A panel of four Illinois Valley Community College International Students shared their experiences with transportation difficulties, missing home, memorable experiences, and culture shocks while discussing living in the U.S. and attending IVCC.

The panel included David Escobedo from Spain, Casrick Grant from Jamaica, William Rosario from Portugal, and Bhawna Fnu from India. They each got opportunities to speak about why they chose to study at IVCC and how their lives have been since arriving during an International Edcuation Week presentation.

When asked about what made them choose the U.S. and specifically IVCC, they spoke on self-growth, living out their dreams, and being grateful for the opportunity.

“IVCC gave us the chance to represent ourselves and I’m grateful for that,” Casrick Grant stated.

“Coming to the U.S was always a dream for me,” William Rosario emphasized.

“I wanted to explore myself, like being independent in other countries,” Bhawna Fnu said.

Early Challenges and Impressions

For the panelists, trying to adjust to a new country brought many mixed emotions.

“It’s a big country,” Grant said, “My first impression here at IV was, yeah, I got to lock in.”

For Rosario, it all feels like a dream come true: “When I first got here, it seemed like, sometimes it still seems like, I’m living a dream.”

Escobedo says that people have made his adjustment easier, remarking, “People here have been really great to me.”

“When you tell people you come from a different place, they just want to learn about it.”

As for Fnu, she has found that it has helped her find and explore herself: “U.S.A. really gave me a lot of opportunity to be confident about myself and to explore myself.”

Classroom Experiences

The students shared their surprise when it came to how much IVCC’s academic environment stood out compared to their home countries, especially when it came to their professors’ help.

“We have more freedom,” Rosario emphasized. “Everyone’s respectful and the teachers will help you if you need something.”

Escobedo touched on how the professors are “really approachable.” He also talked about how the classrooms feel more personal here, and the teachers know your name, which makes him feel good.

“The teachers were very respectful and helpful,” Grant added.

IVCC’s Campus Community and Support

When asked what clubs, activities, or people have made their experience here at IVCC the most positive or rememberable Grant simply stated, “My teammates and coach.”

Throughout the panel, Grant, Rosario, and Escobedo talked continuously about the connections they’ve made on the soccer team and how much their teammates have helped them adjust to their new lives here. Especially with the wide variety of cultures and backgrounds the team has, it made them feel like they belonged.

What they Love – What they Miss

While coming to America has been a dream for them, and they are enjoying discovering new things, they are also longing for the things they left behind.

While Escobedo misses his country’s food, he really loves Brisket.

“One of my favorite things here is brisket. I love Brisket.”

Rosario is also missing the food, more specifically, his mom’s food.

“I miss Mom’s food… there’s nothing like Mom’s food.”

Transportation: The Biggest Challenge of All

When asked what has been the hardest part of being in the U.S or being an IVCC student specifically, transportation was a shared challenge across the panel.

“The ability to move around,” Grant stated.

Rosario added to this by saying, “Not having a car.”

For many international students, the struggle to find transportation affects them academically.

“Sometimes you’re stuck at home because you don’t have a ride or you can’t go to class because you don’t have a ride,” Escobedo adds. “It’s really cold.”

Amanda CookFesperman, coordinator of International and Multicultural Education, asked the panel if having access to bikes would help them, to which Escobedo replied, “The bicycles is a great idea.”

Rosario followed up by adding, “Another good solution we could have is the sports bus.”

Advice for Future International Students

Practical and honest advice was given by the panel.

“Get a driver’s license,” Rosario said. “Get a really warm jacket.”

The others shared more inspirational advice.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Grant emphasized.

“Get involved,” Escobedo stated.

Lastly, Fnu added, “Push yourself” and “Don’t compare yourself to anybody.”

What they are Hoping to See

When IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris asked the panel for one thing or more they could do to make it easier for them, Rosario was the first to reply with, “Jobs on campus.” It would help relieve financial pressure and transportation issues for many of them.

Expressing their Gratitude

Despite facing some challenges, like transportation and the weather, their time here at IVCC has been meaningful.

“I’m really happy here.” Escobedo said, “I’m glad I came.”

He also added, “My freshman year, I wasn’t here at IVCC, and I regret it.”

“Thank you so much IVCC,” Fnu expressed.