games, and created new memories.
The IPMs and International Education has some more exciting events coming soon so check out our Facebook pages.

 

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Cassie Kwon-Student Engagement Manager, International Education

ISOP underway for international students

December 30, 2014

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International students, along with their family and friends, came to Shoreline Community College on Dec. 29, 2014 to get ready for the start of winter quarter classes.

The International Student Orientation Program (ISOP) is an important opportunity for international students to get to know Shoreline and more about the academic and life experience in the U.S., according to International Education Executive Director Diana Sampson.

To make sure they have the best chance for success, all international student are required to attend ISOP. Many students arrive in the U.S. several days ahead of time to get acclimated and some rest before embarking on their U.S. academic experience.

At Shoreline, the ISOP experience is spread out over multiple days and includes:

  • Math and English placement tests

  • A campus tour given by American students

  • Academic advising and registration for classes

  • Meetings with International Education staff

  • Seminars about life and study in the USA

  • A tour of Seattle

While most international students start in fall quarter, Shoreline staff members conduct ISOP before every quarter to make sure each new student is as prepared as possible.

Shoreline offers educational opportunities to students from around the world, with nearly 40 nationalities represented on campus. The international experience available on campus is also a benefit to domestic students and fulfills one of the college’s goals to prepare all students to be successful in an increasingly globalized world.

#isopscc #shorelinecc

Report from Shoreline Community College Day at a Glance- http://www.daat.shoreline.edu

 

 

Snowflake Lane

December 19, 2014

If you think there is no snow in Seattle during holiday season, you are wrong! We brought our students to watch the Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection. It is the 10th year Anniversary this year. The performance is nightly at 7pm from November 28th to December 24th, 2014.

You will see live toy solider drummers, exhilarating music, animated snow characters, glittering lights all surrounded by snow falling every night along Bellevue Way. Seattle does snow every night!

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2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk!

December 15, 2014

The International Peer Mentors and International Education Staff Members join in the Jingle Bell Walk/Run Event, a 5K run. This event occurs all over the USA, from New York to Alaska. We have been part of this event for more than a decade (12 years). The event is to raise awareness and fight arthritis, a disease that impacts more than 50 million Americans. This year the event raised a total of $6,979,189.00. We will be doing this event next year, so hope you can join us then!

 

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International Fashion Show at Shoreline!

November 19, 2014

Shoreline Community College is celebrating International Eudcation Week from November 18th to November 20th, 2014. The International Education Week is an annual celebration promoting international education and exchange. The International Education department kiched off the events with an International Fashion Show in Main Dining Room.

 

The fashion show featured traditional clothes from more than 15 different cultures around the world, including Mali, China, India, Eritrea, Indonesia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and so on. Check here for more activities during International Education Week.

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The United States and China To Extend Visas for Short-term Business Travelers, Tourists, and Students

November 14, 2014

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Starting November 12, the United States and the People’s Republic of China will reciprocally increase the validity of short-term business and tourist visas and student and exchange visas issued to each other’s citizens.

Chinese applicants who qualify for a B-category nonimmigrant visa (NIV) may now be issued multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years for business and tourist travel. Qualified Chinese students and exchange visitors and their dependents who qualify for F, M, or J-category visas are now eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years or the length of their program. U.S. citizens eligible for Chinese short term business and tourist visas should also receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years, while qualified U.S. students may receive student residency permits valid up to five years, depending on the length of their educational program.

Benefits of Visa Validity Extension:

– The reciprocal extension of visa validity to 10 years for short-term business and tourist travel between China and the United States will increase travel and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between our countries, and benefit our economies by increasing the ease of trade and investment. Ten years is the longest visa validity possible under U.S. law.

– This new arrangement will be more convenient and less costly for travelers. Prior to this, Chinese and American business travelers and tourists had to apply annually if visiting the United States or China each year.

– Until now, many Chinese students who left the United States for short visits abroad were required to apply for new visas. Under the new arrangement, Chinese students will find it easier and more convenient to return home because in many cases they will not be required to obtain new visas prior to returning to the United States to study.

– The arrangement underscores the U.S. commitment to promote bilateral tourism and trade and increase opportunities for people-to-people engagement.

Background:

– More NIVs are processed in China than in any other country; applications processed in China represent more than 14 percent of all NIV applications worldwide. More than 1.95 million NIV applications were processed for Chinese nationals in fiscal year 2014.

