Spring 2026 Newsletter from Olympic College International Education & Study Abroad

 


Springtime is arguably the most beautiful time of the year in the American Pacific Northwest. The days get longer, the weather turns warmer, and the flower blossoms paint the landscape in vibrant colors. At Olympic College, it is a time when the campus bursts with color and activity. It is a time when students are re-energized and have many activities to choose from. In this newsletter, you will see "the buzz" at Olympic College.



Special Offer: Free Summer Housing for Students

Click Here to learn more about the limited-time opportunity for international students to earn the OCW SUMMER HOUSING GRANT as part of the Early Start Housing Initiative. This grant will pay for housing at the on-campus Residence Hall at Olympic College during Summer 2026 quarter. (Click for details)

 News & Announcements From OC

  • Students enjoy a variety of activities for Spring 2026 Quarter. Olympic College has many events and opportunities planned for the students, including many outdoor activities because of the warmer weather. Please view the 2025-2026 Calendar of Events for your reference, including important deadlines (printable pdf file).

  • Dental/Vision Coverage Available for International Students. Healthcare coverage for international students at Olympic College is provided by Lewermark Insurance. It offers very good, comprehensive coverage, but students should know that it does not automatically cover dental or vision care. if students want to be able to have dental or vision services paid for during their time at Olympic College, they need to log into their Lewermark account and enroll in the Dental and Visions plans that are available. Extra fees will apply.

  • Pre-Arrival Online Orientation for Summer 2026. International students can join an online orientation with a Q&A session before they arrive in the USA for Summer 2026 Quarter. The online event will take place on Google Meet on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm Pacific Time. Please contact Tony Coolidge (tcoolidge@olympic.edu) for details.

  • Airport Pickup for New International Students. This will be Friday 06/26/2026 between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Please make sure students’ flights will arrive around that time in local Pacific USA Time.

  • Mandatory International Student Orientation for Summer 2026. This will take place June 29 & 30, 2026. All new international students are required to attend.

  • Olympic College Launches New Emergency Medical Technician Program for Fall 2026. Olympic College has launched a new one-quarter Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, creating a new pathway for students seeking careers in healthcare and emergency response. The program recently received final approval from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is now recruiting students for the inaugural Fall 2026 cohort. (Click for more...)


 Feature Articles From OC


On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Olympic College hosted a major event celebrating cultural identity and expression. There were food, snacks, games, costumes, performances, and activities from Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Guam. The event started with an electrifying Opening Ceremony, featuring a Taiko Drums Performance by Japan Creative Arts, The School of Taiko. There were a song and a piano recital by students representing South Korea. There were a Parade of Flags event and a Filipino Folk Dance (Candlelight Dance). Between the performances, students attended booths providing information, snack, and games. Food was served representing different participating countries. [Click to view photo gallery]



Springtime is when the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom. More people take trips to explore the outdoors. There are many choices, with nearby hiking trails, forests, State parks, and National parks. A popular place to visit in the Pacific Northwest in the Month of April is Skagit Valley, which hosts several Tulip Festivals. Many international students in Washington State can be found visiting the grounds, which covers over 40 acres. [Click to view photo gallery]

 OC International Education Events

Spring 2026 International Student Orientation March 31-April 3, 2026




Our new international students were welcomed by the friendly, welcoming staff of the Olympic College (OC) Department of Education and Study Abroad program. During orientation week, international students become well-prepared to start their academic pursuits in the United States. After the airport pickup and the housing move-in, the students had a few days of orientation activities, where the international students took care of their required training, testing, and course registration before classes started on April 6, 2026.


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Easter Egg Decorating Event April 15, 2026



The Olympic College (OC) Department of Education and Study Abroad program hosted an Easter Egg decorating event on April 15, 2026. Snack and drinks were provided. Students were encouraged to express their creativity and use the opportunity to socialize.


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Vietnamese Fan Making Event May 4, 2026



The Olympic College (OC) Department of Education and Study Abroad program hosted and Fan Making event on May 4, 2026. It was an event that honored Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese food and drinks from Vietnam were provided to elevate the ambience. The students weren't afraid to design a variety of fans, some of which can be seen decorating the International Education office.


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Spirit of Africa Seattle Field Trip May 16, 2026



This field trip was offered on Saturday, May 16 ,2026 as a collaboration The Olympic College (OC) Department of Education and Study Abroad program and the OC Multicultural Office. The students took the scenic ferry from Bremerton to Seattle. They explored the Pike's Place Market before taking the monorail to Seattle Center, where they watched the Spirit of Africa festivities.


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Club Fair May 20, 2026



The International Club and other student clubs at Olympic College shared information about their clubs outside on a sunny, warm day. Students were able to browse the many club options, ask questions, and sign up for the clubs that interested them. The Student Clubs give international students (and all students) the opportunity to explore new experiences and expand their social networks, enriching their student life.



 International Student News From OC

Olympic College hosts many events and activities for the students for Spring 2026. Please view our Instagram and Facebook pages for photos and information of what the international students are doing at Olympic College.


We appreciate our partnership with you. Please let me know how we can support you and make it easier for your students to achieve their goals and dreams.

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