That is the Question!

When prospective international students are searching for an institution of higher learning in the United States, they come across a new term, community college, which is sometimes puzzling for students. What is a community college and why should a student select to go there? There are many good reasons and benefits in choosing a community college as your first academic institution in the United States in meeting your needs as a student.

First, a community college provides students with the first two years of academic training in one's career which can then be used to transfer to a four year college or university and be counted towards a bachelor's degree. In the United States, students graduate from high school, maybe having an idea of what they would like to study for their future careers, but at the community college are then given the opportunity to explore many areas of interest during the first two years of their college education.

Most community college institutions in the United States provide students with a very broad scope of classes, covering many different types of subjects during the first two years of study. I call this the "cafeteria effect", a little taste of this and a little taste of that. Students are required to chose a specific numbers of classes in the areas of Humanities, Social Science, Physical Science, Math and English while given more options in choosing elective courses in areas of their interest such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, etc. Having had the "taste" of a variety of subjects, students are well prepared to finalize their decision of a "major" when they transfer to a university for their last two years of a bachelor's degree, having earned an Associate of Arts degree at the community college.

In addition, community colleges have Associate of Science degrees which are two year degrees focusing on academic courses with more specialized career skill classes. Student who select Associate of Science degrees want to complete two years of study and then go to work. Most of these students are not looking to continue their education pursuits at an university after their study at the community college. Practical experience with hands-on classes are provided where students not only learn the required academic and work skill material but have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in class by then working in the community after graduation.

Not to be left out is the English Language training provided at many community colleges. Students who need to improve their English language skills before entering a college program find the community colleges excellent places in which to master English. There are many intensive programs which range in length from a few weeks through several semesters in which students progress through a series of levels in learning English.

Besides the benefit of selecting from a variety of academic and vocational options at the community colleges, most students find that the cost for this training is much less than that of the universities. Therefore, an international student who studies two years at the community college saves money on the cost of his college study in the United States before transferring to a university to finish up his bachelor's degree. Also, many community colleges are smaller in size than universities, with smaller classes and more interactions between faculty, staff and students. This comfortable learning environment helps international students adjust to their new surroundings by providing them with a strong support system.

When selecting the right academic institution, consider the programs of study, different career tracks, English language training, financial costs as well as size and location of the institution. Remember, the community college may just be the perfect place for you!

Written by:
Paula Epstein, Ed.D./Director International Student Services
Miami Dade Community College/Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2ND Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132
V (305) 237-3485 Fax (305) 237-7596 Email pepstein@mdcc.edu

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