GoldenThinking about studying in the U.S. but not sure where to start? Want a smart, affordable path to a four-year university without feeling overwhelmed? Meet Chloe Pham—an international student from Vietnam who found her confidence, her community, and her career goals at Golden West College (GWC) in California.

Let’s just say: if you’re dreaming big, GWC might be your perfect first step.

Why Chloe Chose Golden West College

Chloe always loved numbers, but growing up, math wasn’t exactly her strong suit. Thanks to some amazing teachers back home, she turned it around—so much so that she now mentors other students who struggle with math too.

“I wanted to help others like me,” she says. “At GWC, I could study accounting and be the kind of mentor I once needed.”

She chose Golden West College because it checked every box:

✅Great support for international students

✅ Affordable than starting at a four-year university.

✅ Professors who care

✅ A beautiful campus near the beach

✅ And a proven path to transfer to top universities

From Nervous Newbie to Confident Leader

When Chloe arrived in California in Fall 2021, everything was new—the culture, the language, even tipping at restaurants.

“I wasn’t super confident in my English, but I kept starting conversations,” she says. “Eventually, I made friends who helped me grow—even helped me try out a new wardrobe!”

She also discovered how different life is in the U.S.—and how much she could grow through it.

“I learned to be independent, speak up, and figure things out on my own,” she says. “That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Classes That Actually Make Sense

Forget boring lectures. At GWC, Chloe dove into business, accounting, and economics classes that actually made her think. In Financial Accounting, she learned how to break down real company financial statements. In Microeconomics, she unpacked market trends and behaviors.

“My professors made everything relatable. I finally saw how business works in the real world,” she says.

Shoutout to her favorite professors—Bern Baumgartner, Herman Singh, and Aleksandra Uchlik—for making class both fun and challenging.

Debates, Diverse Voices & Big Ideas

One of the most unforgettable moments? A heated classroom debate on the death penalty, featuring students from all over the world—Nigeria, India, China, and across the U.S.

“It opened my mind. We didn’t always agree, but we learned from each other,” Chloe says. “Back home, we didn’t really do debates like that. It taught me how to listen and think more deeply.”

Beyond the Classroom: Chloe Got Involved

Chloe didn’t stop at academics. She joined student government, served as Executive Secretary, helped lead events, and even sat on hiring committees.

Today, she works in GWC’s International Student Program (ISP) office, helping new students get settled and feel supported.

“I love helping other international students feel at home,” she says. “It’s tough moving across the world. I’ve been there—and now I get to give back.”

What’s Next? Big Dreams, Bigger Impact

Chloe is getting ready to graduate from GWC and is applying to both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and several California State Universities. She’s not nervous—she’s ready.

“Whether it’s UWM, Cal State, or somewhere else—I know GWC prepared me,” she says. “I learned time management, got through hard classes, worked part-time, and made a difference on campus.”

Why International Students Like Chloe Choose GWC

Still deciding where to begin your U.S. college journey? Here’s why Golden West College is a favorite among international students:

💬 Supportive Staff – Visa help, tutoring, and people who care
🌎 Diverse Vibes – Students from all over the world
🧠 Smart Start – Affordable tuition + transfer-ready programs
🧑‍🏫 Professors Who Get It – Real talk, real-world learning
🎓 Transfer Success – Clear path to top universities
🌴 California Dreamin’ – Beautiful beachside campus in Huntington Beach

Chloe’s Advice to You?

“Be open to change. Try new things. Say yes—even when you’re scared. GWC helped me grow in ways I never imagined.”

Start Your Story at Golden West College

Whether you're into business, design, tech, or something totally different—Golden West College gives you the tools, the people, and the path to reach your goals.

Ready to take the first step? Check out Golden West College.