International Becomes National

Mohammad Sharifpoor traveled about 7,500 miles to attend classes at LBCC.

The student from Iran said, "I learned about LBCC from my brother who goes to Oregon State University. I also have a friend who is in their second year here. I chose LBCC because I plan on transferring to OSU but coming here is cheaper to start with."

There are currently 26 international students attending LBCC and two who are doing the duel-enrollment program with LBCC. The students come from Japan, South Korea, Ghana, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Libya, Egypt, Iran, England, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Canada, and China.

Students first need to fill out a detailed application. Then once that is received, an I-20 form is sent to them. Knowing English is required. They need to either have taken a TOEFEL test with a score of 500 or above, graduated and received a standard diploma from a US high school, or have taken and passed the IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 or above.

The number of international students has dropped while security has increased since the tragedy of September 11. All of the student's information is sent to homeland security. If a student or their family moves, it must be reported within 10 days.

Some upsides for international students are that they can transfer to other universities. Getting to experience a different culture is also memorable. Student Outreach Coordinator, Christine Baker, includes "In some countries, the American degree is prized."

Even though America is no longer the number one country for international students to study in, it has not fallen far. It stands in fourth after Britain, New Zealand, and Australia.

Though there are a lot of positive aspects for international students, there are a few down sides. Tuition is increased making the price $200 per credit instead of the $74 for domestic students. Also they are not eligible for financial aid. Proving they have the year's tuition in a bank and paying for insurance is also essential. International students must choose a major.

Students cannot be undecided. But if wanted, they can change their major. International students have to go through a thorough process in order to become a student at LBCC.

International students aren't the only ones who benefit by studying at LBCC. Christine Baker shares, "having international students is also good for domestic students. Interacting with them opens their eyes to different cultures. It also changes views and it's very exciting.''

Students are not the only ones who visit LBCC. The Vocational Education Leadership Training

Program, or VELT, run by Bill Thallemer, provides workshops that will increase vocational skills for senior leaders and administrator.

Five of the twenty-five presidents in China came to learn how to improve teaching techniques. The program trains over 100 people a year over a five-year period.

For more information about international students, you may contact Student Outreach Coordinator, Christine Baker. And for more information about the China Experience, you may contact Bill Thallemer.