1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Meiyun Han from China: Studying Nursing at Merritt College in San Francisco

Meiyun Han from China: Studying Nursing at Merritt College in San Francisco

Aug 8, 2018

Interview:

An interview with Meiyun Han, from China, who is studying Nursing at Merritt College located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Merritt College is one of the four Peralta Colleges.

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

I always wanted to go college but I didn’t have a chance because right after high school I went to Panama. I chose the U.S. because in Panama I couldn’t go straight through college, but in the U.S. I could.

Why did you choose this particular college?

The Peralta Colleges helped me fulfill my dream of going to college. I first attended Laney College and completed the prerequisites before applying to Merritt College’s Nursing Program.

Also, Ms. Angela Khoo, at the international office, really helped me with choosing the right classes for learning English and preparing for the Nursing Program. It really helped that she speaks Cantonese and the staff speaks different languages.

What is special about the Peralta Colleges is being in the Bay Area. The transit system is really easy to use and you get a bus pass for the semester.

What do you like best?

Staff in the international office is very helpful, as well as the counselors at the college.

What do you miss most?

Family, friends, and the environment is what I miss most.

What was your biggest surprise?

Anyone could go to school. There were students age 18 and 60! Compared to Chinese educational system, you start with your cohort and graduate at the same time.

Here, you set the pace. You can graduate in two years or in five depending on what you decide to do. At first, I really didn’t get that you could start your first two years at a community college and finish your next two years at a university. But many students do this. In China, you can’t go back to school but here, you can go back to school and change your career goal by going to a community college.

How have you handled: ... language differences?

Before attending the Peralta Colleges, I took some language courses that really helped me learn the basics: speaking, writing, reading. I just kept learning and watched American TV shows with subtitles (like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice!).

I had to bring a voice recorder to one of my classes and listen to the professor’s lecture over and over since my English was limited at this point.

... finances?

My parents were able to support me financially. I also got lucky with an on-campus job that allowed me to shop at the malls in the Bay area.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

One challenge was the way you register for classes and developing an academic plan. I really didn’t know what to study because I could choose many programs. I met with Angela Khoo about the classes that I could take, and then it became a lot easier for me.

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

When I graduate this May, I want to get a license and apply for OPT [Optional Practical Training]. I will eventually apply for a bachelor degree and then work as a nurse.

What is your advice to other students?

Have a solid English background. If you could afford it, the experience here really opens your views and your mind. Also, try to join activities and clubs on campus.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Escaping 1975 Vietnam: Finding a Place to Belong
Escaping 1975 Vietnam: Finding a Place to Belong
Main image for the article titled How Do I Get a Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
Main image for the article titled How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
Main image for the article titled Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Ferris State University

Ferris State University

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Bachelor Degree Masters 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

$25,000—$30,000 Semester

Masters Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree
Contact
St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University

$40,000—$45,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

Truckee Meadows Community College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Learn More

Irvine Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

George Mason University

Typical cost per Semester: $35,000—$40,000

Bachelor Degree Masters
Learn More

Related Stories

Understanding the American Education System

Main image for the article titled Understanding the American Education System
Canada’s Education System

Main image for the article titled Canada’s Education System

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for A world of greater possibility.

A world of greater possibility.

Follow your dreams with the TOEFL iBT® test, which has helped millions of students study abroad.

Read more
Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Study in the USA guided me through the application process, requirements, and everything needed to contact the university.

Gabriela Gonzales Allende Peru

When I registered to apply at StudyUSA.com, it has really helped me a lot in getting closer to my dreams, where in I have already been accepted to study and also received my documents, now am only waiting for my visa. Thank you StudyUSA.com for everything and I know there are a lot of other students out there that has and will benefit from this website.

JENNEH CONTEH SIERRA LEONE

I got admitted into the University of Michigan for Fall 2019. Thank you so much for your assistance.

Linda Chiahaoke Nigeria

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.