Welcome to Campus

More than 430 international students who are attending Cal State Fullerton this semester took part in a recent daylong orientation program held in the Titan Student Union.

“This fall, 1,119 students from 81 countries have been admitted to the university,” said Lay Tuan Tan, director of the Office of International Education and Exchange. “In addition, there are 55 exchange students from 15 countries, including Argentina, Finland, New Zealand, Pakistan and Russia, and students attending American Language Program English language courses or a semester abroad program offered through University Extended Education.”

Caption: Peggy Bockman, assistant dean of student affairs in the College of Communications, talks to Annie Pham of Vietnam, who is studying business while on campus. Download Photo

The orientation program was a collaborative effort among various campus departments and units that provide services and resources to international students, said Tan. The daylong program included information about the American classroom culture, academic expectations for students and safety tips, as well as services available through the Pollak Library, Student Health and Counseling and the International Friendship Council, a community group that helps provide welcome parties, community activities and short-term temporary housing.

During a special luncheon hosted by CSUF President Milton A. Gordon, the newcomers had a chance to meet one another, as well as the university president, faculty and staff members. The program is designed to make international students more comfortable on campus and expand their opportunities for learning about American culture during their stay.

By coming to Cal State Fullerton, international students offer a benefit to the campus community, said Mikyong Kim-Goh, acting associate vice president for international programs.

“Most important, international students help foster a global perspective for the campus as they bring in unique culture, language and experiences,” she said. “Their presence is what makes Cal State Fullerton a vibrant, global community of diverse cultures and backgrounds, and enriches experiences of all students, faculty and staff on our university.

“Although we love to send our students to study abroad, not everyone can do that for a variety of reasons,” added Kim-Goh. “International students bring the world to us.”

Caption: Elahe Amani, director of student affairs technology services, center, gets to know two of this year's international students, Sulim Kim of Korea, who is studying business, left, and I-Hsien Lee of Taiwan, who is taking classes in electrical engineering.Download Photo

“I always enjoy meeting the international students,” said Elahe Amani, director of technology services for student affairs, who sat with Sulim Kim of Korea and I-Hsien Lee of Taiwan at the luncheon. “I think the notion behind these receptions is to welcome the new students and make them feel ‘at home’ in their new environment. So, I always look for a table where there are all students and ask if I can join them, introduce myself and share that I also came to the U.S. as an international student.”

Raghava P. Mandava traveled from India to work on a master's degree in civil engineering at Cal State Fullerton. “I came here because of the value of American study,” said the graduate student, who previously earned a degree in New York.

Aug. 29, 2011