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International Student Testimonials

ECC is home to students from around the world. Join a community that embraces diversity and culture! Hear from current and former international students about why they chose ECC.

Hear From Our Students

Portrait of Julia

Julia Bernardo-Navarro

"My time at ECC was amazing! By joining clubs and getting involved in on-campus activities I was able to make many friendships with Americans and other international students. All the professors were always super helpful and kind, and because ECC offers smaller class sizes, I was always able to create some connection with my professors…Most of all, I'm grateful to the Center for Global Engagement. They are always there whenever we, international students, need help with anything. Everyone there always made me feel like I belonged!"

Portrait of Jawad

Muhammad Jawad Akbar

"When I came to ECC, I was looking for an education, but I found a community that truly supports its students. As an international student, I've had the opportunity to work in the Admissions Office, participate in the Honors Program, complete a marketing internship, and meet incredible people along the way. ECC has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally, and I'm grateful for everything I've experienced here."

Profile of Akintunde

Akintunde Eyisanmi

Nigeria

Transfer university: Northern Illinois University

“Receiving a scholarship from ECC helped me pursue my educational dreams of becoming a lawyer, and I intend to transfer out after I graduate to earn my Bachelor's. What I enjoy most about my time at ECC is the rich diversity. There are students from so many backgrounds. I had the opportunity to interact with them and learn from their experiences.”

Profile of Emina

Emina Derakovic

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Transfer university: University of Kansas

“I have spent four years at Elgin Community College, and every step has been an adventure. As an international student from Bosnia and Herzegovina, I started in the intensive English program at ECC, moved onto to complete my Associate of Arts, and now I am completing an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography. I have had immense support from my family and through this school, from my academic advisor, my professors, tutoring assistance, and both of my program directors. I always tell students never to hesitate to reach out to anyone on campus, no matter what their problem may be. Besides my academics, I worked as a student worker in the Office of International Education. Being able to assist my fellow international students who are going through the same transitioning that I went through has been very rewarding.

Being able to pursue a degree in the field of medicine has been a gift that keeps on giving. I will take everything I have learned at ECC and apply it every chance I get. I plan on working in the field of radiology before continuing on with my academics. My ultimate goal is a teaching career in the field of radiation physics. ECC has prepared me for both of these paths by providing me with a sense of belonging in a country that was not my own, shown me that hard work and perseverance leads to results, that there is always someone there that cares, and that no one has to go through their academic life alone.”

Profile of Qilin

Qilin Liu

China

Transfer university: Pennsylvania State University

“I chose ECC because of its great location, fabulous educational resources, the opportunity to meet people from many different countries, and to experience a new culture. I’m majoring in hospitality, and after graduation, I’ll transfer to Pennsylvania State University to continue my education. I feel that every second I spent at ECC was priceless, and I would highly recommend ECC to international students.”

Profile of Shuang

Shuang Li

China

Transfer university: Pennsylvania State University

“I have been studying at Elgin Community College for two years, and I am majoring in hospitality. I started in ECC’s intensive English program. This was an important experience for me because, during that time, I not only improved my English but I also learned about U.S. culture and history. Also, I lived with an awesome host family that helped me immerse myself in the U.S. culture and see what daily life looks like.

ECC is a great place to study. For example, class sizes are 20 to 30 people, which is good for international students to communicate closely with professors and classmates. The instructors here are all helpful and friendly. The best instructor I had was Professor John Mravik. I have taken a class with him for three semesters. He is fantastic, and his English class is well-organized, which helped me learn. Wendy Chen, who is the advisor for the Chinese Student Club, is knowledgeable and responsive. With her help, I’ve learned many skills.

I really recommend ECC to students because of the good instructors and staff and because students have more options and opportunities. I am going to graduate this semester, and I will continue my studies at Pennsylvania State University.”

Video Testimonials

Nicolene Welgemoed

Nicolene Welgemoed, an international student from South Africa, discusses how she found Elgin Community College and wound up on the Speech Team, winning several competitions.

Lisette Pena

Her passion for teaching at Elgin Community College, which led her to continue her bachelor’s degree at ECC through the Northern Illinois University elementary education transfer partnership.

Leo Cooksey

Leo received hands-on training at Elgin Community College, completed certificates in AutoCAD and Computer-Aided Design, and secured an internship where he thrives.

Ready to apply to ECC?

Elgin Community College is a comprehensive community college serving students at every stage of their educational journey. As a community, we are committed to inclusion, diversity, and a welcoming environment for all students. Start your journey today as an international student at ECC and join our growing population of students from more than 25 countries!

Apply Now

International Study Program

An overview of our international students who attend ECC and what the college provides for them.

Contact

Center for Global Engagement

Building B, Room B105
847-214-7809
international@elgin.edu

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Hours
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
Friday: Closed