Leaving your homeland to study in the United States can be a very daunting proposition, especially if English isn't your first language or you haven't had the opportunity to travel a lot before.

Such was the case for Christina Hsu, A.J.A., who was worried about her command of the language when she arrived at GIA in Carlsbad from her native Taiwan a year ago. Although she met GIA's English proficiency requirements, just ordering from a restaurant menu was overwhelming. But Hsu was determined to overcome her fears. Her desire to switch from a career in human resources to jewelry design gave her courage.

She forced herself to speak to everyone in English and watch television or listen to the radio to become more familiar with the language's rhythm. She says the transition to the United States was also made easier through the support she received from those she met at GIA.

"At first I was really scared of talking to people, but I figured out that the more mistakes I made, the more I improved," Hsu says. "So I started talking to students and teachers. They taught me a lot.

"I think I'm fortunate because I've met people here who have been very, very nice to me and we've become really close friends," she says.

Hsu is one of approximately 250 students (out of about 500 in total), who arrive from foreign countries each year to study at the Institute's Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad. They may be somewhat apprehensive, but many have found that the multicultural environment eases their ability to adapt and provides a natural stepping stone into the gem and jewelry industry.

"GIA gives you a good understanding of the jewelry trade and you get to know so many people from different places," says Neil Kandira, G.G., A.J.A., who arrived at GIA in 2004 from Jaipur, India. "Even the people from the States are different from one another. When you're here, you're able to learn about their different cultures so when you enter the trade, you'll know what to expect and how to act."

The international mix is especially evident while walking by the student lounge, where it's common to find groups of students from several countries chatting or having lunch together, says Susan Elliott, dean of students for GIA.

"Cultural diversity is one of our strongest draws," she says. "Students here may have people from eight or nine countries in their classroom, so they're exposed to cultures and ethnicities they otherwise wouldn't have the chance to encounter. It's really an eye-opening experience."

It's a type of environment Patrick Hassanaly, G.G., G.J., is accustomed to. Originally from Tananarive, Madagascar, he was exposed to a variety of cultures when he lived in Paris for 10 years and was able to travel extensively, including trips to the United States, India and Saudi Arabia. Adapting to Western culture wasn't his concern before arriving on campus two years ago. He feared not fitting in with others.

"The fact that 99 percent of my friends at GIA are foreigners from places like India, Korea and Puerto Rico, made me feel like I was part of a group," he says. "I think the diversity here is what makes GIA so strong and gives people the opportunity to start on the same base in the industry."

GIA tries to make the transition as smooth as possible by hosting social events, like table-tennis and volleyball tournaments, to keep the students active and involved. Summer barbeques, a Halloween party, baseball games and a holiday tree-trimming ceremony introduce them to American customs.

The Institute also celebrates International Education Week in November. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, it gives international students an opportunity to share their culture with classmates through hosted festivities that include an international movie and potluck meal.

"Our international students always look forward to our events because they allow them to get to know each other outside of the classroom in a relaxed setting," says Cleta Wright, Student Housing and Events advisor. "For many of them, the relationships they make here last a lifetime."

Students can also get personalized career advice through the Student Services team when they're ready to make their transition into the industry.

"We find out each student's strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes, and advise them on the different opportunities available," says Kimberly Northup, Career Services manager. "Once they've decided what they want to do, we help them write resumes and provide them with interviewing advice."

It's a service Tokyo native Kei Ishida says he'll likely take advantage of to help him get a step closer to becoming an international gemstone dealer. He might not have considered it before. Somewhat shy and reserved, he was hoping to keep a low profile when he arrived at GIA to take the G.G. program. But he quickly realized that's not easy to do when he lives with five other students and goes to class with them every day.

"GIA isn't like a traditional university where you don't have to be social - we do everything together and talk about friendships and business," says Ishida. "At GIA, where you're from doesn't matter - we're all from different places."

International students aren't the only ones who benefit from GIA's cultural mix. Americans also appreciate the opportunity to get to know their classmates from around the world. Lisa Hudson didn't have many culturally diverse friends when she arrived at GIA from St. Louis, Missouri to take the Jewelry Business Management diploma program. She was excited to meet new people and quickly realized she needed to learn more about her classmates and their traditions.

"It kept coming up in class because many of the management and human resources issues we discussed vary by country. So some of the Indian students invited us to join them at a Navratri festival in Los Angeles to learn more about their culture," she says.

