Interview:

An interview with Warinsinee "Ploy" Phusitkanchana, from Thailand, who is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, near Phoenix, Arizona.

Why did you decide to study in the America?

School system here is very famous and I would like to be highly educated to have more opportunities to find jobs in the future.

How did you choose your college?

I was very new to the country and English was not my first language. So I thought it might be better to start in smaller school than in a university. Also the cost of the tuition is a lot lower. I can really learn a lot more at Chandler-Gilbert Community College since the classes are not too big and it is easy to get to each professor. There are courses that I can take that are transferable to the university.

The location of the school is close to many different stores, restaurants, theaters, and the freeway!

What do you miss most?

I actually don’t really miss anything that bad. But sometimes I miss Thai Food! (Some kinds that they don’t have here.) And of course, my family and friends.

What was your biggest surprise?

People that I have met are very nice. And the education system truly gives everybody a chance to be educated including disabled people. How do you handle:

…Finances?

The tuition is cheaper than at bigger schools. So that helps my finance. Also there are jobs available on campus that we can apply to earn some extra money.

…Adjusting to a different educational system?

I personally really like the system here because it actually builds up your thinking ability. It was a little different to see people express their opinions a lot in class but I still think that it is a very good way of learning.

What are your activities?

I’m in ICE (Inter-Cultural Exchange) club and we got to go to a Global Leadership Retreat. Also I was in a United Nations Study class last semester and we went to California for Model United Nations for Far West.

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

I want to be able to apply my knowledge from the U.S.A. to help develop or invent something in Thailand.

What is your advice to others?

If there is an opportunity to come and get education here you should take it.