Over 90 universities and colleges from all over the U.S. were here at Shoreline on Monday! Representatives from these schools participated in our transfer fair which happens every year. This fair gives international students the opportunity to meet and speak with a representative from the school they are interested in transferring to. Students get to ask questions about admissions, different majors, campus life etc…

Vimol – an international student who has been studying at SCC for one year – is interested in transferring to a university to study nursing. She attended the transfer fair and said, “I learned a lot about the requirements different schools have for admission. I also learned about the competitiveness of the schools I want to apply to, all of the information that I received will allow me to compare schools”. Vimol is particularly interested in several schools in California. She was able to walk up to different booths and grab brochures, sign up on email lists to receive more information in the future and talk to the representatives. She said, “I had the chance to talk to a lot of California schools as well as the University of Washington, it was very helpful for me”.

The transfer fair is a great opportunity for international students and as Vimol expressed,

“we get to explore all of the transfer possibilities”. 

Some schools that were present are:

–          University of Washington

–          UC Berkeley

–          UC Davis

–          Indiana University Purdue University

–          Seattle University

–          UC San Diego

–          University of San Francisco

–          Columbia College

–          Arizona State University

–          State University of New York Buffalo

Please click on the picture below to see some pictures from the fair!

Halloween is a popular holiday in the U.S. Common Halloween activities include wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, visiting haunted houses, watching scary movies etc… The IPMs worked with the Student Leadership Center and held a Halloween party for all students yesterday. There was a DJ playing music, different games, a costume and pumpkin carving contest. So many students came dressed in their fun costumes. Some of the costumes I saw were: Pikachu, Dorothy (from Wizard of Oz), vampires, Snow White, pirates, cow, tiger and many more! The students also got in groups and worked together to carve pumpkins. I think the best part was all of the students dancing! At one point, there was even a big circle and a few students at a time would get in the middle and perform their best dance moves! Most students have been spending hours studying for upcoming midterms so this was a good and much needed break.

Please click on the picture below to view pictures from the night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION STAFF!

Orientation was great!

We had 258 new students!! ISOP was 5 days and students took placement tests, met with advisors, registered for classes and made new friends. Orientation ended with a tour of Seattle. We went to:

– Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle)

– Pike Place Market (downtown Seattle)

– Westlake Center (shopping center)

– Uwajimaya (supermarket with a variety of Asian groceries and gifts)

– Alki Beach!

I really enjoyed meeting and talking with new students! It was so interesting hearing what the new students thought about Seattle so far. Please check out some of my favorite pictures!!

1. Tell us a little about yourself 

Hi there, my name is Kanpong Thaweesuk. I go shortly by “Gun”. I am from Thailand, and my nickname is actually more meaningful than a firearm. It means “together” in Thai. So, I am not harmful, but friendly and outgoing. I came to Shoreline Community College in Spring 2010, majoring in business (transfer degree). I enjoy playing guitar, listening to music, and travelling.

2. Why did you choose to study at Shoreline?

I chose Shoreline because I like the green environment at the college. After looking at pictures of Shoreline, I was attracted to all of the trees (there are lots!) and the facilities.

3. How have you gotten involved on campus?

I have been extensively involved on the SCC campus. I worked as an International Peer Mentor (IPM) in 2010-2011. As an IPM, I was assigned to support new and continuing international students. Other IPMs and I organized quarterly events and activities/events and advocated on their behalf. In my second year (2011-2012), I was elected for the Student Body President. I got the opportunity to help serve over 10,000 students at the college as well as manage the student budget (over $1.5 million!). Being an IPM and now the Student Body President, I have discovered my passion which is serving others. Therefore, I decided to stay at Shoreline one more year and continue serving Shoreline students as the Student Body President in 2012-2013.

4. What have you learned from your experience at Shoreline?

My study abroad experience has truly been valuable for me. Shoreline is a great place to learn. I have gained knowledge at SCC from the many supportive, well-educated, and passionate teachers. I am also developing skills from learning opportunities outside of classroom. The campus community have been supportive in allowing me to gain practical experiences. I have learned to grow by taking actions out of my comfort zone which has given me skills and experiences that are priceless.

5. What is your favorite class that you have taken?

Multicultural Communication (CMST203). I learned about power, privilege and difference which are concepts that impact everyone on a daily basis.

6. What advice would you give future students?

If a student is seeking to learn and grow, I would suggest that you come to Shoreline with a will to learn. After your arrival, you remind yourself about the eagerness and the will that you have, and stay out of your comfort zone. Then, I am sure that you will grow much more than you might expect, because you will receive a lot of support here at Shoreline.