We invited Karen Kautz from Long Beach City
College to outline the benefits of beginning a higher education
in California at one of the Community Colleges.
From all over the world, foreign scholars arrive in the United
States to avail themselves of the high standards of American educational
facilities. The California Community Colleges are accepting increasing
numbers of foreign students as the advantages of beginning ones’
educational career at this level become apparent. Advantages include
smaller classes, lower tuition costs, easier entrance requirements,
flexibility of class schedules, orientation to American college,
accessible faculty and staff, and a comprehensive education program.
The community college provides the first half, or general education
requirements towards a baccalaureate degree. Sometimes called a
"two-year college" or "Junior College", the
community colleges are usually completed in a minimum of 2½- 3 years,
by both international and American students.
Admission requirements are generally easier at the community college.
Many universities request a 550 TOEFL, while community colleges
require a 450 - 500 score. Tuition is considerably less. Students
pay approximately $5,000 a year for the same courses that would
cost them about $7,600 at a state university, or as much as $20,000
at a private university.
The community college offers two kinds of degree programs: career
programs (Associate of Applied Science - A.A.S.) and transfer programs
(Associate of Art - A.A. or Associate of Science - A.S.). Career
programs prepare students to enter the work force directly from
a two year school in fields such as computer technology, nursing,
medical technology, travel and tourism, or basic accounting. When
transferring from a community college in the same field of study,
students with A.A. or A.S. degrees can expect to be accepted by
state colleges and universities as third year students. Beginning
at a community college allows you the flexibility to try different
courses and, with counseling, select the institution for the baccalaureate
degree.
Community colleges offer a wide variety of subjects (or majors)
to study, everything from the fine and liberal arts, to practical,
career-orientated fields, such as engineering and marketing. Class
size at the community college is much smaller than at the university.
Instructors are student-orientated versus research-orientated, and
it is not uncommon for professors to know their students by first
name, and even invite them into their homes for classroom, group,
get-togethers.
In California, where there are 107 community colleges, there are
agreements between the community colleges and eight University of
California campuses, and between community colleges and the California
State University, which has 22 campuses. These agreements virtually
guarantee the student who successfully completes his community college
work, admission at the higher level.
Because California community colleges are located in a variety
of climatic and living conditions, schools vary due to their location.
Academic levels and quality of instruction are comparable at most
accredited institutions, so your personal preferences as to size,
climate, and location play a key role in which school you choose.
Most community colleges provide assistance with homestay situations,
or assist students with economical housing or apartments, that are
located a short bus ride, bike ride, or walking distance from the
campus.
The community college offers a comprehensive education ….
Community support, alumni support, and collegial faculty and staff.
Many community colleges have a strong co-curricular program with
special interest and social clubs. Community colleges with International
programs will most certainly have a strong, active International
Club where students socialize with other foreign scholars, and obtain
assistance with everything from the application process, to counseling,
tutoring, and help with transfer to a university. Many programs
provide special counseling for international students, and require
that they meet with them at least once each semester to discuss
educational plans and academic goals.
With its’ many advantages, the community college serves as
the most economical, flexible, accessible, and supportive educational
institution in which to begin a successful, comprehensive collegiate
experience in the United States.
The Author: Karen Kautz, Long Beach City College
This article first appeared in Studying Abroad magazine
