Haeril Halim
Contributing Writer

Pierce College hosts International students from 30 countries around the world by the year of 2011. Most the international students are from Asia.

“Our biggest ones are probably China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Vietnam”, Jennifer Gruver, Student Activities Coordinator and Admissions of International Education Department, says in her office. She adds that Hong Kong sends the largest number of students among the five biggest markets of International Education.

“Saudi Arabia is starting to send a lot of students, and we are trying to get more from Singapore and Indonesia,” Jennifer explains.

Until last year, there were 260 International students, the number does not include students who have already graduated or transferred to universities.

Every quarter, especially in Winter, Spring and Summer quarters, there is about 25 students coming in. Fall quarter is different. It is a big quarter. The number of students coming every Fall quarter is higher. Last year, about 100 International Students enrolled.

When asked how many students will come next year, Jennifer did not know for certain, because the International Education is still working on enrollment. For the coming Fall quarter the deadline is not until August 15 2012, but Jennifer is confident that the International Education will get another 100 International students for next quarter.

Almost all the students coming to Pierce College want to get AA Degree. Business is the most popular major that International students study in Pierce College, especially for students from Hong Kong. The percentage is about 50%. Engineering major is popular too.