International Orientation Team (I-TEAM)Testimonials

The International Orientation Team is a group of international students that help to run the F-1 International Student Orientation every fall and spring semester. They are an integral part of BCC's F-1 Orientation, as they strive to welcome the new F-1 Students and to make them feel at home. Here are a few of our past I-Team Members.

"I will like to say that there is more to I-Team than just helping out with the new students orientation because as a member of the I-Team, I have not only made new and lifetime friends but I have also been able to learn and work with people from different cultural background. The I-Team is one organization that has taught me that we can all work together as one body regardless of our different ideologies, religious beliefs, cultures or nationality. What makes I Team more amazing is that people always have the opportunity to share their experiences as well as learning from other people's experiences. I really must say that I am very happy and proud to be a member of the I-Team." -Moses Ulom, from Nigeria, Business Management Major

"Being part of the I-Team has been one of the most rewarding experiences as an international student at Bergen Community College. I am very happy of being part of this wonderful team that helps welcome and create an enjoyable atmosphere for international students. As an I-team member I developed confidence in myself, acquired leadership skills, met new friends, and gained a better understanding about cultural diversity." -Teresa Cansing Tutiven, from Ecuador, International Business Major

"Since I was a little girl, I wanted to come to the United States. Once the dream became true, I had to face the different reality and culture shock from this tremendous change. I-team of Fall 2008 introduced me to BCC, and was a guide to the many activities on campus. It was such a helpful orientation, so I decided to become a member of the I-team for the Spring 2009 orientation. It was a great opportunity and pleasure, because this time I could help international students who had been here for just a couple of weeks. Being an I-team member brings a lot of satisfaction, when people say “Thank you”. The I-team helps the students to feel at ease, to be comfortable and get to know more about the school environment. Personal stories, different trips, a load of stress toward the unknown, are parts of the overall reactions when we welcome new students. It is fascinating to be part of the welcoming process. As an international student myself, I know the feeling of being new to a culture. Being part of the I-team is an experience of team work, interaction with a wide range of cultures, and it is also fun. I would like to thank the international counselors for their amazing job, and the I-team members for making orientation fun. But most of all I would like to thank you all the international students, who come to the orientation hoping that we helped them to feel comfortable." -Jona Isufi, from Albania, Biotechnology Major

My name is Katerina Dimitrova. I was born in 1984 in a small but beautiful country – Macedonia. I spent my childhood growing with my brother and my cousins in the little peaceful town - Radovis. Pursuing my dream to become successful business woman I came in United States in June 2007 to study International Business. When I first came in USA I felt lonely and confused. I had problems with the language and the completely different environment in which I suddenly became a part. My fears that I won’t be able to cope where abolished soon after I first visited BCC. I will never forget the smiling faces of the I-Team members. What was extraordinary about them is the fact that they were all from different parts of the world. There and then a wish to become one of them was born. After I finished the first semester I joined the I-Team. This TEAM is a living proof that work can equal fun. In this team I found people with who I share destiny - away from the home country, but fearless and full with enthusiasm to learn, to know and to succeed! Later I became the Captain of this Team and I felt as I’ve conquered Everest. Honestly! It was a privilege and honor to work with those people who today I’m proud to call all of them – my friends.  -Katerina Dimitrova, from Macedonia, International Business Major