International student manager settles in

Justin Ramirez, a relatively new face at the international student program, has set big goals for the program and for himself, wanting to expand students' opportunities and get them more involved in the college community.Ramirez started as an interim manager of the program in January and continues in his second semester.

Ramirez heard about the position from Robert Garcia, dean of Student Affairs at the time, decided to apply for the job and got it. Ramirez, a Long Beach native, went to Cal State Long Beach for political science as an undergraduate and continued studying in Whittier Law School to become a lawyer.

He has gained international experience through traveling, studying abroad and volunteering for Peace Corps. During his 2-year volunteer period in a small town in Bulgaria, Ramirez taught English to children, and little by little, got used to the Eastern European weather and culture.

"Those were the hardest and most rewarding two years of my life," Ramirez said and smiled on the memories.

As an interim manager, Ramirez is in charge of the entire program. He is responsible for the recruitment of new students, program marketing and budget, the American Language and Culture Institute and assists students with special needs. Ramirez also manages staff and works on student applications and orientation.

Ramirez explained that his background in international law and immigration helps him to assist students with visa issues, even though he refuses to give personal legal advice.

"There is lots of politics and international relations involved, which makes my job interesting," Ramirez said as he summed up why he likes challenging students.

However, the most challenging part of the job was the transition at the beginning.

"I'm starting to get the hang of it," Ramirez said as he explained that international admissions counselor Nelly Delgado showed him a lot of the basic daily office operations.

Nanami Kambe and Halim Lee are satisfied with the program and the new manager, even though they have not gotten to know Ramirez.

"Program works well, and we get help when we need it," Kambe said. Lee agreed and added, "Ramirez sends e-mails and keeps us informed about school events, tuition increases and health insurance changes." Both students have been in the college for a few years and know what to expect from the program.

Ramirez plans to stay in the program and wishes to become permanent. In five years, Ramirez sees himself still working with international students, but would like to go back into education by combining his job with some part-time teaching.