U.S. community colleges are the “Gateway to Higher Education in the United States” for international students. They provide the first two years of post-secondary education (undergraduate courses) leading to an associate degree. Students with associate degrees can transfer their course credits to a 4-year college or university where they can complete years 3 and 4 to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Most U.S. community colleges have have articulation agreements with 4-year institutions to facilitate the transfer of course credits. This ability to transfer is often called “2+2”, in reference to the two years students spend at each institution.
There are close to 1,200 regionally accredited community colleges located throughout the United States, serving more than 11 million students, 6 million of whom are seeking an associate degree in hundreds of fields.
U.S. community colleges, four-year colleges and major universities are all accredited by the same regional accrediting agencies throughout the United States. Community college programs must meet the same stringent criteria as four-year colleges and universities to attain accreditation status. This is the reason why universities will accept course credits obtained at community colleges.
In 2008, over 86,000 international students choose to begin their college education at U.S. community colleges. The top 10 reasons are listed below.
1. Community colleges provide quality education at a lower cost
U.S. community colleges are funded by state and local taxes to ensure that all students can afford to attend college. As a result, tuition costs average $6,500 annually as compared to approximately $13,000 for a four-year public institution and $25,000 for a four-year private institution.
2. Students can easily transfer to a four-year college or university
The “2+2” system in the United States refers to an efficient system of “articulation” between a two-year college and a four-year college or university. Articulation is the process by which one institution matches its courses or requirements to course work completed at another institution. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, ensuring that credits earned at the two-year institution will count toward the four-year degree program.
3. Intensive English Programs Allow Flexible TOEFL Requirements
Community colleges offer English as a Second Language classes for students whose TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score is too low to begin an academic program in the U.S. Intensive English programs, either on or off campus, are provided to help students enhance their English abilities prior to enrolling in college level studies.
4. Focus on Teaching
Faculty at U.S. community colleges focus on teaching (versus research) and provide personal attention to students. Students attending community colleges often gain a real-world perspective because faculty members usually have practical work experience in the subjects they teach.
5. Smaller Class Sizes
Smaller class sizes provide an atmosphere in which students can easily ask questions, dialogue with their instructors and classmates to grasp concepts and build relationships. Smaller classes also help international students adjust to the pace of academic life and provide additional opportunities to practice English language skills.
6. Wide Variety of Programs
Community colleges have hundreds of majors from which to choose. Many international students pursue programs in business management, computer science, computer graphics, engineering, health sciences, hospitality and multimedia. In addition, they can study everything from art to zoology.
7. State-of-the-Art Technology
Most U.S. community colleges use state-of-the-art technologies and instructional facilities. Traditional universities often focus on basic education and research, while community colleges not only focus on education, but also provide professional certificate training and workforce development. Because of their close ties with high-tech industries, community colleges necessarily have cutting edge technologies.
8. Excellent Student Support Services
Community colleges offer a variety of support services including tutoring, study skills workshops, academic advising, counseling, and career planning--many of which are designed specifically for international students.
9. Expanded OPT Opportunities
Students are entitled to one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of an Associate degree—and another year upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree. Optional Practical Training refers to paid employment related to the student’s field and level of study used to round out the educational program in the United States. This work can be done on- or off-campus.
10. Opportunities to Experience U.S. Culture
Community colleges enrich the lives of international students through their diverse sutudent bodies and by providing a wide range of cultural, recreational, and social activities--art exhibits, concerts, community forums, health fairs, sporting events, and theatrical productions.
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Community colleges, like other educational institutions in the United States, differ widely. Some are large, multi-campus institutions located in big cities, while others are much smaller schools located in rural settings and serving smaller student populations. Housing opportunities at community colleges range from living in campus dormitories or nearby apartments, to renting rooms or arranging home stays with host families.
International students thinking of studying in the U.S. may choose an institution based on its prestige or the caliber of its alumni. For them, it is important to know that many distinguished leaders and notable persons began their postsecondary education at a U.S. community college. Some well known alumni include: Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California; Eileen Collins, NASA space shuttle commander; George Lucas, producer/director of the “Star Wars” movie series; Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood, film actors; Walt Disney, founder of Disney studios and Disney World; Calvin Klein, designer; Craig Ventnor, genome scientist; Richard Carmona, M.D., U.S. Surgeon General. Other alumni include U.S. Congressional representatives and other high-level U.S. government officials, as well as chief executive officers of Fortune 500 corporations.
In conclusion, community colleges provide international students with an opportunity to begin their U.S. higher education experience at a high quality, accredited institution with an affordable tuition, an efficient system of articulation, a supportive learning environment with opportunities to build and enhance English skills, and the chance to connect with U.S. community and culture.
For more information about studying at a U.S. community college, visit www.communitycollegeusa.com or read A Guide to Studying at U.S. Community Colleges, available online at http://dbtext.aacc.nche.edu/dbtw-wpd/data/GuideToStudyingCommunityCollegesUSA2006.pdf, or at your local EducationUSA advising center