On August 5, 2025, the International Student Program (ISP) kick-started the 2025-2026 academic year by welcoming new international students to Skyline College. The New Student Welcome event is held by ISP every semester to help students get a feel of the campus and to support them as they begin their educational journey in the US.
The event began with opening remarks from Will Minnich, Dean of Enrollment Services, followed by Saroj Quinn, Executive Director of International Education, and Chikako Walker, Director of International Education. After the warm welcoming speeches, the ISP staff members were introduced: Clair Yeo-Sugajski (Program Manager), Carlos Romero (Academic Counselor), Thanh Nguyen (Retention Specialist), and the Student Ambassadors (Mabel Lynn and Victoria Aung).
After getting to know the staff members, it was time for the students to get to know their peers through a game – Bingo! Each student was given a bingo sheet with exciting conversation starters in each box. The students were then prompted to go around the room and meet new friends, filling the room with excitement and laughter. Right after wrapping up the icebreaker bingo game, Clair presented the crowd with a Kahoot game on F1 Rules and Regulations, which helped them review important information for maintaining their F1 status in a fun and interactive way.
The students were then split into three groups, led by Thanh, Mabel, and Victoria, for a Skyline College campus tour in the form of a scavenger hunt. This gave the students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the campus map and its resources and facilities, including the ISP Office, the Library, the Learning Center, Admission and Records, the Health Center, the Bookstore, and the Environmental Science building. The peak of this activity occurred when the students were introduced to the Environmental Science building (Building 12) and experienced the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from Skyline College for the first time. After the campus tour, the students were led back into Building 6 to enjoy a delicious lunch whilst learning about health insurance and the District Homestay Program. On the whole, the Fall 2025 New Student Welcome was a fruitful start to the academic year!
The International Student Program is part of Enrollment Services & Support Programs, ISP will continue to provide services and programs for international students as well as for the entire Skyline College community. If you are interested in learning more about future ISP programs and events, contact the ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu.
Article by Mabel Lynn and Photos by Mabel Lynn and Martin Tun.
