Riverland International Student Club

Hello!

I’m one of the international students who are studing at Riverland. Originally I’m from Ukraine (Europe). I thought, and still think, that I will have a better future in US working in Information Technology field then I would have working in Ukraine. Because in Ukraine, Information Technology, as a field of science, still developing very slowly.

Brief story

In 2005, I began studying at Kherson National Technical University (Ukraine) and chose Computer Systems and Networks as my major. In the spring of 2007, I decided to apply to an American college, and was accepted to Riverland Community college for the spring semester of 2008. I finished my first semester with a GPA of 3.92. My high GPA is not only a sign that I study and work hard to get good grades and do well, but also that I chose the right major for myself. I plan to graduate from Riverland Community College with my AAS degree in 2010. After I get my AAS degree, I would like to work towards a BAS in Computer Information Systems at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In the future, I plan to live and work in the US. I’m very happy that I have had the chance to study abroad in such a college as Riverland Community College, because it helps me broaden my horizons and make many new friends and professional connections that will be vital to my future.

Choosing a college and enrollment process

When I was choosing a college, I had lots of options, but I decision to transfer to Riverland. The reason was that my University (KNTU) and Riverland Community College (RCC) had a sister college relationships, which had to help me with transferring. My English teacher Nataliia Smirnova, who has been visiting college’s campus in 2002, told me about her good impression she got while were visiting the college. In October 2007 I decided to apply. Next month I got a letter, which stated that I was successfully accepted into RCC, and can start my education in spring semester 2008! I was surprised how fast I got an answer from RCC Admission. In many guidelines “How to apply for US College”, which you can find on the internet, it says that decision about your enrollment could take up to one year. I’m glad that it wasn’t that way in my case. RCC Admission is doing a great job and always ready to assist you.

Being part of the community

I feel good about beeing involved in many organizations we have at the college. I’m proud to be one of the members of the RCC Student Senate in Austin, where I represent the faculty and students of Computer Technology.

I‘m also involved on several other clubs and organizations at Riverland. I’m a member of Riverland’s Technology Round Table. We work to ensure that the technological funding that Riverland receives is spent wisely and well so that it will benefit the greatest number and for the greatest good. For example, we make sure that all college students and faculty obtain the newest and best available computer software and hardware to serve their needs.

As an International Student, I’m a member of the International Student Club, where I hold the position of president. As a president, I’m involved in planning and organizing activities for the club, such as community service activities, fund raising, and field trips.

I also volunteer for Friends of Ukraine – an organization of retired peace core volunteers who have served in Ukraine. I’m glad I can offer them my help by supporting their web page and by taking care of their database.

I use my computer skills to help Austin community by updating and providing a maintenance support for the web sites of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, ACES, and RCC International Student Club. I’m glad that my computer skills come in handy, and I’m able to help many people.

I’m exited to be a member of the Austin community and am willing to participate in as many organizations, clubs, and communities as I can.

International Student Club

I’m excited that we have Melodee Morem as our International Student Adviser. She helps as with all kind of problems we might have: whether it’s a question related to academics or a question about a life situation. .There is also an International Students Club. It provides a great deal of help to international students. The members of the club (the others international students) will help you to get from an airport to the student housing, they will make sure that you are comfortable while you are experience your first days in US, and might be having a culture shock. International students have a lot of fun. We are making trips to interesting places. All the club’s activities are sponsored by the college and that’s why they are free of charge for the students. We are having a great fun while learning American culture!

The ways Riverland is contributing to or will contribute to my success

As I have mentioned before, I participate in many student organizations, including the Student Senate and International Student Club. Participation in these organizations has greatly contributed to my growth personally and professionally. They help me develop as a leader and make changes. I want to say thank you to Riverland for giving me the opportunity to be part of those organizations. I also appreciate the hard work of the advisers of these organizations that support and help us when we need it.

I can’t thank enough to the people who helped me adapt into US culture and deal with cultural shock. Those people have made the greatest contributions in my success, so let me give thanks to the following people: Danielle Heiny, Melodee Morem, Gary Schindler, Melissa Siebke, Brenda Mandt.

I like that the college has a variety of different programs and degrees.  Also, I like that we have small classes. It gives the teacher a chance to work with each student individually. Riverland provides a personalized educational environment to each student. Riverland is also unique and exceptional because of its innovative ways of teaching, like ITV and on-line classes.

Riverland has a great deal of diversity from many countries all around the world. This has been and continues to be an amazing experience to find out more about other cultures and to understand people better.