Why did you decide to study in the USA?
The United States has a quality education system; it has a lot of great universities and academic excellence, as well as support services for international students.
Why did you choose The Language Company (TLC)?
I chose The Language Company from the recommended list from SACM. It’s located on the University of Central Oklahoma campus—this is an amazing location. It provides an intensive English program that is highly academic. I liked the teaching methods and the program has nice teachers and staff.
What do you like best?
What I liked best about studying here was the ability to develop myself because of my experiences in the U.S. I learned how to be a social person by giving presentations and having discussions, whether in the institute or outside. Now, I have become friendlier with people because I met classmates from many different countries of the world.
What do you miss most?
My family, friends and everything in my country.
How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?
My English has improved by attending the The Language Company institution.
Communicate with people. The program helped me how to communicate in an academic context.
What was your biggest surprise?
Before I came to U.S. I was afraid of feedback from people and changing my environment, but after I lived here everything changed in my mind because I met nice people. Also, I am surprised by education methods; if the class is difficult the professors work with international students to help them succeed.
... your biggest disappointment?
Nothing.
How have you handled:
... language differences?
I try my best to learn, but sometimes I think the English language is too difficult because we don't focus on English in my country.
... finances?
Each month the SACM scholarship program deposits an allowance into my bank account and my husband creates a finance plan for us to follow.
... adjusting to a different educational system?
I try to do exactly what the professors want by asking questions and studying the syllabus and study guide.
What are your activities?
TLC-Edmond has a lot of activities. I traveled one time with TLC to Dallas, Texas. They always offer activities for students to travel to others states. TLC also has parties for many different occasions.
How easy or difficult was making friends?
Most of my friends are Saudi. I think it is hard because there have been some cultural and language barriers; I try to make more friends from the U.S.
How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?
Now, I am studying for a Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Management, at University of Central Oklahoma. My idea is when I return to my country, I will try to find a job at a hospital or diet center. I like to help people to be healthy in their life and spread health awareness about nutrition.
What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?
Make sure that your English program has a great reputation. Study more and ask questions. Read a lot of books. Listen to music and watch TV with translated terms. Make relationships to practice English.
Peter Gong, from China, took a certificate program in Marketing at Portland Community College (PCC) in Portland, Oregon 
Yufei Ma: Developing Transferable Educational and Professional Skills 
Chunchun Zhang: Oral Communication Classes Offered a ‘Benefit of a Lifetime’ for Business Plus Student Turned Columbia School of Social Work Graduate 
Nawaf Alsaif from Saudi Arabia graduated from California State University, Fresno with a major in construction management and a minor in general business administration 
Lupe Jara Guerrero, from Peru, is majoring in Business Administration at Irvine Valley College in Irvine, California 
