Editorial provided by Ken Bus, Director of International Education at Glendale Community College, part of the Maricopa Community College Group

More Americans are enrolled in community colleges than in any other type of higher education institution. But these popular post-secondary schools are not well understood outside of the United States. What are community colleges? Why should international students take a closer look at them?

Community colleges have also been called "two-year" colleges or "junior" colleges, but the preferred name is community college. These institutions, found throughout the United States, primarily serve local communities. Unlike four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting colleges and universities, community colleges usually do not have dormitories. They are "commuter schools" often situated close to expressways and public transportation routes so that students can reach the campus easily from the surrounding areas.

Community colleges, therefore, are very busy places. Many students take classes part-time, which they schedule to attend either before or after their work hours, in the evening, or even on weekends. Many community colleges are open from early in the morning until late at night. Because they are usually funded by the state or local tax money, their doors are open to all students. Everyone living in the area served by the community college is eligible and welcome to attend.

Because they serve so many people with so many different educational needs, community colleges offer many different kinds of programs. Thus, there are several programs that might be of interest to international students.

Community Colleges offer:

• University-transfer programs
• Technical programs
• Job-training programs
• Basic-skills programs
• Special-interest programs

International students would probably be most interested in the first program on the list: university-transfer programs. Community colleges offer the first two years of a normal four-year bachelors degree program. Thus, students who attend a community college can prepare themselves to transfer to a four-year institution by completing the lower division courses at the community college instead of at a university. After two years, students can apply to a four-year college or university to complete their degree.

International students may also be interested in the technical programs and job-training programs at community colleges. For example, many community colleges have certificate programs in fields such as air conditioning, automotive technology, aviation and aeronautics, building and construction, business, electronics, medical technology, police and fire department training, child and family studies, and many other areas with promising careers.

Community colleges also provide basic skills courses for students who need help with reading, writing or math. These students may need special preparation for their jobs or in order to continue their education.

Many people enroll in special-interest classes. These classes may be for recreation or hobbies, such as sports, dancing, music, or art. Community colleges, by definition, serve the community with the kind of programs that citizens want and need.

Community college education is available to adults of any age and background. As a result, community colleges have a unique place in the educational system of the United States. These quality institutions are the fastest growing segment of American higher education and now enroll more students than any other kind of institution. Community colleges make high-quality education convenient and affordable to virtually everyone.

Admission in Community Colleges
For international students coming to the United States, community colleges offer excellent educational opportunities. Community colleges usually have an easy, open-admission process. Generally, for successful admission to a community college, an international student needs to have evidence of high school completion, adequate English proficiency, and adequate finances for the stay in the United States.

Cost of Community Colleges
Community colleges generally have lower tuition costs than four-year colleges and universities. Students can save money during the first two years of their undergraduate studies. Then, they can transfer to any four-year institution to complete the final two years of a bachelor's degree. Community colleges are fully-accredited. Credits earned at a community college can usually be transferred to any other institution.

Learning at a Community College
Students will find a receptive, supportive learning environment at community colleges. Sometimes classes are smaller, and students can benefit from more individual attention from the professors.

Community colleges also offer international students a clearer view of American society. Although some of the traditional features of a college campus — such as dormitories — are missing, there are a variety of other aspects of the community college environment that make it a very special part of higher education in the democratic society. Community colleges are in the business of helping people of all ages and backgrounds — including international students — realize their educational dreams.

Transferring Credits
One of the great strengths of the American higher education system is the ease with which students can transfer from one college or university to another. It is not unusual, for example, for a student attending a small private college to transfer to a large, comprehensive public university.

Importance of Accreditation
Although the higher education system in the U.S. makes transferring easy, there are some points to keep in mind if you are considering a transfer. Please note that the following comments pertain only to transfers from one regionally accredited institution to another within the United States. Transfers from or to institutions that are not regionally accredited is not recommended. If a student attends an institution that lacks regional accreditation, there is a risk that the courses completed will not transfer to an accredited institution. Always check the accreditation of the institution you plan to attend and also check if the program of study or major that you have chosen is accredited by a regional or professional organization.

Making Transfers Easy
Many colleges and universities have arrangements known as "Articulation Agreements" with other institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer from one institution to the other as part of a program of study. Generally speaking, such agreements allow "seamless" transfer with little or no loss of credit and time. For example, engineering students may study for three years at the undergraduate level at one college, then transfer to another college for two more years and receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at the end of the five year program of study. Sometimes such arrangements are known as "3+2 programs" because they are designed to be completed in a total of five years.

Community colleges often have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities. Many states have similar mechanisms for transferring credit in a systematic way.

Many private colleges and universities that are located near community colleges also have detailed lists of how and what courses will transfer.

If you plan ahead, a transfer can be an excellent way to accomplish your educational goals and enrich your experience with higher education in America.

Additional Resources

• Search for Community Colleges