While many students come far to attend Bakersfield College, no one comes farther than the international students who come to BC.
International students travel out of their countries for various reasons, but the most common explanation is to get a better education than what is offered to them. The process is thought to be long and grueling, but BC international student from Chad, Achoyak Souleymane, said that the application process is not that bad.
“You first have to find a school online and then apply,” said Souleymane who was given the CSUB Web site address by a friend. She then explained that the school sends you an I-20 form that informs the applicant that he or she was accepted. The applicant then has to have financial support and a valid passport. After going to the embassy, he or she receives a visa and then he or she is able to come to the United States.
This is the process that Souleymane went through before she was able to attend a college in America.
She also explained that she first came to America to learn English and get more experience at Cal State-Bakersfield. “I went to the CSUB Web site, and I actually thought I was going to a school in Los Angeles. I thought Bakersfield was just the name of the school in L.A.”
Souleymane studied at CSUB for about nine months. “It’s not hard to learn English; it’s more the pronunciation. It’s way different,” said Souleymane who is also fluent in French. After completing her courses and learning English, she decided she wanted to stay and further her education in America.
Souleymane said that she chose to study at BC instead of CSUB because the semester system was more familiar with her than the quarter system at CSUB.
“Most people in my country are on a French system,” she said. “A university goes a whole year, and BC is more similar because it’s just two semesters. It’s also cheaper.”
Although Souleymane is only beginning her education at BC, she has already earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She explained that in her country, she worked for a news station and appeared on television as a broadcaster. Souleymane said that she did not pursue journalism as a career in her country because it didn’t pay very well. “My dad wanted me to go somewhere and learn somewhere else. It’s all about what I can learn here and use in my country later.”
Souleymane has since changed her major to business with no intention of using her broadcasting skills in a career. “My English needs to be more strong and articulate.”
Souleymane said that she has not been back to visit since she left about two years ago, but her family comes to visit her here in the United States. “It’s very expensive, and there’s war going on in my country right now,” she said. “I’m planning on going back, but not anytime soon.”