Interview:

An interview with Rosine Ebangue, from France, a freshman at Sierra College in Rocklin, California, majoring in Accounting.

Why did you decide to study in the America?

A degree from the U.S.A. will give me more credibility and will give me more of a chance to find a job later.

How did you choose your college?

Sierra College has an ESL program for international students and I can improve my English before I transfer to a University. The sunny warm weather is great. I like the smaller feel at Sierra and the community we have on campus. I also feel very safe on campus and the surrounding areas.

What was your biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise about U.S. life was that everybody has a car! And about education, was that you can choose your own courses. Although Sierra College has a counselor to give me advice, I really like that the ultimate decision about what I study is mine.

How have you handled: ...Language differences?

Speaking to native speakers of English helped improve my abilities quickly. Since there are not many French speakers on campus, I must speak English nearly everywhere. The first semester is the most difficult, but now that I’m in my second semester and can speak in front of the class, I’m not afraid of making mistakes. If I do make a mistake, I now find it helpful and I learn from it.

People on our campus and Americans in general are very open minded towards people who speak other languages. When I was a model in the International Club’s fashion show, I enjoyed introducing my culture on campus.

...Finances?

My uncle takes care of all of my finances.

What are your activities?

I go two times a month to San Francisco. Getting there from Rocklin is easy if you want a big city experience.

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

I want to be an Accountant. A degre from a U.S. university will be very valuable overseas, and being bilingual will provide me with more work opportunities in the future. What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education? Take some English before coming, save up a lot of money if possible, bring notes from your previous classes and talk to English speakers.