Students
seek to stay in United States
By Mari Shinkai and Akiko Sugimori
On-line Forty-Niner
With
the struggle of precious time and money,
many international students from all over
the world are leaving Cal State Long Beach
for a new life.
CSULB has welcomed students, scholars and
visitors from more than 75 countries of
the world.
Approximately 300 international students
will be graduating from CSULB, according
to Center for International Education.
Most students are happy with what they have
accomplished and achieved at CSULB. However,
terrorism, the war in Iraq and SARS has
affected international students in regards
to immigration policies.
According to Paul M. Lewis, director for
the Center for International Education,
of these 300 students, approximately 50
percent typically remain legally in the
U.S. after graduation by either applying
for Practical Training in their field or
moving on to another degree program.
“No one has failed to receive permission
for Practical Training because of the changes
in the immigration policy,” Lewis said.
“But, we’ve seen serious delays in the processing
of the Practical Training paperwork.
“SARS has not played a major role in regards
to international students deciding or not
deciding to apply for Practical Training,”
Lewis said.
“The university is aware that there are
factors that have made it more difficult
for many international students to come
to this country to study,” Lewis said.
However, he emphasized that the center is
committed to assisting international students.
Kentaro Hirano, graduating international
student from Japan, is excited about his
future.
“I am very happy that I’ve made it so far
in this country,” he said.
After graduation, Hirano is planning to
go back to his country to seek a career
in advertising.
“I had been dreaming of living in the U.S.,
which has the most powerful influence on
entertainment worldwide,” Hirano said. “Experiences
that I earned in this country will be the
biggest advantage for me. I came to the
U.S. by myself and had lots of difficulties
but overcame those problems. The hardships
have built up my self-confidence.”
“International students have made a big
sacrifice due to financial matters, being
away from families, friends, languages and
culture,” said Donald P. Delgado, international
admissions director of Center for International
Education. “People with these experiences
are more successful and better people. Simple
put, graduating has shown that they are
extraordinary people; they have made a tremendous
achievement.”
“Indeed, we feel that the campus continues
to be an excellent choice for international
students, and we remain eager to receive
qualified individuals from all countries
of the world,” Lewis said. “We deeply appreciate
the diversity and the varying perspectives
that these students bring to our campus.”
“I congratulate everybody who graduates
with difficult circumstances,” Delgado said.
“Whatever it is, they are capable of achieving
it, whether practical training back home
or elsewhere.”
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