Colleges of Contra Costa Alumni

  CCC Alumni Testimonials

I was a part of the International Students Club in CCC, which helped me connect with many people of various cultural backgrounds. I am very thankful to CCC for helping me figure out what I was meant to study. During my time in CCC, I learned many skills, like communication, time management etc. My favorite thing about CCC was the environment, the events in the quad, and the free lunch. When I transferred to CCC, I thought it would be the same as my previous university, but I was wrong. It was way more diverse and had a better study environment. CCC really helped prepare me for my studies at SFSU. 

 DVC Alumni Testimonials

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Watch Ethan's testimonial video

 My college life at DVC had a profound impact on me. DVC brought together students from all over the world, and many of my classes and clubs were filled with international students. I also made many American friends, who were always welcoming and supportive of international students.

Another thing I valued about DVC was the strong transfer culture and the motivation of the students. Everyone shared information, helped one another, and worked hard to prepare for the next step. Being in that environment inspired me to challenge myself and aim higher, and thanks to that, I was able to transfer to UC Berkeley.

I picked Diablo Valley College because it was one of the most reputable and supportive schools I had researched.

My professors were dedicated to ensuring we mastered it in a way that prepared us for the highly competitive and intense programs like engineering, biology, chemistry, and Doctoral programs like mine.

As a result, I was able to be lucky enough to successfully gain admission to the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, which is a testament to the foundation DVC provided. The academic discipline and study habits I cultivated at DVC enabled my transformation from average to graduate-level studies seamless.

To any international student looking for a strategic, high-value entry point into the U.S. higher education system, with every volume of my heart, I recommend DVC. For me, it was more than just a community college; it is a springboard that gives back more if you are a dedicated student to achieve their highest academic and professional aspirations.

The time I spent at Diablo Valley College was one of the most meaningful periods of my life. My friends and professors constantly cared for me, and we shared many fun and memorable moments together. In the beginning, I was too shy to make new friends, but my math classmates welcomed me warmly, and studying with them became one of my most treasured experiences.

Unlike most DVC students, I chose a different path — transferring to an out-of-state university. I decided to transfer to Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) because I wanted to earn a scholarship and receive a high-level education. To prepare for this goal, I dedicated myself to various activities while also maintaining a strong GPA. I joined student organizations, volunteered in STEM education, and challenged myself in leadership roles at DVC. These experiences not only strengthened my academic skills but also shaped me into a more confident and determined person.

My experience in DVC was probably one of my best experiences in my life. Being able to embrace a new way of learning, making new friends, joining clubs, and experiencing new things taught me a lot during my journey in DVC. Something unique about DVC is its inclusivity. It is the only community college that offers over 80 student-led organizations, ranging from sports to even eating. DVC caters to everyone’s needs through different help centers (ISO, transfer center, etc) and Counselors. I was heavily involved in student organizations in DVC, such as The DVC Soccer Club, DVC Economics Club, Phi Beta Lambda, FBLA, Spectator Society, and International Student Club. It taught me how to lead with structure and adaptability.

As an international student, starting at a community college like Diablo Valley College gave me both affordability and flexibility. DVC became more than just a place to study, it was my community. I made so many friends during those 2 years. It has given me the environment and the confidence to distinguish myself. I worked as a tutor in the Academic Support Center, which not only strengthened my teaching skills but helped me build emotional intelligence and a strong bond with my peers. The International Student Office made me feel safe and informed, even in uncertain times (In terms of advice for future international students)

At the end of 2022, I arrived in Davis through the UC Davis Pathways program. Just six months later, I successfully transferred to Diablo Valley College. I still remember my first visit to the DVC campus — it was also the first time I met Mr. Drew, the Director of the International Student Office. He welcomed me and gave me a tour around campus, and in that moment, I felt a true sense of belonging. 

In the beginning, my goal was simply to get into a UC like UCSC. UC Berkeley didn’t even cross my mind — it felt too far out of reach. I was unfamiliar with the U.S. education system and unsure how to choose classes. Thankfully, I met a kind and helpful international academic counselor who guided me through class planning and academic requirements, which gave me a lot of confidence.

Along the way, I joined clubs and participated in several volunteer activities, which helped me grow both personally and academically. When it came time to apply to UCs, I hesitated to even select UC Berkeley. But then I thought — why not try?

When I saw my UC Berkeley acceptance letter, I couldn’t believe it. It was a surreal moment. I truly believe DVC gave me the environment and support system to make it all possible. I’m incredibly thankful to the International Student Office and all the academic counselors. Their help and encouragement played a huge role in my journey.

I transferred to UC Berkeley in 2021 from DVC as a Bioengineering major. My most memorable experience is gaining multinational friends by joining multiple student organizations. The resources provided by the student organizations helped me gain leadership experiences, and they have multitudes of resources at their disposal. My experiences at DVC gave me a lot of insights that I still use to this day. My best advice for everyone is to seize opportunities and make the most out of the available resources to you

Attending Diablo Valley College is probably one of the best decisions I ever made. The environment in DVC is just perfect for study because most of the students here aim to transfer into the top-ranking universities after two years of study. I was admitted to all nine of the UC campus and enrolled at UCLA. I also become very good friends with a lot of my classmates. We still stay in touch. And I'm currently working for the trading desk of a world-leading company. Looking back a little bit, attending DVC is truly a life-changing decision.

Coming from Indonesia to pursue my education at DVC has been an indescribable journey. The professors, staff, and resources have been incredibly supportive, going above and beyond to ensure my academic success. Working at the International Student Office (ISO) has been a standout experience, allowing me to tackle real-life challenges, enhance my problem-solving skills,  and gain invaluable insights into pursuing a professional career in the United States. DVC provides abundant opportunities, both academically and personally, that foster growth and learning. Thanks to the support of DVC, I have received offer letters from several UCs, a testament to the quality of education and guidance provided here. I am deeply grateful for the transformative experience at DVC and wholeheartedly recommend it to international students who are seeking to transfer to a UC and receive an exceptional education.

  LMC Alumni Testimonials

coming soon