(Article written by Juni Margrie for the 2015 Go USA Education Fair Brochure)
Community colleges are becoming increasingly popular not just amongst American students, but also for international students. And once you start researching the various benefits that a community college offers, this comes as no surprise.
Costs associated with attending a university are rising significantly, leaving many students to graduate with a large amount of debt. However, students can actually save thousands of dollars by first enrolling in a community college for their first two years and then transferring to a university. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, “community college tuition and fees are approximately 50% lower than those at 4-year colleges and universities. All 50 states financially subsidize community colleges to help keep tuition fees lower and affordable to as many people as possible. If you intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can lower the total cost of earning your degree by taking the first two years of a university program at a community college.” And not only is the tuition lower at a community college, but financial aid on top of that is also possible.
An increasing number of international students attend community colleges as a stepping-stone to prestigious 4-year colleges and universities in the US including Ivy Leagues. What’s more, the English proficiency requirements are flexible. Community colleges may lower their TOEFL requirement, or even eliminate it. Most community colleges also offer additional English intensive programs (IEPs) at multiple levels for international students. Excellent student support services and cross-cultural programs, including tutoring, advising, career planning, study skills and counseling. Many of these are catered toward international students.
Sometimes students who begin their academic careers at a community college and then transfer to a university will be more successful than if they begin at a university.
Core curriculum courses in community colleges are transferrable to any public college or university. Community colleges offer programs in all major fields of study—ranging from art to political science to zoology. Programs currently popular among international students at community colleges include general studies, business, engineering, computer science, computer graphics, Internet technology, multimedia, hotel management, restaurant management, psychology, accounting, early childhood education, and environmental conservation (American Association of Community Colleges).
Community college faculty members have real world, practical and professional experience, which they transfer to their students in the classroom. They are committed to teaching, and do not have to spend time away from their students to fulfill research and publishing obligations, unlike at most universities. What’s more, class sizes are small, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and conducive to asking questions and talking through concepts until they are fully grasped. These small sizes also enable you to build relationships with your peers.
UStudy works with many community colleges across the US. If you are interested in exploring your options at a community college in the US call us +31 70 385 1473, email (info@ustudy.nl) or book an appointment with our study adviser for an introduction.
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