Our International Students

  CCC Testimonials

While Dev studies Nursing, he is also working as a Behavior Specialist for a behavioral health organization. He describes his Curricular Practical Training (CPT) experience.

CPT is an awesome experience to use what I learn in the classroom in real-life situations as I get ready to enter a career in healthcare in America. In my current position, I have acquired a lot of confidence. The best part of my job with CPT is that I work with children who have autism and can help them develop better communication skills and more independence. … Because of my CPT work experience, I have been able to learn and acquire skills in behavior analysis, patient care, and therapy communication skills. All these skills are directly transferable to my future in Nursing. I am highly appreciative of the CCC in terms of providing me with opportunities, as well as the mentors who truly care about student success.

I am very thankful to CCC for all the opportunities to improve myself and for the exceptional faculty who provided me with challenging but valuable knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my academic and professional life. During my time at CCC, I gained confidence in myself and in my capacity as an international student. I have met instructors who truly enriched my learning process and inspired me to pursue a transfer to a four-year university in the future. 

My favorite thing about CCC is the welcoming environment—it makes me feel comfortable and embraced by both students and staff. It is an honor to be a CCC international student and to have accomplished so much, including making the Dean’s List for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. I have also been invited to join the International College Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa. The journey is intense, but worth it. Being here and achieving so much in this first year of college has been the best opportunity to grow and work toward my goals.

Choosing Contra Costa College as my starting point in the U.S. was one of the best decisions I’ve made as an international student. I was drawn to the welcoming and supportive environment the college offers to students from around the world. From the beginning, I felt reassured by the ease of accessing information and the helpful guidance I received through every step of the application and visa process. The academic support has been outstanding—small class sizes and approachable professors created a space where I could thrive. As a psychology major, I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with faculty who truly care about my progress, both academically and personally.

The teachers (at CCC) are very good; the classes are perfect. You have the opportunity to share with people from other countries. They have a lot of services, and support for the students, clubs, and organizations.

The first thing I always think about (at CCC) is the international education office and the counseling office. They always help so much with the international students. Contra Costa College has a restaurant for us. I work for the restaurant to practice my prep program. 

My plan after CCC is to transfer as a Computer Science major. I want to graduate with my Bachelor’s (degree) and then move on to get my Ph.D. I have been thinking of applying to the UC system, San Jose State University, plus Georgia Tech and UT Austin (University of Texas).

I have been living in the U.S. for a year now. I got the opportunity to enroll in the EMT (Emergency Medical Training)program at CCC. It has been one of the best decisions. Thank you to all the staff and professors that made it possible. Now that I have my OPT permit I get the chance to work with professionals every day. Each day, I learn more and more. Thank you, CCC for making it possible!

I have a desire to care, to serve, and to help. I choose to do it all in the profession of nursing. Nursing has always been my dream career. To make my dream come true I am here being a part of CCC. I am an international student and this is my second semester at CCC. I am very impressed with the variety of great subjects provided at CCC. It has been a very comfortable and one of the best journeys of my studying path. The staff is very friendly and helpful, Also I adore the support and help I always get in need from my advisor Mrs. Lindsay. The CCC is my home away from home and the staff is my second family who is making it easy for me to achieve my goals. 

My favorite thing about CCC is the diverse and welcoming environment, it instantly becomes a home  away from home with the oceanic view of the bay on the horizon. What I've learned so far is the ability to develop higher cultural intelligence skills. My experience abroad has taught me to be able to embrace our uniqueness through our backgrounds and cultivate our potential to the fullest of our abilities. One thing I like about CCC is the opportunities it offers, through the resources and learning culture it provides, offering open opportunities to every student to be able to progress to top institutions like UC Berkeley and other California State universities.

  DVC Testimonials

No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid." — Lupita Nyong'o, Academy Award Winner & former international student.

That sentiment perfectly captures my journey at Diablo Valley College. Coming to the United States as a new F-1 student was a mix of excitement and anxiety, but my general experience at DVC has been nothing short of welcoming. From my very first week, the atmosphere on campus made me feel like I truly belonged rather than just being a visitor. The professors and staff go out of their way to ensure you are comfortable, and the diversity on campus helped me make friends quickly. It’s rare to find a community that feels so inclusive so fast, but DVC managed to turn a foreign environment into a second home for me almost immediately. However, what really made the difference was the International Student Office (ISO). I must give a special mention to Yanfei, Laurie, Drew, and Maria, who have been incredibly attentive and sincere. They didn’t just help with paperwork; they cared about our personal experiences, even helping us celebrate our very first Thanksgiving here in the U.S., so we wouldn't feel alone. I truly feel that they treat us with genuine care, ensuring we have every opportunity to grow and succeed in our new environment.

DVC is truly one of the top community colleges, with a beautiful campus and strong academic systems. What makes it even more special is the large international student community. This means DVC provides excellent systems and support specifically for international students.

