A large assembly of new Shoreline students this year occurred at the International Orientation on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Shoreline Community College accepted more than 3200 domestic and 700 international students for the fall quarter of 2024; the origins of the latter group include Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkmenistan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This year’s orientation was experimental, as the International Education department divided the event into two eight hour long sessions for the first time. Presentations were held in the main dining room of the PUB building and led by International Student Leaders, academic advisors, and volunteers broached a variety of important topics. On Monday, academics, clubs, campus events, and public transportation were the objects of discussion. On the following day, insurance, tuition, career opportunities, student organizations, and places in Seattle to explore were discussed.
Breakfast and lunch were provided for all attendees and that included pastries, Italian pasta, and various types of sandwiches. After the sessions in the PUB, students took Math and English placement tests and participated in campus tours. Students were invited to visit Downtown Seattle and the International District on the following Friday and Saturday using the newly opened Light Rail station “Shoreline South/148th”. International Student Leaders gave them a tour, talking through the first Starbucks and Pike Place Market during the excursion.
An SCC student, Guncha Annageldiyeva, sharing her first impression said, “being in the USA is already a unique experience. When it’s fueled by the friendly, welcoming and multicultural atmosphere during orientation day it encourages you even more to achieve your outstanding academic aspirations!”
There is no need to worry if a new international student missed the Orientation. As they can watch an introductory video in their Canvas account or meet with an academic advisor through the International Education department to ask any questions they may have.