– Wait times for interview appointments in China have averaged less than one week at each post in Mission China for the last two years. Due to efficient processing, most applicants are able to enter the Embassy or Consulate, complete their interview, and depart in less than an hour. –

– The vast majority of foreign investment activities in the United States can be performed on a standard business/tourist (B1/B2) visa.

– Chinese nationals comprise the largest group of foreign students in the United States.

– Mission China processed more than 316,000 student and exchange visitor visa applications in FY2014, a 12 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

– Student visas issued to Chinese nationals accounted for 16 percent of all types of U.S. visas issued in China. Student and exchange visitor visas issued to Chinese applicants represent 30 percent of all such visas issued worldwide.

– Changes in visa validity will not affect visa eligibility criteria, and the basic visa processing fee remains unchanged at the current rate of 160 USD.

Report from Press Releases: November 2014, Bureau of Public Affairs. For further information, please visit http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn

 

International Education Week!

November 13, 2014

International Education Week is an annual celebration promoting international education and exchange. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, Shoreline Community College will host a number of events and presentations from Nov. 18th to Nov. 20th, 2014

We welcome everyone to join the activities and presentations! Please check the program schedule:

 

Tuesday, Nov. 18

International Fashion Show
Noon -1 pm |Main Dining Room

What the US has to Learn From the Late Great Mandela’s Actions

by Dr. Ernest Johnson

12:30 –1:30 pm |Quiet  Dining Room

Integrating Chinese Students on Campus

by International Education staff and current

Chinese students

1:40—3:00 pm |Quiet Dining Room

Wednesday, Nov. 19
Global Education and Engagement

by Diana Sampson & Samira Pardanani

11:30 am—12:30 pm |Quiet Dining Room

Globalization through Art

by Keith Takechi

12:45—1:45 pm |Quiet Dining Room

Thursday, Nov. 20
Study Abroad and U.S. Passport Fair

Noon -1 pm |Main Dining Room

 

International Week Poster-final.pdf

Meet International Peer Mentors 2014-15

August 14, 2014

The International Peer Mentors (IPMs) are current international students who are here to welcome and introduce you to the vibrant campus life of Shoreline Community College. You’ll see them at Orientation, other special events, and usually whenever you visit the International Education office.

 

 

ipm1Karol Ho Ka Lok, Hong Kong

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Winter 2014

Major: Business

Hi everyone, welcome to Shoreline, welcome to our school! When I was a new student like you guys, I ran into a lot of problems like adapting to the changes from my hometown to Seattle. And luckily, I got help from the IPMs and so I got used to the changes very soon. Therefore, I would like to help you all. If you have any problem, please don’t hesitate and feel free to talk to us! ^_^

What do you do when you’re free: Watching movies or playing piano.

Favorite place in Seattle: Greenlake, I love the beautiful views there!

Why did you choose Shoreline: There were few choices for me to pick from when I was considering which college to study in Seattle at first. By chance, I discovered that there were positions of IPMs which would help the international students at the school. And I thought it might be helpful to me. Also, I saw the beautiful campus photos from the school website, appealing to me a lot. So I just chose Shoreline.

Favorite color: Black or White (B/W)

 

 

Nataliya Ivanova, Russiaimp2

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Fall 2013

Major: AFA – Photography/Graphic Design

I’m one of the very few Russian on the campus and I know how difficult it can be to adapt to new culture. IPMs 2013-2014 and International Education Staff Members helped me to adapt to new culture and campus life. I’m glad that now I can help new students and share with them my experience and it’s also the way to say “thank you” to those who once helped me.

What do you do when you’re free: I’m a president of photography club “F-stop” and work for school newspaper “the Ebbtide”, so when I’m free I usually take pictures. I also meet with my friends; there are lots of interesting events on and outside of the campus and it’s a great chance to get cultural experience, meet new friends, practice my English, try new food, take some pictures and just have fun; all SCC students are always welcome to join me and other IPMs…the more the merrier!

Your impressions of Seattle: 360 days of Rain Festival 🙂 Seattle is a unique place with very creative atmosphere surrounded with amazing landscapes. There’s something for everyone.

Favorite food: Kimchi, Pho and Borscht.

