International Student Parents Weigh In
What’s it like to have your kids study abroad in the U.S.? Get a first-hand perspective!
Micaela and Juan Pablo are international students from Ecuador who are studying at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. Their parents, Pablo and Lorena, were recently asked to share their perspectives on what it’s like to send their children off to study at a community college that is so far from home.
Do you believe Santa Rosa Junior College was a good choice for Micaela and Juan Pablo?
We believe that SRJC was the best decision for Juan Pablo and Micaela because we were looking for a college with a career offer that will allow them to go together to the same school. Also, we wanted them to be in a place that would allow them to get used to the American culture and in a safe environment like Santa Rosa city.
Have you noticed a difference in Micaela since she began her studies at SRJC?
The more the months go by, the more we notice how happy Micaela is, she seems more secure about herself and has a clear path that she wants to follow in her future. She always talks about her classes, her study group for each subject, her job on campus as the student assistant for the International Student Program, and how she manages her time in order to get all her tasks accomplished.
How has Juan Pablo’s experience at SRJC positively impacted him?
Since Juan Pablo started at SRJC, he has always been motivated about his studies, he has managed to combine his studies and job on campus as a student worker in the IT Department at SRJC, and he is always looking to take the credits that will allow him to get the best from his classes and teachers. He is focused on his studies and gets good grades.
Do you think SRJC has prepared them academically for transfer to a high-level university to complete their bachelor’s degrees?
From what we hear through reviews and people who went to the Santa Rosa Junior College, as parents, we are convinced that SRJC offers our children and its students the preparation that will allow them to transfer to a 4-year university without a problem. In fact, both of them have told me that the school facilities and teachers are top-notch, including the challenging STEM classes that they take, which will help them have great academic and professional skills. We are confident that they are getting a great education at SRJC.
What advice would you give to parents who are considering sending their son/daughter to study in California?
We would let other parents know that California is a beautiful and safe state, with great weather all year round, friendly people from all over the world, and a lot of opportunities for our children. Also, they get a good taste of what American culture is, and personally, I am happy that my kids got the chance to live this experience.