Meet the International Student Ambassadors

Tell us about yourself!

Hi everyone! I’m Yuna, from Saitama, Japan. My favorite Japanese food is sushi, and I love raw fish. I like drawing, crocheting, crafting, and playing tennis and pickleball. I tried many things because I wanted to have some hobbies. I’m majoring in early childhood education, and this is my second year at LCC. I plan to stay here for 2 more years to study to get a bachelor’s degree in education.

What do you do when not on campus?
When I am not on campus, I like to draw, take a walk around the lake, play badminton with my friends, and watch movies. I started watching Marvel movies, so I watch at least one movie every day. Also, I have had a picnic sometimes because the weather has been pretty good.

Why did you decide to study at LCC?
Originally, I wanted to study abroad, and a big reason was that my high school was a sister school of LCC. Also, Keiko, the international program staff, and a former principal visited Japan and kindly explained a lot about LCC to me, which helped me decide to attend this college.

What should future international students know about LCC?
LCC has many events for every student, such as the Lunar New Year celebration, egg hunting, dance party, and more! Those are all free, so you should join them. LCC also has a lot of clubs on campus. I participate in the international club and the pickleball club, and I expand my community.

What advice do you have for future international students? 

Take care of yourself! Sometimes, studying abroad can be stressful without you even realizing it. And stay connected with your home country’s family and friends. Be open to learning about new cultures, there are so many people from different backgrounds. Lastly, don't be afraid to go on new adventures! Longview has beautiful natural features, and other cities also have interesting places to visit.

Tell us about yourself!
Hello everyone! My name is Lisa and I am from Barcelona, Spain. I am a student-athlete here at LCC and this is currently my second year in the United States. I am majoring in business and therefore, trying to get a business degree. Because I am a Sophomore, after graduating this year from LCC, I plan to go to a four-year university and continue playing basketball. Outside of school and sports, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new places, and watching movies.

What do you do when not on campus?
When I am not on campus I like to spend time with friends, watch movies, listen to music and go on adventures. Anything besides staying home. Now that the weather is nicer, we have been to the lake several times, and to the mall in Vancouver.

Why did you decide to study at LCC?
I got an offer to play basketball here at LCC, so that's why I transferred from Kansas to here.

What should future international students know about LCC?
LCC has over 90 programs. You can earn a two-year degree or certificate, or start your studies at LCC and then transfer to a university to finish your bachelor's degree. LCC also has campus apartments available for international students to live in. Moreover, LCC offers helpful services to support international students. There are tutoring centers, academic advising, and library resources available to help with classes.Your student ID also gives you free access to public transportation, on-campus facilities, and college events. And if you are interested in working, you can apply for on-campus jobs. 

What advice do you have for future international students?
Be prepared and organized. Make sure your documents, visa, housing, and health insurance are ready before you arrive. Get involved, join clubs, attend events, and make friends outside your home country. This helps improve your English, builds confidence, and makes your experience more fun. Take care of your mental and physical health. Moving to a new country can be exciting and stressful! Make time for rest, exercise, and things you enjoy.

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! I am Fernanda, I was born in Brazil, grew up in Spain, and for the last eight years I lived in the UK before moving here. When I was in Spain, I went to a French school, and yes, I can speak all of those languages fluently. Although I don't know the real struggle of learning a language, as I grew up with all of them surrounding me. I am here as a student athlete playing basketball and majoring in Engineering. I am a very outgoing person and love to try new things and meet new people.

What do you do when not on campus?

I do end up spending a lot of time on campus, the gym, student center, and of course, the basketball court. When the weather is good,  I love spending time outside whether going on a run by myself or playing some volleyball with friends. f not, I love to stay warm and dry inside my house while cooking something new or watching a show. Occasionally, if I am feeling productive, I love to pick up a book and either read or journal.

Why did you decide to study at LCC?

As a person who has never been to the States before, I didn't have a preference for where to go. I knew I wanted to find a welcoming place where I could study and play good-level basketball, and LCC was just the right place. A small town allows a bigger sense of community, yet still gives you things to do here and there. After finding out a bit more about the courses available here and meeting my coach, my ambition grew stronger and stronger to come here.

What should future international students know about LCC?

The more you put yourself out there and get involved, the more activities you get involved in, and everyone is very nice and welcoming. Teachers and faculty members are here for you and are happy to support whenever needed. LCC has an open campus, which is easy to navigate, and plenty of spaces for students to study, meet, eat, stay active, and play!

What advice do you have for future international students? 

Becoming an international student and moving away from home is not easy, but it is very worthwhile for all the new experiences you develop, the new things you learn from different people, different cultures, and how much you grow as a person. Prepare yourself accordingly, be organized and take care of your documents, learn how to cook and clean a bit, and take care of yourself. Be present in the moment, stay on top of your school work, but get involved and enjoy it!

Tell us about yourself!

Heyyyyy! I’m Covenant (yes, like from Halo).

I was born in Nigeria but moved to Belize as a kid, so I grew up speaking a fun mix of Yoruba, Belizean Kriol, English, and Spanish—though I don’t actually speak Spanish (long story). I moved here in December and I’m currently a Pre-Nursing student. My end goal is to travel the world offering free medical care to people who need it most.

I was diagnosed with Musicomania at a very young age—a totally real, absolutely incurable condition. Basically it causes me to sing constantly and treat my piano like my therapist. Singing is the first and last thing I do daily–literally.

I love people, anything performing arts related, learning random psychology facts, and discovering new cultures.

What do you do when not on campus?

The truth is, I always find my way back to campus. Whether I’m locking myself in one of the piano studio rooms or dancing in the gym’s studio. But when I manage to pry myself away, I enjoy watching shows and movies, taking peaceful walks to the lake, admiring nature and those cute Disney themed homes. I also spend time doing beauty and self-care—because feeling good and glowing a little never hurts. If motivation hits, I’ll crack open a book or head over to the Hispanic street market. It’s a smaller version of the ones I’m used to in Belize, but it still gives me that familiar feeling—like a little piece of home.

 

 

Why did you decide to study at LCC?

I decided to study at LCC because my brother is an LCC graduate and introduced the school to me. He thought it would be a great idea to start off at a smaller college as an international student, and honestly, he was right. LCC has so many resources to help clueless international students (like me) get started from scratch. On top of that, I heard a lot of great things about the nursing program, and that definitely helped seal the deal.

What should future international students know about LCC?

LCC loves clueless international students. So if you are a clueless international student (like I was). If you’re feeling lost or unsure (like I was when I first got here), LCC has tons of resources to help you figure things out—from academic support to basic needs. There’s even a free food pantry open to all students, which is such a blessing. Also, the location is super convenient. You don’t need a car to get around—grocery stores, clothing shops, and other essentials are all within walking distance. It really makes settling in so much easier.

What advice do you have for future international students?

Put yourself out there. No matter how great a school is with international students, they don’t know everything. If there’s something you need help with—or even if you’re just curious—don’t be afraid to ask questions. Advocating for yourself goes a long way. Also, get involved! Attend events, talk to people, try new things. School will feel a lot more boring if you don’t make an effort to participate. This is your education, your future, and your money—so live it to the fullest. But hey, don’t get too wild... just a little.