International Orientation Team (I-TEAM) Profiles

The International Orientation Team ("I- Team") is a group of international students that help facilitate 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 and present I-Team Members. If you are interested in becoming an I-Team member, please contact the ISC.

"My Name is Ibrahim Abu Said, I was born in 1989 in Kuwait. I grew up in Jordan. I'm the youngest brother out of my nine siblings. Since graduating from middle school I felt that I have a big dream that I have to achieve but I didn't know where to start. I graduated from Nickerson High School in Kansas, USA, and then decided to finish my educational goals in the states. I moved to New Jersey in 2008. I was totally confused about the new environment and my language wasn't that good either which made me feel left out of everything around me, but what got me more comfortable were a few students who surrounded me with warm feelings, peaceful words, and a BIG SMILE on their faces, The I-Team! They helped me out to get used to the new place; my best moment was when I got a phone call from an I-Team member asking me if I want to hang out with them today. The people I met that day I still have them as my best friends here and I see them almost every day. From that day I got a new nick name LUCKY! :D Right after the international orientation I went to the adviser asking her to be part of this beautiful I-Team and from there I became part of the team who helps out the new students who are going through what exactly I've been through when I first got here. I-Team is a group that helps to create a more peaceful environment for the international students at Bergen Community College." -Ibrahim Abu Said, from Jordan, Engineering 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

"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. After I finished the first semester I joined the I-Team. This TEAM is a living proof that work can equal fun. Here 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! It was a privilege and honor to work with these people who today I’m proud to call all of them – my friends." -Katerina Dimitrova, from Macedonia, International Business 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