International Student Activities
Meet your International Student Ambassador
Want to talk to a current Houston Community College student?
International Student Ambassadors (ISAs) are current international students ready to share their experiences, answer your questions, and help other international students throughout their journey. Please contact us and we will try to connect you with a student from your region.
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Phuong Nguyen
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Hello, my name is Phuong Nguyen. I grew up in Vietnam and moved to America to continue my higher education journey. At first, I was contemplating between choosing a four-year university and a community college to start my college life. However, in the end, I decided to go with Houston Community College and up to now, I think it’s the best decision that I have ever made. HCC really prepares me with all the materials I need to be successful at an American college because studying in a foreign country could be very overwhelming as I learn to understand the culture and people here. To the upcoming international students, I wish you all the best and we are always here to help you through any difficulties. |
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Mohammad Hamza Faisal Hameed
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Hello everyone! My name is Mohammad Hamza Faisal Hameed, and I usually go by Hamza. I’m from Pakistan, but I was born and brought up in the United Arab Emirates. I joined HCC in the midst of the pandemic, which was a challenging experience. However, my experience took a positive turn as I became more active outside the classroom and prioritized my social needs. During this time, I also had to transition from being a domestic student to an international student, so I am in a unique position; I understand both experiences, and I believe I can help bridge the gap between these two types of students. I was privileged to have the support of my family and friends while navigating the process of becoming an international student, and this support system is something that I want to extend to other incoming students. This is why I became an international student ambassador; to provide external support to incoming students, and to connect colleagues with more opportunities catering to their social needs. Remember, the bonds formed outside the classroom often drive success. So, be active, take initiative, and join clubs! |
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Sayma Said El Hoderi
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My name is Sayma Said El Hoderi. I am from Sabha, Libya. I went to high school in Turkey, so I know all about the struggles that international students have when it’s their first time in a foreign country. I decided to apply to be an international student ambassador so that I could help international students with any difficulties that they might face. I love being involved in the campus life and because of that I have joined many organizations and I am currently the Vice-President of the Central Campus student governments as well as an officer for the PTK honor society. I first heard about HCC from my brother that has also been a student here in the past, and I am glad that I made the decision to go to HCC. The community and opportunities that are here are ones of the best. I hope that you all can find and benefit from all the opportunities supplied as I do. |
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Agbonmwanre Francis Sanofe
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I am Agbonmwanre Francis Sanofe from Nigeria, and as an international student, Houston Community College has exceeded my expectations by providing me with confidence, pride, and integrity. If I were to summarize what I've gained from HCC in one word, it would be “competence” As an ISA member, my goal is to guide all international students towards developing an unstoppable mindset. |
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Mohamed Mahrez HaboubiCountry:Tunisia
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My name is Mohamed Mahrez Haboubi, studying Associate degree major Engineering Science at HCC. I’m delighted to serve as an International Student Ambassador and thrilled to be part of such a diverse and welcoming community that celebrates cultural differences and fosters a global perspective. You will be amazed how many opportunities HCC offers; all you need to do is take action.
I aim to be a helpful resource for prospective and current international students, assisting them in adapting to college life, providing guidance on academic and cultural matters, and promoting an inclusive atmosphere on campus. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I’m here to be your friend, advocate, and resource throughout your time at HCC. I’m always excited to connect with new people, don’t hesitate to connect with me for any questions, advice, or just a friendly chat. Let's make the most of our time together and create unforgettable memories in this warm and welcoming community! Let’s goooo! |
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Hajin Lee
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Hello, my name is Hajin Lee from South Korea. I am currently majoring in Computer Science at HCC. After I decided to come to Houston for the first time, I heard about HCC, which has many international students attending. When I took an ESL class for the first time, I realized that many opportunities were open for international students. Studying with friends from various countries and professors helped me improve my English skills. Studying as an international student at HCC was a turning point in my life. You may be afraid out of your comfort zone for the first time and have a new experience, but if you enjoy the moment with confidence, you will have more opportunities and fun. |
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Sharon Burinyuy Fuhnjem Country: Cameroon
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Hi, my name is Sharon Fuhnjem. When I got to the U.S., everything was going well until school began. I had difficulties relating with people and could not make friends. I felt alone, missed my family so much, and just wanted to return home to my family. Then, Houston Community College (HCC) came to my rescue through the resources I got to know about. That is how my incredible experience began at HCC. Apart from this college being affordable, it has a large population of diversity, and a lot of opportunities. I am here to provide you with the resources you will need. Also, to help you create an environment where you feel valued, supported, and empowered. Right here at HCC, you will build your family and embrace diversity. I am just an email away to help you attain your full potential and enjoy the process while making friends and getting involved. You are not alone and coming all the way here proves to me that you are strong enough and you are an overcomer. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity and bring out the best in us with confidence, making our families proud. Let God’s will be done in our lives. I am proud of you and welcome home. |
