Cerritos College News Releases -- March 2008

Photo of Jasmin Gonzalez NORWALK, Calif. – March 11, 2008 – It was her interest in international relations and other cultures that brought Jasmin Gonzalez to halfway across the world.

Gonzalez, a 20-year-old political science and history major from Norwalk, spent a semester studying international relations at International Pacific College (IPC) in Palmerston North, New Zealand as the first exchange student from Cerritos College to study at IPC.

The most challenging part of her exchange experience was that she had no friends, family or any familiar comforts 8,000 miles away from home. As terrifying as it may sound, it also thrilled her because of all the possibilities of making new friends, enjoying new experiences and exploring new places.

“The first thing I did as soon as my luggage was unpacked was put on my hiking shoes and explore the amazing green hills surrounded by the mountain ranges near the campus,” says Gonzalez in excitement. “I was never a hiker back home, but just being in a different country like New Zealand and adopting a ‘let’s try anything’ mentality made me want to try new and unexpected things like hiking, cave abseiling, jumping into Lake Taupo, one of the biggest lakes in the North Island, and gliding from tree to tree on a fox trot glider.”

“Going to New Zealand with a positive and open-minded attitude helped me in experiencing the most of what New Zealand has to offer, from a valuable education, to meeting new people, and gaining new experiences,” says Gonzalez.

IPC has been a prime institution for cross-cultural interaction, according to Nick Kremer, executive dean of Cerritos College’s Community, Industry and Technology Education division. Kremer, Cerritos College’s initial link with IPC, was instrumental in negotiating an exchange agreement with the college several years ago. So far Cerritos College accepted three IPC students and sent one Cerritos student, Gonzalez, to IPC.

“I am delighted to hear that her experience at IPC has increased her awareness of what’s happening around the world,” said Kremer. “We will continue to provide students with the opportunities to study overseas at our partner institutions.”

Danita Kurtz, coordinator of International Student Services at Cerritos College, agrees.

"The semester Jasmin spent at IPC is invaluable,” said Kurtz. “Studying abroad gives students self-confidence and opportunities to learn new cultures, customs and politics firsthand.”

Cerritos College has another link with IPC – a program called the Global Consortium. Led by the history professor Dr. John Haas, the Global Consortium gives students the opportunity to participate in teleconferences with students from other colleges and universities all over the world, including IPC.

Gonzalez has been involved in almost all the teleconferences Dr. Haas has done. When she heard of the study-abroad opportunity with IPC, she knew it was meant for her.

According to Gonzalez, the international relations classes at IPC presented the history and politics of various countries. Her study at IPC sharpened her career focus in political science.

“The idea of study abroad can seem overwhelming,” says Gonzalez. “but in reality, it is very rewarding and in my opinion, is something that every student should experience at least once in their educational career.”

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 200 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently nears 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

###

Cerritos College

Releases 2008