"The biggest highlight for me was making new friends and learning a new culture. I really like it here."

Student of the Month

Annemarie de Wal - The Netherlands
Foundation Year at GRCC

Annemarie came to Green River Community College in September 2004. She graduated from college in Holland with a degree in Interior Design and decided to go abroad to experience the American college life. "My agent gave me 14 colleges to choose from and I chose GRCC because of the environment. I like being close to the ocean, mountains and Canada."

Annemarie took part in "The Foundation Year program" which is designed to provide flexibility and opportunities for self-discovery and academic development. "Because I already had a degree in design, I wanted to try something different. I took classes in drafting, physical education, photography and Spanish."

Annemarie enjoys the flexibility at GRCC. "College is much different in Holland. It is more structured," said Annemarie. "Here you can choose your own courses and decide on a major. In Holland, you decide what you want to do straight out of high school. I thought I wanted to be a Math Instructor, so I went to the 'Math Instructor College' where everybody took the same classes. After a year, I realized that was not what I wanted to do and enrolled in an Interior Design College."

Annemarie explained that in Holland there was not much of a campus life. That is why she enjoyed participating in the student activities that were provided at Green River. "I went to Disneyland, Santa Monica, and Whistler, Canada where I snowboarded for the very first time. I also had fun river rafting and hiking."

Annemarie also enjoys living in the campus housing. "My American roommate is my best friend. I have met a lot of American students through her including my boyfriend. The American people are so nice. Even my parents were surprised by their sincere kindness when they came out to visit me in June."