Hide Nakamura
Leo Ogawa
IEC Alumni Testimonials
Chonthida Mongkolwat
" I cannot give enough credit to IEC for preparing me to be fully ready for every journey ahead. I came to America to pursue my Hollywood dream with my main weapon, English - and IEC made it sharp.
With everything I’ve learned, I’ve never felt this confident to shine bright, own the stage, and give it my all. Not to mention, this is also where I built meaningful friendships that I truly cherish.
Honestly… why not check it out for yourself?"
Kokoro Otsuki
"IEC helped me a lot when I first came to the U.S. After graduating from a high school in Japan, I had no experience with American essay writing, but IEC taught me how to structure essays and express my ideas clearly in English.
One of my best experiences was meeting friends even before starting college. It made me feel much more comfortable and confident when I actually began my college life.
Also, as many international students don’t have cars at the beginning, I really appreciated that IEC took us to different places like Huntington Beach and Irvine Spectrum. It helped me explore the area and feel more at home.
Overall, I would describe my time at IEC as very supportive and welcoming. Starting life in a new country can be challenging, but thanks to IEC, I was able to adjust together with other international students and feel less alone!"
Hide Tsubaki
"When I moved to the states, I barely spoke English and I didn't have an experience to live by myself. So I was very nervous and confused. At that point, IEC helped me a lot. IEC was very supportive to learn both basic and advanced English. What I learned there was one of the most helpful things after graduating IEC.
There were many students from different countries when I was there. Spending time talking and hanging out with them is one of the most precious time in my life. We still keep in touch and hang out when we get the occasion to. The best memories at IEC was hanging out with my friends, going to dinner, and driving around. So, please be yourself and try to talk with many people. You'll find your lifelong friends for sure.
The only word which can describe my time at IEC was just "wonderful". I met my lifelong friends there and I improved my English skills very well. Without IEC, I wouldn't been able to transfer to UCLA which means I wouldn't have the life I have now. So please work hard and play hard at IEC!!"
Fesenda
"Before I came to the U.S., I was struggling with my English speaking and writing skill. IEC helped me through its intensive class discussion, which gave me great opportunity to practice English with other students. In addition, IEC teaches professional, college- level essay writing, which is very helpful for students who planning to enter college. I improved my academic writing skill significantly before transfer to OCC.
IEC is also a wonderful place for international students to make friends and build connections before starting college. Studying together in class makes me feel more included even I was far away from my hometown. The various events organized by IEC, such as bonfires, ice skating, and Halloween carving activities, really enriched my life in the U.S. and made my experience more enjoyable!"
Victor
"I was studying for my degree in Spain when I had the opportunity to take free classes from native American teachers for two years. Thanks to the American Embassy in Spain and the International Education Center, I improved my English proficiency significantly and had the opportunity to come to the United States to pursue a higher degree.
Here, I helped other international students through the IEC internship and was active in campus life through student government at ASOCC and various clubs, such as the Computer Science Club. My employment at the Global Engagement Center also allows me to help international students navigate foreign educational and immigration systems far from home.
Without the IEC, I surely wouldn't be studying here, and my life would be completely different. This journey has been an amazing experience so far, and I am eager to see what else is to come."
Here, I helped other international students through the IEC internship and was active in campus life through student government at ASOCC and various clubs, such as the Computer Science Club. My employment at the Global Engagement Center also allows me to help international students navigate foreign educational and immigration systems far from home.
Without the IEC, I surely wouldn't be studying here, and my life would be completely different. This journey has been an amazing experience so far, and I am eager to see what else is to come."
IEC Alumni Transfer Stories
Shu Ichikawa
“My favorite memory is my competition in rowing! I went to sacramento with my teammates and it was so much fun!”Transfer to: UCLA
Major: Political Science
Risa Kato
“IEC is my favorite memory at OCC! i loved my teachers, students, and just everything about IEC and OCC I loved!”Transfer to: UCLA
Major: Hospitality Management
Ichiro Sezaki
“IEC because of the activities and class environment was so fun! LS class with Matt and becoming a teacher was the most fun I had in class. My daily life, making friends from other countries with unique backgrounds and cultures was so fun. I still keep in touch with all my friends I made in IEC and I even met my best friend there!”Transfer to: UCLA
Major: Business Economics
Taiki Sakai
"My Favorite moment at OCC was meeting all of my friends and learning/starting how to surf!”Transfer to: University Southern California
Major: Business Administration