Download Dayeon’s complete testimonial

Studying at a community college in the U.S. has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I chose this path because of the smaller class sizes, closer interactions with faculty, and the flexibility to explore different majors. Academically, the experience has been excellent—the colleges provide tutors, support classes, and a welcoming environment that makes it easier for international students to succeed. The international office and advisors have been especially helpful, always available to answer questions and guide me through challenges. My education here has not only prepared me for transfer and undergraduate studies but also given me skills I can apply directly in my career. I would absolutely recommend Diablo Valley College to other international students. It’s a place where you can discover yourself—as a person, student, and future professional—while also adjusting to life in the U.S. and building meaningful friendships and connections.

I chose DVC because it was the most convenient way for me to start my journey as an international student in the Bay Area. It was also the best financial option for my family, as it saved us money by going through a community college first. Also, I have heard that DVC is known for being one of the top colleges sending transfer students to the University of California as it is my goal. The best part (of my DVC experience) was to be able to study in an environment where everyone is included and heard thanks to the many academic aids and programs that DVC has to offer. I was also honored to be the ICC for DVC’s Scholar for Justice a club that has for mission to help formerly incarcerated, and system impacted students reach their academic goals.

Ever since I started studying at DVC, I haven't had any doubt about my decision to come here. DVC offers so many resources for students to succeed while also providing a chance for students to have a balanced life within their time here. I think that is the most valuable quality of the college.

Download Brian's Testimonial Profile

I like DVC’s location because it’s in the middle of a lot of great nature places and cities. It’s not too far from San Francisco either, so we have options if you want to get out and enjoy California. I chose DVC because I heard it has a great transfer rate to a lot of great UCs, especially for Berkeley.

The professors (at DVC)  are really accessible, either in class or after class. You can always go to their office hours; they’re always willing to help and listen to whatever issue you may have in the class. I’m involved in three (student) clubs. I’m actually the former President of the Women in Computer Science Club. Over there we go to hackathons, which are competitions for computer science students and we do a lot of other activities. I want to transfer to UC Berkeley, and I came to DVC because I think it’s the best school to transfer to UC Berkeley.

I really like that it's in the suburbs, so it’s a very nice area with shops, and stuff to do around campus. And the great thing about it is if you don’t like peaceful, you also want crazy, you can catch the BART and go to San Francisco, hang out in the big city and it’s amazing! If you’re not sure about your major, this is an affordable option that you can explore, try different things and then transfer to a university that’s good for your major. After DVC, I plan to transfer to a 4-year university. My dream school would be the University of Southern California.

Pin-Ray
TAIWAN
DVC International Student Club President
Kinesiology
Transferring
(Fall 2023) to
San Diego State University

The most valuable thing about DVC is all the international students out there. We support each other socially, emotionally, and academically. Over here, we are able to interact with students from literally all over the world and explore various cultures, languages, cuisines, music, and so on and so forth. All of them diversify our life experiences and permanently change our perspectives toward life ever since.

Being at Diablo Valley College coming all the way from Africa has been my life-changing moment and a dream come true. l am majoring in Geology and it has been a great journey for me. All the professors are very friendly and helpful they have office hours where they can help you to understand more about your studies not to mention the International student office, they are always there to help regarding whatever situation it might be, how wonderful is that!?  DVC has changed my life in so many aspects, and l am able to attain my bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley because it is one of the best colleges in the Bay Area.

I would highly recommend DVC to international students because it is a very friendly, safe, friendly environment. There are so many international students from around the world. It’s a great place. The professors are really nice, and it’s just a very friendly environment.

I like DVC’s location because it has a lot of restaurants, especially being a Muslim, where I eat certain foods such as halal meat. So there’s a lot of variety that you can find around DVC. I’m currently the President of the International Student Club, and also I’m working on campus as a student worker at the Career & Transfer Service. I’m planning to transfer to UC Davis.

Teachers here (at DVC) are great. They will always find time for students to help. This college offers many extracurricular activities and opportunities for your future studies and career plans. International Student Office is the place that I love. They’ll always be there for you and will do anything to help you.

Watch Ravi's testimonial video

My studies at DVC and employment in the International Student Admissions & Services help me to become more independent as a student and learn things that I need to know in order to achieve my career goals in the future.

Download Taito's Testimonial Profile

DVC has a lot of opportunities. If you were really serious about building up your resume and transferring to your dream school, join in clubs, student government, and talk to your instructors.

Download Tings's Testimonial Profile

LMC Testimonials

I like the weather here because it's very similar to Brazil. I like the professors because they are very kind and very professional, and they are available all the time to help us. I recommend LMC because the location is perfect, the professors are very good, and they have many resources, and the international student office is very helpful and can help you in every step of your process.

San Francisco Bay Area is an awesome place, and the weather is super nice. I'm planning to transfer (from LMC) to UC Berkeley.

When I came here to Los Medanos College as an international student, we had an orientation week. There were other students to help you find friends or just to talk with them, so you have somebody in school. And now I'm doing that with the new students that are coming in.

I like the professors (at LMC) because they are willing to help outside of class, and the classes are usually interactive, and it's easy to make friends. I'll be working in the library (next week), and I'm also involved in the International Student Club. I plan to transfer to Cal State East Bay.

My study abroad experience (at LMC) brought me great influence and spiced up my life. I will never forget this experience.