International Student Guide to U.S. Community Colleges 

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is pleased to present you with the 2008–2009 edition of the International Student Guide to U.S. Community Colleges. Published especially for students thinking about studying in the United States, the Guide covers everything from finding the right college to getting acquainted with U.S. culture. You will also discover the many benefits that make attending a community college an exciting, affordable gateway to U.S. higher education.

Click here to download the full Guide (20.8 mb) or click on a chapter in the list below to download only that section. All documents are in PDF format.

Download by Sections:

• Table of Contents     
• About This Guide       
• Letter to Prospective Students from the U.S. Department of State        
• Why Study in the United States?        
• Structure of the U.S. Higher Education System
  
  
  • Types of U.S. Higher Education Institutions 
  • Importance of Regional Accreditation 
  • Most Common Degrees Awarded at Colleges and Universities (table) 
  • Structure of the U.S. Higher Education System (diagram) 
  • The Academic Year 
  • Freedom of Choice 
  • Course Credits 
  • Course Grades    
• An Introduction to U.S. Community Colleges        
• The Top 10 Benefits of Attending a U.S. Community College
  
  
  • 1 Lower Tuition Cost 
  • 2 Course Credits Transfer to Universities 
  • 3 Flexible English Proficiency Requirements 
  • 4 Focus on Teaching 
  • 5 Small Class Sizes 
  • 6 Additional Year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) 
  • 7 Use of the Latest Technologies 
  • 8 Hundreds of Programs to Choose From 
  • 9 Opportunities to Experience U.S. Culture 
  • 10 Excellent Student Support Services    
• Notable U.S. Community College Alumni        
• Selecting a U.S. Community College
  
  
  • Determine Your Higher Education Goals 
  • Students With Disabilities 
  • Estimating Expenses 
  • Estimating Financial Resources 
  • Estimating Your Expenses (worksheet) 
  • Other Important Considerations 
  • Consult the Best Sources for Information and Assistance 
  • Free Publications From EducationUSA (box)    
• Applying to a U.S. Community College
  
  
  • Application Forms 
  • Test Scores 
  • Statement of Financial Support 
  • Academic Transcripts and Records 
  • Proof of Immunization 
  • Extracurricular Activities 
  • Letters of Recommendation 
  • Personal Essays 
  • Interviews
• Obtaining a Student Visa
  
  
  • Obtain a Form I-20 
  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee 
  • Get Information and Assistance With Visa Applications 
  • Apply for an F-1 Student Visa Interview 
  • Visa Interview Checklist 
  • Duration of Status (D/S) 
  • Information About Visas (box)
• Traveling to the United States
  
  
  • Secure Housing Before Arrival 
  • Schedule Your Arrival 
  • U.S. Entry and Customs Requirements 
  • Preparation Before Traveling to the United States (checklist) 
  • Documents You Will Need at U.S. Customs and Immigration (checklist) 
  • Answers to Prepare for U.S. Customs (worksheet)     
• Maintaining F-1 Student Visa Status        
• Living in the United States
  
  
  • Housing Options 
  • Managing Your Money 
  • Shopping 
  • Driving 
  • Public Transportation 
  • Working in the United States 
  • Understanding U.S. Culture    
• Common Terminology Used in This Guide        
• List of EducationUSA Coordinators Around the World        
• Notable U.S. Community College Alumni (List)        
• U.S. Community Colleges Registered with SEVIS        
• Community College Advertisers & Corporate Sponsors
  
  
  • Community College Advertisers
    
    
    • Alphabetical by Name 
    • Alphabetical by State 
    • U.S. Map Showing Locations
      
  • Corporate Sponsors
    
    
    • Student Insurance 
    • ETS TOEFL 
    • IELTS    
• Internet Resources for International Students