What International Students say about NIACC

How did you learn about NIACC and why did you decide to come here?

“A very nice coach from NIACC came over to East High School and I met him in the classroom.”
Jeremiah Yassin

“I found out about NIACC by internet web site and I decided to come here to improve my English skill.”
Saori Katsura - Japan

“I learned about NIACC through a friend of my brother that use to attend NIACC. His name was Gustavo and he brought my
brother to NIACC. My brother had a scholarship for playing soccer at NIACC so my father could afford to send me here too.
I decided to come to improve my English and have a different view of the world.”
Bruno Pozzani - Brazil

“I heard about NIACC from the local newspaper when I was looking for the best college in town. I was advised to go to NIACC because it gives people an excellent education and transfer credits to other universities.”
Yulia Dannen - Russia

Tell me briefly about your experience at NIACC.

“I had a great time at NIACC. Everyone is kind to me and they have a ski and snowboard club which I like, so it was
good."
Saori Katsuri - Japan

“At first it was really hard for me to get use to this new life... I mean, having to give up on our friends and most of our family is quite hard not only for me, but for everybody…! Besides that here were always a group of people that wouldn’t be very
receptive to me, but I guess they just wouldn’t imagine themselves “in my shoes”, in my situation, or my culture…On the
other hand, just as I came, Ann Kuhlman was very kind to me and my brother and she helped us a lot on getting used to
life abroad…I had a bit of trouble on listening and writing in English during classes, but after reading and communicating to
others I was able to improve my English a lot! My experience showed me how important it is to live abroad on nowadays
world, and how important it is to communicate to people from different countries…I mean it is just so different from the view
we can create from TV, newspapers, etc…!”
Bruno Pozzani - Brazil

“I have lots of impressions about NIACC, and one and the most one is that everybody cares here about you, your progress, and your life. I was always welcomed here, and that impression will stay with me for life. I gained lots of solid knowledge here and I hope it will help me in continuing my education at UNI.”
Yulia Dannen - Russia

What are your plans?

"After I graduate at NIACC, I am going back to home, Japan, to look for a job that needs English."
Mayu Onishi - Japan

What would you say to other international students who were thinking about coming to NIACC?

“It’s very good environment to study for your career."
Saori Katsura - Japan

“I would tell them to have courage, to work hard on their grades, to try socializing, and to be loyal to the international students group because believe me, the staff and the other international students REALLY ARE THE CLOSEST FAMILY WE HAVE IN HERE…"
Bruno Pozzani - Brazil

“I will definitely tell other international students about this place, and recommend only this college. There is no time for playing around, it is time for serious work, and at NIACC if you work hard, you get recognized.”
Yulia Dannen - Russia

What advice would you give to incoming students?

"Study hard and never give up even when the circumstances are challenging. Make friends and give the best that is in you. NIACC helps students in different ways such as financial aid, work-study opportunities, research tools, tutors and last but not least, friendly and supportive staff. Cindy Eyberg was one of the people that encouraged me to work hard to reach my goals even in the hardest moments. She was always there for me and for other international students no matter what!"

"I would advise incoming international students that studying is important, but more important is enjoy every moment in the U.S."
Mayu Onishi - Japan

What do you like best about the U.S.?

"NIACC has been one of the best things that has happened to me in this country. Resources available and opportunities to succeed are two things I like best about this country."

"I really appreciate the people I met in the U.S. because whenever I had a hard time and needed help, they always helped me, so that is what I liked here."
Mayu Onishi - Japan

How does the U.S compare to what you expected?

"The weather was not what I expected. Family and friends are important to enjoy your stay in this country, as well as knowing your rights and obligations in the U.S."

"I have visited different cities in the U.S. and in Canada, so what I expected and what I experienced are kind of the same. However, I experienced actual American culture. That was what I couldn’t expect at all so I have learned a lot about the culture."
Mayu Onishi - Japan

North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu