Students Embrace Cultures and Languages at SCCC!

Ximena  Malpica

Journalism I Student

Sussex County Community College in Newton received 30 new international students last fall semester, and 20 students came back to continue their studies at SCCC. 

Most of these students come from countries like Nepalese, Chile, Europe, Asia and Canada; they usually transfer to other schools after one year.

SCCC has welcomed students from all these countries for the past 15 years. Most people that attend SCCC do not know about this. 

SCCC Housing Specialist Ramadan Remhdi and student Benjamin Yanez talk about how SCCC accommodates these students each semester. Yanez talks about how it is to be an international student at SCCC. 

Remhdi works as the housing specialist and International DSO (Designated School Official) at SCCC, as well as head coach of the baseball team.

“Its new people, different cultures,” he said. “It’s something neat instead of seeing something repetitive.”

Remhdi received an award for his 15th year at SCCC this past fall for his services and contributions. He previously attended SCCC for two years and decided to follow his own ambitions. 

Yanez is in his fourth semester and will be graduating this coming spring semester. A Chilean student that came to SCCC to play soccer, he plays in the middle and defensive line. He is also majoring in business administration. 

“I’m currently in my fourth semester and the experience has been pretty much amazing,” Yanez said. “My classes and professors have been very helpful, they always respond quickly if I need any help with my assignments.” 

It’s a mix of different cultures, not only for them but also for other students that attend SCCC. Meeting new people brings new connections, and exchange of cultures and languages. 

SCCC offers to all attending students a variety of events throughout each semester. 

Student Orientation for new and transfer students takes place every year at the Performing Arts Center during the summer. 

“As for international students, what we normally do is organize study hall sessions,” Remhdi said. “Last year we did a Thanksgiving meal; tutor sessions are also offered during study hall sessions.” 

Yanez recommended attending these events, as it helped him to integrate himself in a more social environment. 

Remhdi detailed the process it takes to apply as an international student at SCCC, and his role as housing specialist. 

“It’s a long process, but nothing crazy,” Remhdi said. “You fill out and application from the college, the school sends a 30-page document, just to make sure everything is set, pretty much verifying personal and financial documents are good, and then show that they have a specific amount of money.” 

SCCC partnered with Centenary University in Hackettstown, offering students help with housing.

It’s important to note that for nonnative speakers, SCCC offers an ESL program that is based on three levels. Before attending this program, the student must take a standardized test to see where their English proficiency is. 

Director Jamie Borger and English Professor Maureen Murphy-Smolka created a program that includes an English Composition and Foundations for Success Class. 

“It will allow international students to earn credits because ESOL classes are non-transferable credits,” Remhdi said. “If they are in ESOL classes, you can put them in these classes, allowing them to earn credit.” 

 Yanez concluded, “SCCC has helped me since the moment I arrived to their school.  I would recommend that you go to events that the college organizes. I have met most of my friends attending these events. There is a lot of resources in SCCC that help international students with their financial aid, as well as being a student ambassador.”