Jonghan Kim from South Korea: Studying Accounting at Orange Coast College in California

Interview:

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

My primary language of education has been English in an American international school. In addition, I have always wanted to study in the U.S. because it is one of the best places to pursue my accounting major.

Why did you choose Orange Coast College?

Orange Coast College is one of the top community colleges in transferring to four-year institutions, while at the same time it is relatively small in scale compared to other top community colleges.

What do you like best?

It is the best community college in transferring, which is the most advantageous aspect of

it. In addition, Orange Coast College is very distinguished from other community colleges in many aspects such as possession of 3D printers. Orange Coast College is the Harvard of community college.

What do you miss most?

The biggest thing would be my family and home food, which I can’t get from abroad.

What was your biggest surprise?

I found the slow-paced yet productive U.S. life to be very surprising. I am from an Asian environment, where everything is done at an extremely rushed and fast pace. What I found surprising is that when doing the same amount of work under same amount of time, U.S. does it at a much more relaxed pace.

How have you handled:

... language differences?

I am always willing to learn the language differences. It is very interesting to see how expressions differ in languages.

... finances?

I started to work on campus to supplement my living expenses because I did not want to put financial pressure on my parents. Later on, I started to solely use my income for my living expenses.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

Personally, I did not have to adjust to a different educational system since my high school was an American international school.

What are your activities?

I work on campus as a student assistant at the International Center and I run a soccer club as a president. I also used to make films with my two friends and worked with a food blogger for her website.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It is difficult to make friends in general. A lot of students only attend two years and then transfer, and other students are working employees who are seeking to advance their education.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country? 

I am planning to transfer to a four-year university and achieve a CPA or a CFA certificate. I am also planning to find work through internships and job opportunities from my transfer school.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

It is an opportunity that is definitely worth challenging yourself for. It may cost you time and money, but if you really do try and put in effort, you will get what you deserve. 

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