The Philadelphia Inquirer recently featured a story about an extraordinary F student. As a young girl in Japan, Nobuko Sugiura dreamed of coming to the United States to study journalism since she loved to read and write. Because of family commitments, Sugiura had to remain at home instead of applying to school. She took care of her parents, got married and had children but never gave up on her dreams and goals.

Instead, the 71-year-old Sugiura traveled to the United States and began studying English as a second language at Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania, to make her dream a reality.

Through the 2012 Open Doors Report, the Institute of International Education reported that the number of international students in the United States this year has risen by almost six percent. F and M students studying in the United States are eligible to apply to any Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school. Did you know that community colleges are an excellent option?

Citing the Center for Global Advancement of Community Colleges, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that community colleges across the country have played a part in this international student growth. In fact, “community colleges have seen a nearly 58 percent increase in international students” since 1993. These schools are particularly attractive to all students, including F and M students, for a variety of reasons. Community colleges are usually more affordable than four-year schools and can provide a path to a bachelor’s degree.

Despite differences in culture and age, Sugiura is excited to be on this journey. While on campus, in classes and studying, she does not worry about her age. Sugiura just wants to learn and take in all that she can while she is in the United States.

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Source:

• Delaware County college student comes from Japan at age 71; Philadelphia Inquirer