Destination: West Coast USA

The people here are welcoming, you will find a community, and the experience will change your life forever,” says Matthew Peipert at Portland State University in Oregon. Highlighting the appeal of the West Coast, he explains that students benefit from “a wide variety of high-quality schools, an inclusive, progressive culture, access to spectacular nature and a good quality of life”.

Sandy Kuntz at Grossmont College in San Diego, echoes this, adding the region combines “the diversity and amenities of urban life with a great extra: amazing outdoor adventures. Put these together and that’s the West Coast experience.”

Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy International Pasadena, emphasizes the region’s vibrant cultural diversity. “The West Coast’s cultural diversity allows students to explore a wide range of global communities – through school trips to local neighborhoods, cultural festivals, and museums.”

For those who love the outdoors, the West Coast delivers in full. “Please check out the ‘Seven Wonders of Oregon’ to see what Oregon has to offer – coastline, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, high deserts, volcanoes and more,” recommends Matthew. Top destinations include Cannon Beach, Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls and Crater Lake.

Sandy highlights Southern California’s variety. “In one day, you can enjoy pine-covered mountains, the interesting desert, and a sunset at the beach!” Among her favorites are Torrey Pines State Reserve and Julian, a historic gold-mining town known for its apple pie.

Sally encourages students to explore iconic and lesser-known local gems. “Pasadena’s Huntington Gardens, the Getty Museum, and Griffith Observatory combine stunning views with learning opportunities,” she says. For weekend getaways, she recommends Santa Monica Beach and the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree.

Seattle, Washington, offers yet another goldmine of exciting opportunities. According to Martha Acosta-Pieters at Edmonds College , “The state offers a variety of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts: mountains and mountain biking, trails, rivers, etc. Within a short distance, students can visit a Bavarian town in the mountains, a ferry ride takes you to a Scandinavian town and throughout the Washington Peninsula a visit to various Native American heritage sites.”

Each institution has its own strategy for helping students settle into college life. “Portland State University takes pride in supporting our wonderful international student community, from airport pickup to beyond graduation,” says Matthew.

At Grossmont College, students begin with virtual orientation before arriving and continue with a robust in-person program. “Integral to the on-campus orientation is an individual meeting with an international student counsellor who guides the new student with course selection and registration,” explains Sandy.

Sally details a comprehensive approach to orientation. “Each student has their own academic and university counselor, and is part of an advisory cohort of 10 or fewer students. A dorm parent and an activities coordinator help students connect, explore, and feel at home through weekly weekend excursions,” she says.

Martha adds, “At Edmonds College, we provide a comprehensive support system to help international students adapt both academically and socially from the moment they arrive on campus.

“First-time students experience a carefully planned and exciting New Student Orientation where they can meet with advisors, learn about campus resources, and make new friends.”

International student interests are evolving constantly. “Computer Science has climbed to the top of the list of most popular majors,” says Matthew, also noting increased enrolments from India and Vietnam. Sandy sees continued interest in fields like Hospitality and Tourism, Nursing, Business, and Computer Science. “Grossmont has an excellent nursing program with a very high success rate,” she adds.

Sally recommends international students to look beyond rankings when selecting an institution to study at. “Focus on finding a school that matches your learning style, interests, and long-term goals,” she says. She also stresses the importance of wellbeing and community on campus: “Don’t be afraid to be different – the West Coast values individuality; your background and story are strengths.”

Choosing a destination and institution is a major decision for international students. Matthew is direct in his encouragement of the West Coast: “You won’t regret it!”

Whether it’s for the landscapes, academics, or culture, the West Coast offers international students a place to study, grow, and belong.

Learning beyond the classroom

In a region where innovation and inspiration go hand in hand, many institutions are integrating local resources into learning. Sally says international students benefit from “visits to company offices and facilities in fields like tech, media, and design, or by engaging with guest speakers brought to campus.”

At Grossmont, Sandy highlights field-based learning and community exploration. And at Portland State, the natural environment often plays a role in students’ lives and studies alike.

Martha also highlights the impact of extra activities: “Students also have the opportunity for leadership development through clubs, volunteer work, and working on campus.”

As these institutions show, the West Coast of the USA offers more than just education – it provides growth, experience, and a gateway to a global future.