International Success Stories

Our international students go on to become leaders in business, engineering, science, and in the arts. Learn more. Do you have a story to share? Submit via our form to be featured here.

Hirad Khorramian

I am taking Biology, Chemistry, and Math classes while I work for the ETS department on campus and as the ASG Marketing Director. My goal is to become a dentist...I 'd like to transfer to UC Davis and get into Dental School at University of the Pacific.

Hirad Khorramian

Future Dentist from Iran

Read His Story
Quotation marks

Glodiss Bafwafwa Baleja

My Mission is to become a doctor to help people in need. I am currently studying ESL in the IIS Intensive English Program and will be starting my associate degree in Biology in Spring 2023. The program has great professors who are caring, helpful, and knowledgeable.

Glodiss Bafwafwa Baleja

Future Neurologist from Democratic Republic of Congo

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Aline Mello

When I first arrived in the United States, I couldn't keep up a conversation in English. Studying English at Mission made a HUGE impact in my life and was the foundation of my education. I earned a master's in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia from the Dublin Business School and landed on a dream job as an Account Manager at Google.

Aline Mello '14

Account Manager at Google

Read She Story
Quotation marks

Zoe Yang

After getting familiar with the environment with the help of counselors in Mission, I became the Social Event Director and the Community Service Director for ASG club and organized a series of club activities for members to participate in. I met many new friends via these activities and gradually built up confidence as a leader.

Zoe Yang '16

TESOL Graduate Program at UPenn '22

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Laksmi headshot alumnae of Mission College

While enrolled in the Graphic Design and Multimedia Program, I formed a team with two other classmates from my Design Agency and Branding class and won the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s annual $25,000 Create-a-thon. We secured $25,000 of free advertising for our client, Lil Bites Bakery. After graduation, I have been fortunate to work with Google's Experience Studio team, who share the same goal of creating powerful experiences for everyone.

Laksmi Venkatesh '16

Graphic Designer

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Laksmi headshot alumnae of Mission College

I remember being an excited, nervous, yet eager to learn 17-year-old, fresh out of high school from Mexico. While taking ESL, Marketing, and Business classes at Mission, I started working at the IIS Office as a Student Assistant. I went on to finish my degree in Business from SJSU and then my M.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies.

Rosa Sosa '11

Avionics Cybersecurity Engineer at NASA

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Danna Estupian headshot

My educational journey at Mission College began in Spring 2020 with the IIS program. I am so happy I took a semester of Intensive English because certainly a great part of my success is due to the language foundation I acquired during this time. I learned how to evaluate sources, develop effective writing skills, and learn reading comprehension techniques, all of which are fundamental skills for college.

Danna Estupian Current Student

From Colombia to Communications

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Pham Hao '13

I chose Mission College because of the excellent reputation for its Intensive English program and STEM courses. Mission prepared me for the rigorous academic work at UC Berkeley. I'm the son of a physics teacher in Vietnam, and I've always dreamed of being a physicist. In the spring of 2015, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Pham Hao '13

Earned Bachelor's Degree in Physics from UC Berkeley

Read His Story
Quotation marks

Vy Tran '11

My journey from Vietnam to America started at the Institute for International Studies (IIS). Because of my limited English, I enrolled in the IIS classes to improve and learn about the academic expectations and culture in the U.S.

Vy Tran '11

Master's Student and Researcher for NASA

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Yamato Goto, International Student Athlete.

I am now a straight A student and was accepted to six California State Universities! My secret was utilizing the Net Tutor program and office hours with professors. When I reached out to my professors and shared that I was an international student and needed help, I always got help. I loved being a student athlete and plan to continue playing baseball.

Yamato Goto '21

International Student Athlete

Read His Story
Quotation marks

Thong Nguyen

I went to America to get a college education in Hospitality Management after working for two famous restaurants in Vietnam. While at Mission, I won six scholarships and worked as a prep cook at the Child Development Center, gaining real-world experience. Mission is my second home!

Thong Nguyen '17

Hospitality Management

Read His Story
Quotation marks

Basma Baiya '18

When I first came to Mission College from Morocco, I was nervous about public speaking. My teachers have taught me how to prepare and give presentations. Now, I feel confident when I get up and speak in front of an audience. I even won a speech tournament. After my time at Mission studying Graphic Design, I attended SJSU and earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration.

Basma Baiya '18

From Morocco to Mission

Read Her Story
Quotation marks

Luis Gutierrez

Studying at Mission was the best decision I have ever made. Mission College provided me everything I needed for my success. I took advantage of all the resources available. Upon return to my country in 2014, I began working for the National Department.

Luis Gutierrez '14

Leader and Agent of Change in Colombia

Read His Story
Quotation marks

Chan Humphrey '17

Mission College prepared me to succeed as a transfer student at the University of Iowa, by preparing me with supportive faculty, and a vibrant student community. After graduation from Iowa, I landed a job as an Associate Data Analyst with a global logistics company in Hong Kong. I help my company find ways to improve our data models and save both time and money on customer shipping.

Chan Humphrey '17

Business Analyst and Former ASG Marketing Director

Read His Story
Quotation marks


Video Testimonials


Advice on Coming to Mission

Students from Mission College's International Center give advice to incoming students in regards to navigating their new home.


New Experiences in America

Mission College international students talk about their sometimes very different experiences in a new country.


Breaking the Language Barrier

International Students from Mission College in Santa Clara talk about how they broke through the language barrier in their new country.


First Time in America

International Students share their first time in America.


Rosa's Story

From Mexican immigrant to Master's student, Rosa Sosa is a success story.


Danes Visit Mission

Danish exchange students talk about their experiences.