What IEC students say..

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 want to be a documentary film maker. I came to IEC to improve my English before going to university. I particularly like the teachers here at IEC. They are friendly and we can talk about anything in class and outside of class. The classes are interactive and fun. Since we have small classes, our teachers know us by name. IEC organizes many activities for us. We are able to foster many friendships through the school activities, such as the NBA games.”

Matteo Santa Maria, Rome, Italy

“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