The International Student Services and Programs Office is located in Building 11 on the 2nd floor. You are always welcome to come visit us with questions about academics, housing, immigration/visa status, or just to say hi. We will do our best to help you any way we can.
You can call 253.566.5190 or email international@tacomacc.eduto schedule an appointment with any of our staff members, or just stop by and see us!
Office Hours:
Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters:
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Summer Quarter (July and August):
Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Staff Members
Dave Pelkey
dpelkey@tacomacc.edu
Dean of Student Life and International Student Success
Dave has over 18 years experience in Education Management and currently oversees several departments at TCC: (International Student Services, Food Services, Childcare, Bookstore, Athletics, & Conference Services). Dave is very engaged with international students and is always looking for new and innovative ways to improve their experience at TCC. Dave speaks Japanese and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business, Communication and Education from Western Washington University and is currently completing his PhD in College Leadership from Oregon State University.
Reuth Kao
rkao@tacomacc.edu
International Student Program Coordinator/PDSO
Reuth is the immigration specialist and spends much of her day making sure students understand the immigration policies set by TCC and USCIS, in addition to managing the International Student Services Team. Reuth has been at TCC for over 7 years in various departments (First Generation Scholarship Program, Tutoring Center, Student Life and International). Going into her 3rd year with the International Department, Reuth is committed to globalizing our campus and community by retaining quality students from overseas. Reuth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Washington-Seattle, and is completing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in Policy Studies from the University of Washington-Seattle. Reuth speaks Cambodian and has traveled to Thailand and Cambodia. She always has a friendly smile and a bowl of candy on her desk!
Ann Park
apark@tacomacc.edu
International Student Retention Specialist/Study Abroad Advisor
Ann spends her days advising international students and developing strategies for student engagement within the international department. She is our study abroad advisor for resident students, and recruitment specialist for the Korea region. Ann is fluent in Korean, and prior to joining the international staff at TCC, worked in Korea teaching and managing English language programs for 3 years. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in English, and is dedicated to helping students reach their educational goals while studying at TCC!
When he is not traveling the world recruiting new international students, James can be found in the ISS office fielding questions from educational agencies and schools abroad. James’ international experience includes seven years of business development and project management in China and five years experience in higher education. James holds Master's degrees in Business Administration and Project Management, in addition to being a certified Project Management Professional. James also attended the Beijing Language & Culture University and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Annemarie Martin
amartin@tacomacc.edu
Coordinator of International Short-Term Programs and Housing/ISO Club Advisor
Annemarie works with students, host families and local apartment complexes to make sure the housing process goes smoothly for all our students. She is the person to see if you have questions or concerns about where you live while studying at TCC. Besides housing, Annemarie also coordinates the classes and activities for our Short Term Programs and she is the club advisor for the International Student Organization (ISO). Annemarie knows what it’s like to be an international student as she grew up in the Netherlands and came to Seattle to study. She earned a 4-yr. degree in Commercial Interior Design from the Netherlands and began working full-time with international students in the US since 2006. Annemarie is fluent in Dutch and English.
Cielito Lane
clane@tacomacc.edu
Office Assistant/Admissions
Cielito is our morning receptionist and admissions specialist. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University and worked for 9 years at Lockheed-Martin in the Space Systems division. Cielito has been at TCC for over 7 years in various departments (Advising, Tutoring, Running Start, and now International Student Services). She is fluent in Tagalog and also speaks Spanish. Feel free to stop by and say “hi”.
We currently have several parttime student staff members working in the International office: Juanita, Lisa, Min Jae, Kirsten and Yourok. They will be greeting you in the mornings and afternoons, and can help you make appointments with staff.
