Share:

As they pursue their dreams, navigating a new country, culture, and life can be terrifying and difficult for international students. Many may feel alone, but there are several communities and resources at PCC to help alleviate their stress and uncertainty. One of the main resources and communities for students is the International Student Center (ISC). The ISC helps students acclimate to their new environment and provides aid with the college application process, major decisions, visa information, housing access, food need, the job search, scholarship opportunities, and more.

“Don’t give up your dreams, and always look for help if you need it.” said Andrea Casares, International Student Center ambassador.

Grocery guide: 

Finding food options can be a difficult aspect for some when moving to a new place. Darci, another ambassador of the ISC, created a grocery guide where all the information is summarized. Here are some examples of options. 

1. H-MART

A vibrant marketplace with a diverse section of fresh produce, seafood, Korean kimchi, Japanese snacks, prepared meals and ready-to-eat options. Address: 101 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007

 2. Trader Joe’s

Affordable, high quality items, offering snacks, frozen meals, gourmet food and innovative products. Recognized for its vibrant, beachy decor and quirky branding. Address: 345 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

 3. Target

Offers a wide range of groceries, household items, fresh produce, dairy meats, pantry staples, variety of snacks, frozen meals, home goods, electronics and clothing.

 4. Lancer Pantry

Provides food at no cost to currently enrolled students. The only requirement is a valid PCC student ID. Address: R-125

PCC’s main focus is on student success , which means giving students the opportunity.  PCC does this through various events, activities, and communities, helping students build a support network. 

The Director of International Students, Olivia Loo mentioned the importance of building the trust and relationship with faculty and staff where students can ask for help and everything be kept confidential. 

“Don’t be intimidated, we want to help, don’t wait until the problem gets bigger.” Loo said.

Remember to keep an eye out for flyers, read your emails and follow PCC social media accounts for future events, opportunities and workshops so you can remain  updated on   beneficial resources.  

Instagram: pccinternational | Facebook: Pasadena City College International Student Center

Future events:

1. 3rd Annual Cheese Tasting Event 

Explore a variety of cheeses from France, Italy, and Latin America and learn about the cultures. On March 21, 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Creveling Lounge

2. How to search and apply for scholarships

A workshop for international students. On March 27, 12:00 P..M. to 1:00 PM at Jack Scott (C Building) – Room: 111

3. Spring employment workshops

Drop in and ask them questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT). They will be answering your questions about OPT: – Eligibility, application process, approval process, regulations and benefits. 

On April 01, 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Jack Scott (C Building) – Room: 217

Places to go out of campus:

Here is a little guide on how to have an incredible experience in Pasadena, based on my experience and from the official Pasadena website. 

1. Lacy Park

This is a beautiful park with a picnic area and greenery, including  varieties of trees and shrubs. Address: 1485 Virginia Rd, San Marino, CA 91108.

2. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens is free the first Thursday of every month. Tickets are released on the last Thursday of every month at 9:00 a.m. and get scooped up fast! Address: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

 3. The Old Mill

The Old Mill is a 200-plus year old historic adobe in San Marino that houses the California Art Club Gallery. Also known as El Molino Viejo, it was the original 1816 gristmill for Mission San Gabriel and its open free-of-charge Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the summer, they host an event called Music Under the Stars on the patio. Address: El Molino Viejo, 1120 Old Mill Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

 4. Salt & Straw

This is an ice cream shop with unique house-made flavors and waffle cones. A must stop for many when walking by the beautiful Old Pasadena. Address: 39 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

 5. Urth Caffé picture of place

A beautiful European café with classic music and  a variety of hot and cold drinks, meals,  and desserts. Whether you can visit by yourself, with friends, this is  a great place to study. Address: 594 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

It can be difficult for many students to move to the States for school, especially when they have lived somewhere else for their entire lives, and have built a community and identity there. Being an international student can be a journey where students miss their family, their friends, and their old life that no longer exists. It all comes back to being a dreamer for many of these students, who work hard to create better opportunities for themselves. An issue that may be huge for many of these students is learning how to balance their lives, work, school, social, and personal. There may be moments where students have to sacrifice something, so it is important for them to allow themselves to be flexible, to prioritize what is important to them, and to take care of their mental health. These resources can make international students’ new lives easier to navigate.

Follow: