Studying Pre-Nursing at Santa Ana College

For Jade from Vietnam, moving to the United States to study Pre-Nursing at Santa Ana College became more than just an academic journey. It also became an opportunity to reconnect with her culture, build new friendships, and experience a welcoming international student community.

Having previously lived in Canada, Jade already had some experience adapting to life abroad, but studying in California brought a completely different environment that helped her grow both personally and socially.

Why Study Pre-Nursing at Santa Ana College

One of the main reasons Jade chose Santa Ana College was because of the environment she experienced from the beginning.

“First of all, it had the program that I wanted, the nursing program, and also because I was introduced to a very welcoming and inclusive space.”

“So I just feel like it's something that would work for me because I like environments like that.”

For many international students, finding a university or college where they feel comfortable and supported can make a huge difference when adjusting to a new country.

Every corner of the campus is built to help students feel connected, motivated, and prepared for their future.

What Is It Like Studying in the United States as a Vietnamese Student

Living abroad had already prepared Jade for some aspects of adapting to North American culture, but she still experienced new surprises after moving to California.

“For me, it was fairly easy to make friends because, you know, I already lived in Canada, so I kind of knew what the US would be like.”

Interestingly, one of the biggest challenges for her was reconnecting with her Vietnamese language skills.

“The harder part is trying to speak Vietnamese again, because I haven't actually spoken Vietnamese and had a really good long conversation for quite a while.”

Her experience highlights how studying abroad can sometimes reconnect students with parts of their own identity and culture.

Vietnamese International Student Community at Santa Ana College

One thing Jade did not expect was how many Vietnamese international students she would meet at Santa Ana College.

“One thing that really surprised me was how there were a lot of Vietnamese international students here as well.”

Being surrounded by students who shared similar cultural backgrounds helped create a stronger sense of familiarity and belonging.

Modern buildings and student-centered facilities reflect the college’s commitment to learning.

International Student Support at Santa Ana College

Support from both the college and fellow students played an important role in helping Jade settle into life in the United States.

“The support from obviously the staff at the international student office, from my friends, they talk about their experiences living here.”

Having access to guidance from both staff and peers made the transition feel less overwhelming and more community-focused.

Student Life at Santa Ana College and Orange County

Outside of class, Jade enjoys staying active and spending time with friends while exploring her surroundings.

“I like to walk around my neighborhood, or I like to bike, or just like do activities in general, or get people to go somewhere with me.

This balance between academics and social life helped her feel more connected to her environment and community.

From lecture halls to study lounges, every space encourages connection and creativity.

How Studying Abroad Helped Build Confidence and Communication Skills

For Jade, studying at Santa Ana College became an opportunity to rediscover confidence in her communication skills and cultural identity.

“I think it's the ability to regain my social skills in Vietnamese, and regaining a little bit of that language that I have lost in Vietnamese.”

“And just being able to experience like other different environments other than Canada and Vietnam in general.”

Her journey shows how international education can shape students far beyond academics by helping them grow personally and socially.

Why International Students Choose Santa Ana College

Jade’s experience reflects why many international students choose Santa Ana College as a starting point for their academic journey in the United States. A welcoming environment, strong support services, a diverse student community, and an accessible pathway into nursing studies all contribute to creating an experience where students can feel included and confident.

For students looking for a supportive and multicultural environment, Santa Ana College can become more than just a place to study—it can become a place to grow.