This is the third in a series of stories about SC4's overseas international students.

Torpong "Torry" Wongwattanakit experienced many cultural changes when he packed his things and moved from suburban Phuket, Thailand, to the rural areas of Michigan two years ago.

And after spending his senior year at Sandusky High School, Wongwattanakit decided that American culture was enough to leave behind the five-story shopping malls and sandy beaches of Thailand to attend St. Clair County Community College.

Wongwattanakit chose SC4 because he loves the small class sizes. “The people are friendly here, and you get to know the people in your class. Plus, it’s close to (Lake Huron).”

He has two semesters left to complete at SC4. He then hopes to transfer his credits to Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

Wongwattanakit, 19, decided that he did not want to attend a four-year Thai university right after high school. He chose SC4 instead. "I love the small town and nice people," he said. "It’s peaceful."

Schools in Thailand and America have many differences. "School was a lot harder (in Thailand)," he said.

For example, calculus there is a sophomore class, whereas in America it often is taken in a senior year. "Here, you can choose your own classes. In Thailand, you can’t. Students must take classes that are given to them," he added.

Also, in Thailand every college is a four-year university; there are no community colleges.

Thailand is in southeast Asia. It is south of China and east of India and is about six hours by plane from China and Australia.

While attending SC4, Wongwattanakit lives in what he calls the "little town" of Sandusky. For fun, he does similar things in America that he did in Thailand. He enjoys shopping at stores such as clothing retailer H&M and Coach. "I send things from Coach to my mom and sister. It is cheaper here."

Bowling and going to movies with friends and karaoke also keep him busy. "In Thailand, there is karaoke in every mall," he said.

Wongwattanakit has advice for students thinking about becoming an international student. "Be patient. Try to think positive and learn the culture and language before you go."

February 2009