International students not deterred by poor economy

With the economy in a recession, one area seems not to be affected- enrollment of colleges.

Community colleges are experiencing an enrollment boom and Fullerton College is no exception. FC's enrollment is rising not only with domestic students, but also with international student, specifically from Asian countries.

Compared to last year's numbers the increase of international students is up to 350 full-time students and 160 part-time students. But not all numbers point upward for the school.

According to International Students Center records, last fall the student breakdown was 74 percent of the international students were from Asia (53 percent from East Asia and 21 percent from South East Asia) with the other 26 percent of the students coming from countries not located in Asia.

Last Spring there was an increase in students from Asian countries (86 percent) and a decrease in enrollment from other nations(14 percent).

A tendency that International Student Center advisor Pilar Ellis thinks has a chance to continue.

"I have no idea what's responsible for this trend," Ellis said. "My best guess is proximity and/or recommendations from family members living in the area."

Another possible factor is the recession, enabling students from other countries the opportunity to afford studying in the United States, a luxury they previously did not have.

Recession or not, enrollment of international students is growing and will continue to do so, thus expanding the diversity level at FC.