The International Student Center of Cerritos College welcomed new international students at a reception held in the student center on Thursday, Aug. 16.

The reception was held to inform students about what resources that Cerritos College offers to international students as well as present a chance for international students to meet each other.

Students that attended the reception were greeted by International Admissions Specialist David Tilahun.

Tilahun then introduced the ISC staff, one of which is Dean of Admissions,Records and Services Stephanie Murguia.

Murguia encouraged students to speak to the counselors that are available to them. She also assured the students that the ISC wants them to succeed.

ISC Academic Counselor Aimee Mucciaro spoke about her availability to students.

Muccario recommends that students speak with a counselor once or twice a semester in order to see how they are doing in their classes.

She also spoke about transferring, encouraged students to think about where to transfer and explained that a minimum of 60 units are needed to transfer.

Mucciaro explained that there are obstacles that international students face when coming to college.

“I think the obstacles are definitely two-fold, academically it is just getting use to the language barrier, the teaching is different from their countries, but also socially making new friends and trying to meet new people that can relate to them.”

She also added that meeting new people that share similar interests could help international students gain some sort of familiarity from their home country.

Mucciaro continued on to say that the ISC offers the help of the staff to bridge the gap that some students may experience.

Cerritos College Librarian Monica Lopez spoke to the students about how they can go to the library to check if a teacher has placed a book for a class on reserve. She also handed out informational bookmarks that include the library’s hours and services.

Students can check book availability online by going to the Cerritos College library website.

Associate Dean of Health, Wellness and Veterans Services Nancy Montgomery spoke about how students can stay healthy and discussed the services that the health center offers to students.

She encouraged students to make healthier choices when it comes to their diet.

According to Montgomery, international students are required to purchase an international student health care policy which was handed out to every student at the reception.

“We handle any claims they might have. We make sure we refer them to the right doctors for specialists and then we make sure we keep them as healthy as we can.”

To speak more about Cerritos College has to offer, Nikki Jones, administrative clerk for Judicial Affairs, addressed the students.

According to Jones, students can come in to the Judicial Affairs office to receive information about the school’s code of conduct or if they have a problem with a teacher or with their grades.

Jones also spoke about how students can be active on campus by joining clubs, participating in events and joining student government.

More information on the International Student Center can be found by visiting the International Student Center website or by going to Room 225 of the Social Science Building. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.