 

 

Timothy R. Kristatama, Indonesiaipm3

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Fall 2013

Major: General Studies

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. As an international peer mentor, I won’t be there to act as someone smart and judge you if you do something wrong; instead, I and other international peer mentors are there to devote ourselves to helping students grow academically and socially.

Most helpful resource on campus: [Awesome] International Student Academic Advisors.

Favorite class: I am not a big fan of studying, but I admit that every class offered at Shoreline Community College has its own ways to challenge students and give them the best out of it.

Clubs you are part of: I am a member as well as a student representative for a committee named Appointment Review Committee.

Favorite food: All food available and served in front of me.

 

 

Sonja Blandes Rwegasira, TanzaniaIPM4

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Spring 2014

Major: Aeronautical Engineering

I applied to become an IPM so that I would be able to help international students just as the way I was assisted when i got in the United States. Being exposed to a new environment may be confusing and stressful, but my aim of being an International Peer Mentor is to help my fellow international students adapt to SCC together.

My favorite place in Shoreline: I really like the PUB, because it is a place where I usually hang out with my friends after classes. The PUB is equipped with very interesting spots such as the game area where my friends and I usually play and have fun. As well as the fish bowl which is rather more relaxing and quiet.

Why did you choose Shoreline: What I asked myself is why not? Shoreline has a very beautiful campus and it had the major I was planning to take. Shoreline seemed like a very fascinating place for me because of the diversities that I had seen.

Favorite color: Green

 

 

Keiji Urushima, JapanIPM5

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Summer 2013

Major: Economics BS

I like learning languages; I learned English and French, and I’m currently learning Korean. I also like to talk with people from different cultures, which is one of the reasons why I become an IPM. If you have any questions, please ask me. I would be happy to talk with you.

What do you do when you’re free: I usually watch movies or TV shows on Netflix, or I go shopping with my host family or my friends. On Sunday, I’m likely to study at the library.

Favorite place at Shoreline: I like the lawn area next to the library. If you feel tired, you can feel relaxed on the grass, sleeping under the sun. Moreover, since you can use wi-fi at the area, you can study there too.

Most helpful resource on campus: I would say the writing studio is one of the most helpful resources on campus. The writing studio is a place where there are some staffs, who are professional at writing. You can show your essay to them, and they help make your essay better. When I was taking English 101 and 102, which is one of the prerequisites, I went to the writing studio to ask for their help for my essay, and they were really helpful. Since you will write a lot of essays during college, it is definitely helpful for you.

 

Jiachen (Parker) Xing, ChinaIPM6

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Winter 2013

Major: Computer Science

I enjoy laughing and to make others laugh. Some of my friends say that at first they thought it would be a little hard to get to know me, but it’s not true, of course! I am very easy to get to know. The reason why I became an IPM is I really want to help more and more people, and while helping people I can also meet more friends. I truly treasure friendship!

Your impressions of Seattle: I think Seattle is like a cup of coffee, you need some time to taste it, then you will feel the unique beauty of Seattle.

Most helpful resource on campus: Absolutely it is the library, because it includes computer lab and study rooms. But International Education Department, which is located in the 3rd floor of 9000 building, is also important to international students. They can solve your transfer, immigrant and more questions.

Clubs you are part of: I joined Kung Fu club during my first quarter, you are able to find various of clubs in your free time, try it!

 

Yifan Yao, ChinaIPM7

First quarter at Shoreline CC: Fall 2013

Major: Psychology

Becoming an IPM enables me to know more students on campus and it is really exciting to talk to people from different backgrounds and cultures. Welcome to Shoreline Community College and please don’t hesitate and feel free to ask me questions if you have problems!

Your impressions of Seattle: Before I came to Seattle, people always told me that I will love it there because it rains a lot in Seattle (I love rain :D). However, this is mostly a complete rumor since the weather here is much nicer than I thought. I can even see Mt. Rainier clearly when it’s sunny.

Tips for new students: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes! Be brave and confident! Often times, I will hear from either my friends or new students that they think their English is not good enough, thus they only speak to those people who speak the same language as theirs. Although this environment might make you feel comfortable temporarily, it will not help you to improve your English! So step out your comfort zone and challenge yourself, you will be surprised when you find out how much you have accomplished.

Favorite food: Macaroons… and basically all sweet food.