Navratri, which means nine nights in English, is a Hindu festival of worship, dance and music that is celebrated every fall. Hudson, along with about 15 other GIA students and graduates met beforehand to learn more about it then attended the event in traditional Indian clothing.

"I was the only blonde in the room and I was a little scared of being offensive because I was all dressed up in traditional Hindi clothing. But, everyone was very open to having me participate," she says. "The students at GIA are the same way and are always willing to share their traditions. It's been amazing to learn more about their cultures."

Diversity on campus isn't limited to the student body. Many on the Education staff are from other countries. Resident instructor Marisa Zachovay is originally from Canada, has lived in Switzerland, speaks five languages and has taught GIA extension classes in Madagascar and the United Kingdom.

"I love traveling, meeting new people and learning about other cultures. Each one gives you a different perspective and teaches you about different aspects of the industry," Zachovay says. "But I really feel that there are no real borders or boundaries when talking about these different countries in the classroom. In there, we're all the same."

Other international staff include Canadian natives Brook Ellis, vice president of Edu-cation, Resident Instructor  Robert Ackermann and Associate Professor Vilma Vallillee; Director of Course Development Duncan Pay of the United Kingdom; Resident instructor Angus McColl of Scotland; and Mink Stavenga, dean of the School of Business, who was born in Morocco, but has lived in Ghana, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States. Seung-Hae Moon, director of Global Education, is originally from Korea and travels between GIA's 14 learning centers in 11 countries.

"It's such an eclectic group it's hard for anyone to feel like an outsider," Kandira says. "The students and teachers welcomed me and made me feel at home from the moment I got here. It has been very easy, in every sense, to fit in."

Meet GIA's Student Services Team

Susan Elliott, G.G. -- Dean of Students

Susan Elliott first learned of GIA as a high school student while working in the jewelry section of Bullock's department store in Northridge, California. She began her career at the Institute in the Marketing department in 1990 and was appointed dean of students in 1999.

She serves as an advisor to many students and guides them through their various educational options at GIA. She's also been a source of motivation when students share some of their most personal struggles with her. She says her mission is to ensure GIA students are aware of all of their options so that they "won't slip through the cracks."

Lisa Sterbins -- Assistant to the Dean

Lisa Sterbins is the newest member of GIA's Student Services team. She worked for 13 years as an executive assistant for a real estate developer and the American Arbitration Association in Los Angeles before joining GIA in March 2004.

Sterbins, who is the mother of two children, Chloé and Luke, says working with students comes naturally. She assists them with their needs and is their liaison to the dean. Sterbins also conducts orientations to familiarize students with the campus and its key staff.

Cleta Wright -- Student Housing and Events Advisor

Cleta Wright worked for the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau for nine years before joining GIA in 1996. She has also worked as a licensed Realtor. Wright was hired by GIA's Admissions and Records department where she assisted with admissions processes and hosted orientations for incoming students. Today, she assists

students by finding suitable housing and answering their questions about public transportation, banking, rental cars and local events. Wright also organizes student parties, and on- and off-campus activities, including table-tennis and volleyball tournaments, whale watching trips and baseball games.

Kasey McCarthy, A.J.P. -- International Student Advisor

Kasey McCarthy joined GIA in 2003. Before that, she worked as a registrar and international student advisor for Language Studies International in San Diego. She also taught English in Japan for two years and was a Social Studies teacher in Southern California.

McCarthy is typically the first person to speak with GIA's international students. She advises them on the procedures to obtain their visas, driver licenses, medical insurance and how to maintain their nonimmigrant status. McCarthy explains local laws to them and eases culture shock by advising them to speak with other GIA students from their country and get involved with familiar activities. She meets with students on a bi-monthly basis and is always available to those who need help or want to talk.

Kimberly Northup, G.G., G.J.-- Career Services Manager

Kimberly Northup, a former New Mexico restaurant manager, learned about GIA from customers who were jewelry retailers. Ready for a career change, she headed to GIA in 1998 and knew she wanted to stay at the Institute by the time she graduated in February 2000. She was hired as an Education recruiter two months later.

Northup was appointed manager of Career Services, a division of the Student Services department, in 2002. She assists students in finding the right career path and advises them on how to write resumes and interview with prospective employers. Northup also acts as a liaison to employers in the industry.