Behind every great international student experience at Portland Community College (PCC) is a team committed to making students feel supported, understood, and safe. One of those people is Ebru Rice, SEVIS Specialist at the International Student Office — and someone who truly understands what it means to study in a new country.

“I’ve always wanted to work in higher education,” Ebru shared.

“And I was an international student myself. It made a difference in my real life.”

Her journey — from studying abroad to guiding students today — gives her a unique perspective on what international students need to succeed.

A Journey That Shaped Everything

Ten years ago, Ebru spent a year studying in Italy. Those years changed the trajectory of her life.

“It made such a difference in who I am,” she said.

“It opened up a lot of opportunities and changed my perspective in so many ways.”

That experience inspired her to build a career helping international students navigate their own transformative journeys — academically, personally, and culturally.

“At PCC, I get to support students on their path. That’s why I wanted to be in this field.”

Why PCC Stands Out — According to Ebru

When we asked Ebru what sets PCC apart from other institutions, she didn’t hesitate:

“PCC being in the Pacific Northwest is a big plus,” she said.
“The landscape and the nature here is incredible — you can see different colors every season. It’s like a painting.”

But the beauty of Portland isn’t the only reason she believes PCC is special.

“PCC is a great school,” she added.
“We have a lot of resources and four different campuses.”

From academics to community life, PCC is built to support students from every background — especially those arriving from across the globe.

A Campus Full of Support, For Every Need

Ebru works closely with students to help them maintain their F-1 status — but she also sees the bigger picture: international students don’t just need compliance help, they need support in every direction.

She explained that PCC provides:

💬 Academic Advising
📚 Tutoring Services
💸 Scholarship Resources
💬 Counseling Services
🥗 Food Pantry & Free Food Options
🤝 Support for Basic Needs

“There’s always a resource for every need,” she said.

Whether a student needs help choosing classes, managing stress, finding food support, or exploring future paths — PCC has someone ready to help.

Ebru’s Advice for Future PCC Students

When we asked Ebru what advice she would give, her message was simple and powerful:

“Communication is really important,” she said.

“Especially from my perspective, because I help students maintain their status. Any questions they have — we are here to respond. It’s really important.”

Her advice? 

Never hesitate to ask for help.
Reach out early, reach out often, and let PCC support you.

A Team Rooted in Care and Experience

Ebru’s own international journey taught her how life-changing studying abroad can be.

Now she brings that understanding into her role at PCC every day — helping students navigate visas, settle in, stay compliant, and feel supported throughout their time in the U.S.

Her goal is simple:
Make sure every international student feels seen, supported, and empowered.

👉 Ready to start your journey at PCC? Learn more & apply!

📩 Questions? The International Admissions Team is here to help: international@pcc.edu