Studying at Community Colleges in the United States
Community Colleges in the United States are public two year colleges that are part of each state’s higher education system. As such, they provide courses and Associate’s degrees that are accepted by four year universities as the equivalent of the university’s own first two years of the Bachelor’s degree. International students can therefore easily transfer to universities in the particular state and throughout the United States. In addition, many community colleges offer ESL study and professional degrees and certificates.
More international students are choosing to begin their university Bachelor’s program at a community college because the tuition is typically 30-50% less than a university and the class size is smaller. A community college class is typically about 30 students per class whereas a large university may have 300-400 students in a first or second year class. So studying at a community college makes it easy to adjust to American culture, learn about classroom and study expectations, and save money at the same time.
Because community colleges are smaller than a university, it is also easier for students to get involved with campus programs and to meet American students. International students get involved with activities and take advantage of sports, clubs, trips and daily events. Students may also be able to help run the campus by serving in student government or working on campus. For example, Cynthia Corsinne, from Brazil, a student at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington served as a student body president, and stated “There is no amount of money I could pay for what I have gained from being involved with student government…”
Another popular option for international students is to work after completing a degree or certificate at an American university or college. This is allowed through Optional Practical Training at the time the student completes a degree or certificate. Because community colleges offer 9 month certificates it is possible to be able to work for a year after studying for 9 months.
Community colleges operate on either a semester or quarter basis. Semester programs may allow entry in August and February, while quarter programs enroll in September, January and April. Both allow study in the summer as well. Students who want an easy, friendly and affordable way to experience the United States, make friends, and earn university credit, a professional degree, or improve their English, should certainly consider attending a community college. Look for a college with a well established international program and an office for international students providing advice, programs and assistance with housing, activities, and study resources. All community colleges have websites and the prospective student can easily tell which colleges offer these services.
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