The California State University (CSU) transfer event took place at the Cerritos College Student Center on April 25. There were more universities at the event than the student candidates themselves. The lack of attendance was because those students who attended the event mostly came from the Cerritos College English program and not from other faculties.
Many of the Universities that attended were disappointed at the lack of student attendance, although they were able to appreciate the reason behind that, such as the limited supply of international students from Cerritos College, and also other factors namely international students’ ability to afford university education.
Dora Macias, International student counselor said, “most international students here would like to transfer to state university, so they have the option of California State University or the UC system. And in terms of why they are popular: the students are able to earn their bachelor’s degree from either the Cal State or the UC system.”
For those international students who, after qualifying, would have preferred to adjust to a legal status to work and remain in the U.S., Macias said, “she said it would be very difficult for them to get employment, that’s the thing especially in this economy.”
She was not able to answer what sort of work these international students can get in their own countries, simply because it was so varied.
There were certain international students who were simply there at the event to make inquiries but did not seem either ready or keen to transfer. One such student was Wendy Chen, from China, who wanted to emphasise how she liked to be proficient in English rather than be transferred.
In contrast, there were other students who appeared not only very proficient in English, but had a clear goal as to their careers.
Borin Som, an International student from Cambodia said, “I have completed two years of education at Cerritos College, following plan B, which is technically transferring to Cal State University, and my plan is to transfer to either Cal State Long Beach or Cal State Fullerton.”
When it came to how affordable the fees were, Som said Cal State is less expensive than UC and that’s why he preferred Cal State. He intends following political science and prelaw so that he could eventually attain his goal, which is qualifying as a lawyer.
There were some international students who appeared determined to transfer despite many hurdles. One such international student is Paulina Ruiz, who was wheel chair bound and had been at Cerritos College for three years studying English, which fees itself she admitted was a real struggle to pay. Nevertheless, she is hoping to transfer to Cal State Domingos Hill.
Despite the apparent lack of international student demand for University transfers, there were universities from as far as the northern tip of California, taking part in the transfer event.
When asked why anyone from Southern California choose a northern college, John Panting from Humboldt State University said, “Students who come to Humboldt are looking for a change of environment, and the majority of its students are from Los Angeles because that is furthest they can get away within the state. And for international students, it is one of the most beautiful areas.”