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Ifeoluwa Grace Wilkey
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My name is Ifeoluwa Grace Wilkey. I am from Nigeria. I started at the Alief-Hayes campus in August 2022 and so far it’s going great. I have learned so much and met wonderful students and professors. HCC has a diverse community and a very welcoming environment. As an international student, I understand the struggles prospective students might face and I have learned ways to overcome them. I believe I will be a good ambassador so you can always reach out to me. One thing I will say to all international students is always reach out to your DSO (Designated School Official) and academic advisor, no question is wrong. |
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Shakiba Sarhadi
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"Hello there! I am Shakiba Sarhadi, an enthusiastic civil engineering devotee originally from Afghanistan. Currently serving as an International Student Ambassador at Houston Community College, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a diverse and vibrant community. During my leisure hours, you will often find me engrossed in the captivating pages of a book or exploring the mesmerizing world of cinema. These hobbies not only provide a delightful escape but also enable me to recognize the immense power of storytelling in bringing people together from various walks of life. In my quest for continuous growth, I make the most of my free time by honing my engineering skills. I actively explore and learn new software to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field, always eager to expand my knowledge and expertise. As an ambassador, my utmost commitment lies in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all international students. Together, let's strive to make our university experience unforgettable and enriching for each and every individual. |
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Mohammad Zayed Sohail
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Greetings, fellow dreamers! I am Mohammad Zayed Sohail, one of your international student ambassadors, a force to be reckoned with, hailing from India, raised in Saudi Arabia. My journey to greatness commenced at an International Indian school in Saudi Arabia, where I honed my skills and carved my path to excellence. Currently, I stand proudly as a Civil Engineering major, embarking on an exciting journey with the esteemed HCC Honors College Freshman Cohort. I chose Houston Community College (HCC) because it allows me to pursue two degrees in four years: an associate degree from HCC and then transfer to a four-year institution. I strongly believe that smaller classrooms can foster a more engaging and personalized learning experience for students, enabling increased interaction with teachers and peers, leading to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, it provides you with better opportunities. And guess what? I'm also the SGA President, advocating for student empowerment and change. Remember, you don't need to have everything figured out at the beginning. With passion and determination, the path to greatness will reveal itself, and you'll soar toward your dreams. |
F-1 Student Activities
F-1 International Student Ambassadors
Are you an aspiring leader on your HCC campus or in the community? Would you like to help first-year and transfer F-1 international students adjust to life at HCC and in Houston? If so, please consider applying to become an F-1 International Student Ambassador (ISA)!
This is a very enriching volunteer opportunity. As an ISA, you would play a crucial role in introducing other international students to campus life and the services that are available to them while studying at HCC. You would also gain valuable leadership experience while taking part in some very fun activities throughout the academic year!
For more information on how to become an ISA, please review the applicant requirements below and the list of responsibilities. The next application period is now open please complete your application.
We look forward to having you eventually join us as an F-1 International Student Ambassador!
Applicant Requirements
- Must be an F-1 international student in good standing at HCC
- Had to have attended HCC for at least one year at the time of application
- Must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5
- Plans to attend HCC for the semester in which you are applying to be an International Student Ambassador
Responsibilities
- If chosen as an International Student Ambassador, you must attend a mandatory training session and that semester's International Student Orientation
- Help first-year and transfer international students to make adjustments to life at HCC and in Houston
- Help introduce incoming students to campus life and services available to them through the Office of Internation Student Services and other HCC departments.
- Serve as an ambassador for HCC while traveling back home and elsewhere abroad
- Volunteer to attend outreach events (community events, festivals, etc.) as a student ambassador
- May be asked to assist students/families at various HCC events for students and the community, such as orientations, open house, career workshops, transfer fairs, job fairs, etc.
- Speak with incoming international students about your experiences at HCC and how studying here has helped you achieve your goals
- Be a part of an International Student Leader council that meets a few times each semester to discuss ways to improve the international student experience here at HCC
- May be featured/interviewed in HCC videos about student success stories
Student Ambassador Application
Student Events Calendar
The Office of International Services & Programs (ISP) hosts events throughout the year to help F-1 students adjust to life at HCC and to achieve their career aspirations. From international student transfer fairs to career workshops to open houses, there are events that prove beneficial for every F-1 student.
To see what events are coming up and how you can participate, please visit the ISP Calendar site
https://hccs.presence.io/organization/office-of-international-services-programs