Fullerton College currently hosts around 185 international students, which has doubled over the years, especially after COVID. Fullerton College has welcomed an additional 54 international students this semester—some students here are permanent residents, while others are pursuing their degrees on F-1 visas, allowing them to live and study in the United States for up to two years.

“The hardest part for many international students is acclimating to life in the U.S.— the culture, the language and even the little things we take for granted,” says Alex Brown, director of the International Student Center. “It’s not just about learning in the classroom; it’s about finding a sense of belonging in a completely new environment.”

Inside Fullerton caught up with five of these students to learn more about their unique journeys, their home countries and experiences leaving home to study at FC.

Amelia Tran

From Vietnam

Majoring in Business

Amelia Tran, a business major from Vietnam, has only been in the United States for a month. She chose the United States because of its popular business programs but found the language barrier difficult at first. “At first, I didn’t understand anything in class, but I started to improve,” Tran says with a sigh. Using tutoring services and practicing English with friends has helped Tran adjust to the style of studying here. Although this is her first time living away from her family, she is determined that she will grow as a person. “Living alone has taught me how to handle things on my own,” Tran says. She advises international students to always be open to new experiences and ask for help when needed.

Audrey Chang

From Taiwan

Majoring in Film and Television

Audrey Chang, a film and television major from Taiwan, chose to study in the United States on the advice of her father, who earned a master’s degree at California State University, Fullerton, where she plans to transfer after graduating from Fullerton College. “The hardest part was leaving my mom and dog in Taiwan,” Chang says. But something that helped her feel more at home was activities through the International Student Center, like a discounted trip to Disneyland. “We had so much fun, it was a great way to connect,” she recalls. Thanks to her strong foundation in English from Taiwan, she could handle most of the advanced math terms, although she struggled at first. Balancing part-time work as a student assistant and full-time study taught Chang valuable time management skills. Chang advises international students to take advantage of their school’s resources and leave their comfort zone.

Seungbeom Ju

From South Korea

Majoring in Business

Seungbeom Ju, or Simba Ju, moved from South Korea to the United States to study business at Fullerton College. Encouraged by his uncle, who was working in California in sports management, Ju decided to make the move to follow in his footsteps. “I’ve always wanted to study abroad, and the United States was my opportunity,” Ju says. Despite initially struggling with the travel and cultural differences, Ju quickly adapted to the laid-back lifestyle. With a large Korean community in Orange County, Ju found it not so difficult to get used to life here. “My parents don’t have much money,” Ju says, hesitating when talking about his family, and finances, which are also issues. So, Ju works three jobs: volunteering as a Taekwondo and math teacher and working part-time at the ISC office, but he still manages to balance his studies. His advice to other international students is “Study hard and adapt to the environment. Get involved and make connections,” Ju says.

Sammiy Castillo

From Bolivia and Peru

Majoring in Journalism

Sammiy Castillo, a journalism major at Fullerton College, is originally from Bolivia but also travels back and forth to Peru where his father was born. After studying in the United States as a child and attending an American high school for three years, Castillo returned to Bolivia to continue his studies there. Still, he always dreamed of returning to the United States. “Journalism allows me to connect with people and raise awareness about social issues,” says Castillo, who switched from a business to journalism major this semester. For Castillo, he found that the biggest challenge was loneliness, but getting involved in campus activities and using resources like counseling helped him adjust better. Castillo encourages international students to get involved on campus and take advantage of available resources.

Maricielo Mejia Martínez

From Peru

Majoring in Speech Therapy

Maricielo Mejia Martínez, an international student from Peru, came to the United States to pursue new educational opportunities. She has been here for over a year and is continuing her studies at Fullerton College after completing part of her undergraduate education in Peru. Martínez is majoring in Speech Therapy, a field that combines her passion for both biology and teaching. “I was initially drawn to biology and chemistry in high school, but I also love teaching. Speech Therapy allows me to blend those passions by helping others through science and health,” she says. Although the transition took work, Martínez quickly found community through the International Student Center and other resources on campus. “It’s hard being away from home, but connecting with people who are going through the same thing helps,” she says. Her advice to new students, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and build relationships with others.”

Taken from the Winter 2024 print issue of Inside Fullerton. Read it here.