Interview:
Why did you decide to study in the USA?
I decided to study in the USA because USA is one of biggest economic countries in the world. USA is also a multicultural country, so I can have many chances to learn about other cultures.
Why did you choose McNeese State University ?
I chose McNeese State University to study because it offers many different activities such as sports, events, clubs, and competitions. My attraction to McNeese State University is its reputation. McNeese is one of the best regional universities and one of the top public universities by U.S. News and World Report. What is special about my school is its multicultural environment, and McNeese is located at suburban of Lake Charles city, which is a nice place to live.
What do you like best?
The thing I like best about my university is multicultural.
What do you miss most?
I miss dinners with my family the most.
What was your biggest surprise?
My biggest surprise about U.S. life is how busy everything is. My biggest surprise about U.S. education is how students are encouraged to be independent.
... your biggest disappointment?
My biggest disappointment is the pressure while we are working and studying.
How have you handled:
... language differences?
I try to study English all the time. I have speek to my professor if I do not understand something. I have participated in some clubs at McNeese. That is a big chance for me to improve my English skills.
... finances?
I am trying to get a job on campus to support myself to buy books. I am also balancing everything between entertainment and living-expenses while I am studying in USA.
... adjusting to a different educational system?
I am trying to follow the lessons as well as I can and speak to my professor to adjust to a different educational system.
What are your activities?
My activities are participating in some clubs and playing sports. I am a member at New Man Club and a soccer player in a team on campus.
How easy or difficult was making friends?
It is easy to make friends in the USA. American people are very friendly and easy-going. I can make friends anywhere I go.
How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?
My career goal is running my own business in the near future. My U.S. education helps me to explore the international market. Also, I have many different perspectives while I am studying in USA. These experiences are relevant to the needs of my country.
What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?
My advice to other students from my country who are considering a U.S. education is try to learn new things, make new friends, and understand new cultures while studying in U.S.
Studying English at Grossmont College 
Engineering at Bellevue College 
Studying Engineering at Santa Barbara City College 
Natalija Koreka from Latvia: Earned a University Transfer Degree from Foothill College in California 
Akari Masaoka from Japan: Studied English at American Collegiate English (ACE) at Grossmont College 
