IEC Testimonials and Success Stories

Min Hyun Park began studying at IEC in October of 2003 and completed 3 sessions. After completing her English studies at IEC Min Hyun transferred to Diablo Valley College and then onto San Jose State University. Min Hyun received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics in Fall 2009 and is currently working on her master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. She will graduate in Spring 2012 and plans to return to Korea in 3-4 years to pursue her career.

Min Hyun Park, 2003

Sangwoo Lee began his studies at IEC in October of 2003 as well and remains close friends with Min Hyun Park. After completing his English program at IEC, Sangwoo went on to Diablo Valley College and then transferred to UCLA in the fall of 2006 to major in Electrical Engineering. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering he decided to pursue a master’s degree in the same field. Upon applying to graduate schools with Electrical Engineering programs, Sangwoo received acceptance to the University of San Diego (UCSD), the University of Illinois, USC, and Cornell University. He ultimately decided to attend the University of San Diego (UCSD) where he completed his graduate degree studies and has returned to Korea to work for a multinational conglomerate corporation.

Sangwoo Lee, 2003

“I came to IEC to learn English. I have just finished two sessions. I feel better than before because my speaking and grammar are very good. The kind of education here in the U.S. is very good. It is different from the education in my country. Here at IEC I learn English, but also things like U.S. history and culture. It is a mixture of English education and gaining knowledge in different areas of American culture. IEC has very good teachers and a good education system. The staff at IEC make the students feel like they are among family. They are also very helpful.”

Mohammad Alabdullah, Kuwait, 2011

Cher is from Taipei, Taiwan and graduated from IEC in 2003. After transferring to DVC Cher went on to USC to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance. Cher graduated from USC in 2008 and is currently residing in Southern California and is working at a bank. She will be returning to Taiwan next month to further her career in her home country and pursue multiple job offers.

While recalling her experiences at IEC, she remembers that her favorite things about the school were the opportunities she was granted to make new friends, learn about the cultures of her peers, participate in activities, and the Homestay program.

Cher Hsu, Taiwan

Kosuke is from Japan and also graduated from IEC in 2003. Kosuke then attended DVC and after completing his transfer program went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at UC Berkeley. In addition, Kosuke was also accepted to UCLA. Upon graduation Kosuke returned to Japan and is working in a large Japanese corporation Kosuke’s favorite things about IEC were his opportunities to get to know others from different cultures, making long lasting friendships, developing his English language skills, and also receiving college preparation from his teachers.

Kosuke Mizukami, Japan

"IEC is a great school! It not only helped me to improve my English skills. It also helped me overcome cultural shock and homesickness when I first came to the USA. The instructors were wonderful. They encouraged us to speak in English and not to be shy. The classes were full of fun and interactions. We had grammar, reading and speaking classes where I learned how to write proper essays and deliver effective presentations. We had various field trips to San Francisco, local museums and parks. We also had the great opportunities to celebrate American holidays in the American way. After IEC, I was fully prepared for college. I went to DVC where I took my first business class and received a high-quality education. When I look back now, I am sure that I have selected the right schools. I am now an MBA student in San Francisco State University. Everything that I learned at IEC and DVC has helped me a lot in my studies and professional career."

Maria Lyan – Nov 2009, Uzbekistan

“It takes more than English proficiency to be successful in college. At IEC, I improved on my presentation and research paper writing skills which are crucial to my success in college education.”

Chong-in Song, South Korea

“I would like to major in International Business in UC Berkeley. IEC offers a great environment for me to improve my English fast. I learn Academic English which will be useful for my major. I have lots of opportunities to speak English with my classmates from other countries. There are many exciting activities to join, such as the International Party in Berkeley where I met international students from other schools.”

Michael Bacigalupo, Genova, Italy

"My goal is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the USA. I learned about the US education system and the pathways to transfer to prestigious universities at IEC. I enjoyed the small classes and interactions with classmates and teachers."

Maria Joao Pereira, Portugal

“I learned a lot about the US higher education system at IEC. The teachers and advisors taught me how to choose classes & professors, and how to apply to prestigious universities. I made a lot of friends at IEC too. I am now working part-time on campus at Diablo Valley College.”

Thibauld Quentin X.P. Guillon, Paris, France

I came to IEC to improve my English before I go to college. IEC is a great starting place for me. The teachers and my host family helped me a lot to adapt to the new way of life in the USA. I improved my English pretty fast and have made a lot of friends. The activities are great ways to learn about the American culture and meet people.

Khadija Naciri, Morocco

I spoke little English when I first came here. I improved quite a lot after one month. The teachers are very friendly and encouraging. Now, I have friends from Germany, France and other countries. They are interested in my culture. I joined the activities too. I went to San Francisco, bowling and play pool with my teachers and classmates.

Amine Dehbaoui, Morocco