Enquire to study in the UK 
Growing up in Vietnam, Di Bui had always envisioned studying in the US. She dreamed of finding a place that combined academic rigor with a sense of belonging; And while researching colleges, Golden West College (GWC) immediately stood out. Apart from being located in sunny Huntington Beach, its International Student Program made quite an impression.
“Their online responses were super speedy and helpful, making me feel supported from the start,” she recalls. “This gave me confidence that GWC was the right place to begin my journey in the US.”
As a community college, GWC truly is the ultimate pathway. It offers university-transferrable classes with more reasonable tuition costs, making it the best option for students from across the globe who want to experience their passions before solidifying them.
Enrolling in the Business Administration 2.0 program, Bui found a perfect fit for her long-standing interest in marketing and information systems. Her passion stemmed from helping her family’s small business back home, where she learned the power of branding and customer engagement. On campus, she’s been able to satisfy her curiosity by attending workshops and networking with leading professors and industry experts. “These experiences have deepened my passion for marketing and helped me apply what I’ve learned in practical ways,” she says.
Bui credits the GWC support system for helping her embrace student life wholeheartedly. From academic advising to personal care, the college proved time and time again that warmth and efficiency are not just reserved for the admissions process.
Tutoring from the Academic Success Center boosts her confidence before exams, and counseling services specifically for international students like herself have guided her academic journey. “Our counselors are super knowledgeable and always go above and beyond to create a study plan that fits my academic career best,” shares Bui.
Huntington Beach is located just 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Here, students get to explore 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Source: Di Bui
Another standout initiative is GWC’s Zero Textbook Costs program. To break down financial barriers and empower students with accessible, shareable content, the college is converting approximately 50% of its courses to free materials.
“It’s the best news I have ever received in college,” shares Bui. “Textbooks used to be a big stress every semester because they’re so expensive, but now I don’t have to worry about that.”
Starting in Spring 2025, all math courses will be made more accessible. GWC will offer free books, calculators, homework codes, and more. This will be especially useful for Lily Tran from Vietnam, who chose the Business Administration course as a stepping stone toward earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Thankfully, she’s already gained a solid foundation.
GWC’s tutoring services became her lifeline for tackling challenging subjects like Calculus. Counselors have helped her identify best-fit modules. The chance to work as a student assistant helped her develop professional communication skills. Free textbooks made studying anytime, anywhere easier while allowing her to redirect funds toward essential living expenses.
These are the kinds of worries GWC strives to ease through its resources. For example, the college’s free bus pass significantly reduces Tran’s transportation costs. She’s even used it to explore iconic Orange County attractions like South Coast Plaza and Disneyland Downtown. “I especially love eating ice cream and watching the sunset at the Huntington Beach Pier in my free time,” she enthuses.
Source: Di Bui
Meanwhile, The Stand, the college’s campus food pantry, eased her financial burdens by providing essential groceries like bread, eggs, and milk. It’s been a lifesaver for Bui, too. “It’s not just about saving money,” she says. “it’s also about feeling supported by the school and knowing that my basic needs are always being cared for.”
Indeed, student well-being and health are big priorities at GWC. Hence, all learners are granted unlimited access to mental health services through platforms like TimelyCare and the Student Health Center, which provided immediate relief when Bui experienced sharp leg pains. Treatment was quick, convenient, and completely free.
With the stress of everyday challenges constantly covered, it’s easy to understand why life at GWC is hard to leave behind. To make transitions more manageable, the college ensures students are set up for success as they move to four-year institutions. Thanks to the Transfer Centre, Bui is ready for California State University, Fullerton, where she will complete a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Information Systems.
“I worked with them on my applications, and they were so professional and helpful,” she says. “Thanks to their support, I finished everything on time and correctly. GWC has been such a solid foundation for me. The experience has truly prepared me for the next chapter of my academic journey.”
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