This semester there are 46 international students from 25 different countries all over the world attending Bakersfield College through the Study Abroad Program.
They create a diverse group with cultural backgrounds from countries such as India, South Korea, France, Japan, China, Venezuela, Spain, Niger, Slovakia and Morocco.
Students have ranged from recent high school graduates to current doctors who plan on furthering their education in America.
International Student Counselor and Coordinator Shohreh Rahman said, “If we can really encourage and reach one student, we can educate the whole village. That’s the goal of [International Student Services]. We really want to have an educated world so that we can all live in peace and harmony together.”
BC’s international students start the long process of applying by first choosing the school online. According to the BC website, students who wish to attend BC must then obtain and secure an F-1 Visa, have the equivalent of a high school diploma, complete application forms with a $50 non-refundable fee, demonstrate proficient reading, writing and speaking English skills, complete an I-20 form with the name of a supporter who lives in the United States and a bank statement with at least $15,000 for all expenses while living in the US.
After being admitted, each student must pay $184 in tuition, $33 in Capital Outlay fees and $26 Enrollment fees per unit they are enrolled in. The student must also be enrolled fulltime.
International students cannot qualify for any financial aid in America and have to find their own means of support; therefore, many have to return home due to losing their financial support systems.
International students not only create diversity and cultural understanding on campus, but the 110 students from the 2008-2009 academic school year brought in $880,000 to BC.
According to the annual Open Door Report, that same year, international students contributed $17.6 billion to the United States economy.
Once students arrive to America, they are introduced to Rahman and attend a two-day orientation right before the semester starts.
“I give them the whole picture of what BC is all about. I get them ready so they are not all confused and lost.
You guys know this as your home. For these kids this is their home away from home, so I want them to be totally ready when school starts,” said Rahman.
During this orientation, BC faculty, members from the community and international students from previous years are invited to share experiences and inform them on how to do banking, how to find and rent an apartment and other everyday skills needed to thrive in the community.
Rahman also organizes events throughout the year to give students and faculty the opportunity to exchange cultural experiences and mingle with one another.
These events include Cup of Culture exchange, workshops, instructor appreciation, and dinner parties.
In past years there has also been an International club, but this year Rahman has seen a lack of involvement from the student body.
She finds that with the current economy students need to spend most of their free time focusing on education and work.
International education programs help students develop long-term competitiveness through the understanding of foreign languages and the global market.
Such skills enable them to seek high-level career paths. Many leaders from around the world have studied abroad, which enhances society by creating a greater global unity.
“With today’s economy you have to be very competitive with everyone around the world. If you don’t understand cultures, countries, and languages around the world, then you can’t be as competitive in today’s society. We do not have Study Abroad [for BC students]. I am hoping that we will get the chance to do that. And because we don’t have that, at this time, the only way and chance to learn about cultures of other countries is to bring them to us,” said Rahman.
While international students are being educated on our campus, they are simultaneously educating local students.