Green River’s Comprehensive Services Create Happy and Successful Students
By Lansing Bryan, Web and Social Media Specialist, May 15, 2019
Green River College is one of the only community colleges that offers fully comprehensive support services and programs for international students. International Programs employs nearly 100 staff who are dedicated to ensuring students become well-rounded, happy and successful. Our goal is to take care of our students from the moment they apply until the day they transfer and beyond.
Our Mission at Green River College is to:
Ensure student success through comprehensive educational programs and support services responsive to our diverse communities.
Green River College has over 1,600 international students from 66 different countries. Green River has a unique high school completion program and is one of the few colleges to accept and support 16-year-old students. We have customized services and programming for all of our diverse populations.
Here are some quotes from key service and program area managers in the International Programs Department:
Admissions
"Our team does their best to ensure the admissions process is smooth for agents and students alike by providing comprehensive, personalized service and a human connection. We want our students to feel they have discovered their new home."
- Jeana Obom, Admissions Officer
Advising
"At Green River, we practice relationship-based, holistic advising. We believe in the intertwined success of the whole student: their academic success cannot be separated from their extracurricular activities, social life, mental and physical health, career goals, and family expectations."
- Adam Beals, Director of International Advising
Housing
"We have four full-time staff that work hard to ensure students are happy with their housing. Students 17 years and older, participating in Green River's student housing, have the option of living on campus at Campus Corner Apartments or with a host family. Housing provides airport pickup, banking and cell phone set up, encouragement to students and host families, facilitates discussion with roommates, and finds new housing when needed. We also have a special 16-year-old housing program where students are placed with host families specifically vetted to take care of this age group."
- Emilee Findley, Housing Manager
Student Life
"The Student Life team organizes many activities on and off campus. It is a great way for students to make friends, go sightseeing or stay in good physical shape. Trips with the International Activities team are always available. From whale watching, shopping and going to concerts like Beyonce to hiking, camping, and skiing; Green River has something for everyone!"
-Martha Koch, International Activities Manager
Recreation and Sports
"Recreational Sports offers students the chance to play soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, cricket, and swim. Sport is a universal language and passion, making it a great resource for students to connect with one another while staying happy and healthy!"
- Jennifer Joy, International Recreation Coordinator
Global Leadership Program
"The Global Leadership Program brings together students from a wide variety of countries across the globe. During the program, we awaken the unique leadership potential in each participant, help them identify strengths and areas for improvement, and encourage them to continue their personal growth through a development plan with a global leadership focus."
- Dr. Vivette Beuster, Associate Dean of Extended Learning
Peer Mentorship Program
"New students have a senior student (Peer Mentor) dedicated to them to listen and help them solve their concerns during their first quarter. Meeting together each week in small groups with their Peer Mentor, students learn important safety, health care, culture, wellness, and goal setting information. Experienced students really look forward to becoming Peer Mentors so they can develop leadership skills."
- Mary Butcher, High School Completion & Foundation for Success Program Manager
Green River has a tremendous impact on the lives of its students. Many students consider Green River their second home, and alumni often express their gratitude to GRC for giving them the tools they needed to succeed at university and beyond.
