As you know, more and more international students in general and especially Vietnam students realize that studying at community colleges is a solid step to transfer to 4-year universities. Many students started to study in the U.S in the community colleges and continued further studies at universities and achieve significant contributions. This shows us that the community college is a door into the universities because of the following reasons:
- Low costs
Tuition at community college may be lower than 1/3 of tuition than four-year universities in the US. This helps students save a lot of expenses in the first two years of a Bachelor's degree.
- Wonderful chance for transfering to universities
Almost community colleges build commitment with universities 4 years ( is called 2 + 2 program ) allow international students to transfer their credits to universities after completion their courses at community college. That means students who are studying at 2 years-community colleges will have to study extra 2 years at an university that choose to get Bachelor degree.
- Entry requirements is easier
Since the majority of community colleges have intensive English programs (IEPs) for international students. So, they are not necessary to have TOEFL/IELTS for entry requirements. Many community college also has an ESL program (Teaching English to foreigners) or fostering Mathematics for students with an average GPA is too low point before the start of the official academic program.
- Focus on teaching and student’s success
The main tasks of lectures at faculties in community college is teaching, but they also often have articles appear in newspapers, magazines ... Because of focusing on teaching, international students receive full attention from their lectures. Moreover, the community colleges are always looking for real work experience related to student’s field of study to complement the practical knowledge to them.
- Small class size
Classes in coomunity colleges are usually very small, around 15-20 students/ class. This is favorable condition for international students can integrate quickly with academic life, living and practice their language skills, so that they can improve their language skills quickly. Furthermore, small class size will help students get more attention from teaching staffs.
- Opportunity actual practice
International students with F-1 visa is allowed to participate internship program (OPT) 1st year option on the field he/she is studying right after completion 2nd year program in community college to get Associate degree.
- Hundreds of programs to choose from
Almost community colleges are training specialized majors to be able to transfer to 4-year university program. Here are the most popular majors for international students as below: Business administration, engineering, computer technology, engineering, communication, early childhood education, hospitality, accountants, nurses, psychologists,...
- Using the most modern technology
Most community colleges today are equipped with modern facilities, convenient for students to practice learning programs. Community colleges lead in the training of students in leading fields like bioengineering, robotics technology, computer technology, aviation technology, ...
- Opportunities to experience US culture
Because community colleges have a closely relationship with the surrounding universities should international students to live in a rich learning environment and gain valuable opportunity to experience American cultural life within the classroom and even when you go home.
- Many service supports international students
The community college offers a lot of student support services such as tutoring services, career planning advice and counseling future academic skills for students to ensure that all students are achieving the Very good. All are designed specifically for international students studying in community colleges
- Friendly class environment
In the US educational environment, students often compete for scores. International students do not speak English well often limited. Typically, international students will feel better and more comfortable in small classes where there is little more competitive. In addition, community colleges have support free tutoring for students to achieve success.
- Adapting easier
Two years at community colleges to help international students improve their English skills, become familiar with the education system and American culture life.
