Returning and new members of the International Student Association gathered on Jan. 23 in the Student Center to talk about the student services available and also be active within campus clubs or student government.

Of the more than 25 students who attended those who were there were from Cambodia, Japan and Korea.

Danita Kurtz, coordinator of international student services, said that the event, which is held every spring and fall semester, gives students the opportunity to meet new people.

“It is also about making students feel welcome,” she said, “and having success in their education while attending Cerritos.”

One of the services that help international students is the Student Insurance Agency. It provides medical coverage to students who are newcomers to the U.S.

In addition, Campus Police Chief Richard Bukowiecki and Vice President of Student Services Stephen Johnson addressed the service that its department provides while attending Cerritos.

Afterward, students who were in the ISA said that it was good to hear about what the program as well as the ISA club provides for students.

Ray Gonzales, business administration major, said that it is a good event to have because of the opportunity to get to know peoples’ different background.

“The ISA also provides guidance to new students,” he said, “and the club itself will give students the opportunity to be open-minded about diversity at Cerritos.”

For Yannick Nga, biology major, he said that is what the ISA has done for him especially last semester during Homecoming Week.

He commented that during the time of building the ISA float for Homecoming it was an opportunity to bond together with other students.

“What I like about Cerritos is the infrastructure of the faculty and the instructors,” he said.

Having been at Cerritos for two semesters and having transferred from Riverside City College he also commented that there are very dedicated instructors who care about student success.

Although for May Mey, interior design major, who is a newcomer to Cerritos, she said that it was the fact that she heard about this club.

She said, “So far it has been a good experience for me, and I have made three friends so far this semester.”

In having just began to go to Cerritos as a student she said that for her the challenge has been keeping up with the homework but hopefully making more new friends in the process.