ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Isuzu Matsushige – Yonago, Japan

Walking down Pacific Avenue a few weeks ago, I met a former student from Japan, Isuzu Matsushige, on the street. I almost didn’t recognize her as one of our former ELI international students because she just seemed to ‘belong’ in Santa Cruz. We said ‘hello’ and then I asked what she had been doing since graduating from ELI in fall 2005. She told me she had been studying at nearby Cabrillo College, since February 2006 and was just finishing her Associates Degree in Health Sciences. I was amazed at how quickly the time had passed since Isuzu studied at ELI, but very impressed with what she had accomplished and how she had so easily integrated into the Santa Cruz culture and lifestyle.

I asked Isuzu what surprised her most about Santa Cruz or the USA. She said,” When I first arrived from my country, I was surprised with the "American size." The size of houses, products, food... everything here was much bigger; especially, the first time I went to the Costco with my host family, I was struck dumb with astonishment.”

I was curious to know what ELI event or activity she enjoyed most and she said,” I will never forget the Halloween party at ELI. Many students, even a few instructors and ELI staff, wore funny, cute, or crazy costumes to school. I think it's great to enjoy one of the major events of the US culture with people from many different countries.”

Isuzu studied with ELI for three sessions and improved her English skills to a level that made it possible for her to transfer to Cabrillo College, one of the top-quality community colleges that offer ELI students conditional admission. This means that as soon as a student has successfully completed our level 500 English program or reaches the required TOEFL score, they are automatically accepted to that college. After two years at a community college, a student can transfer to a 4-year university as a junior to pursue a bachelor’s degree or return to their home country to put their education to work.

Isuzu told me that when she returns to Japan, she already has a job working as a nurse’s aid at a hospital in her hometown of Yonago City, while she attends nursing school to get her license.  This is the kind of success story we love to hear from our students; that improving their English at ELI was just the first step on their education pathway.

At UCSC Extension, we are committed to helping our students achieve their academic, professional and personal goals. Contact us today to find out how we can help you “Open the Door to Achievement.”