When studying abroad, you want to choose an institution that matches your goals, ambitions and needs. Community colleges are a good fit if you’re preparing for university or want a vocational, skills-based education. You get a solid educational foundation and learn critical skills for the workplace. But what exactly is it like studying at a community college? We’re here to answer this question and explain what you can expect.
Why choose a community college?
Selecting the right institution for you is a big decision. You may have heard of community colleges, especially if you’re looking to study in the USA. However, you may not know some of the main reasons that make community colleges attractive to international students. These include:
- Studying at a community college can be up to 40 to 50 per cent cheaper than at a public or state university.
- Transfer agreements and pathway programmes to four-year universities. You can earn a diploma or associate degree, which then allows you to transfer to full undergraduate study.
- The curriculum and learning programmes at community colleges offer flexibility and study modes to suit different student needs.
- You can study towards a vocational, professional or technical qualification that will help you gain the skills needed to enter the workforce.
Many community colleges host regular transfer and careers fairs to help you design your next step. You’ll get to meet representatives from universities and explore potential study paths.
Read more about what a community college is.
What is the student experience like at community college?
A community college study programme is often designed to fit your needs. It’s a collaborative exercise where you choose your subjects and structure your timetable to suit your schedule. You can opt for a blended learning approach, with some time spent on campus and other modules taken online. Community Colleges may also have morning, afternoon and evening sessions, giving you options for when you can attend. This can help if you are working part-time or undertaking an internship.
Community College campuses are much like any university or higher education institution. You’ll be able to join societies, attend classes, use facilities, and meet new people, including fellow international students. Sometimes, you can even find work on campus, tutoring or working in laboratories.
Campus culture isn’t identical to big universities in the USA, as there are fewer students. You won’t find sororities and fraternities, and the sports programmes are not of the same scale. The smaller size can be a plus, with more opportunity to meet other students and make friends. It can also help when trying to get academic or student support.
Discover more about pathway programmes.
What is a community college campus like?
If you study at a community college, you’ll notice that the campus is usually smaller and more compact than that of four-year universities. Community Colleges typically do not have accommodation facilities or extensive sporting facilities. However, you can expect to find:
- Library facilities
- Learning facilities, including classrooms and laboratories
- Student support services, from financial aid to counselling
- Medical of health facility
- Cafes and food outlets
- Sports facilities such as a gym, pool and courts.
Remember that you’ll probably have to travel to a community college, so include that in your cost estimation.
Explore universities with world-class facilities.
What students attend community college?
There is not a single type of student for whom a community college is a good choice. These institutions cater for a diverse range of students, from educational qualifications to age. The one common element is that all students are studying towards undergraduate-level qualifications like associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The type of students you may encounter at a community college include:
- International students studying pathway or transfer programmes
- Domestic students studying towards a qualification and university transfer
- Mature students changing their field of study
- Professionals looking to enhance their current qualifications
- Students working towards a vocational, technical or professional accreditation for work purposes.
Community Colleges can be very diverse institutions. For example, Valencia College in Florida has students from over 105 countries enrolled, while at Shoreline Community College in Washington, 12 per cent of the total student population is international.
What can you study at a community college?
As mentioned previously, the most common qualification at a community college is an associate degree, in the arts or science. In certain limited cases, community colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in certain selected subjects, but you should always check with the institution if this is an option.
In terms of the subjects and specialisations you can pursue at a community college, a wide variety of fields are covered, including:
- Engineering
- Civil
- Mechanical
- Industrial
- Electrical
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- English
- History
- Philosophy
- Art
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Business and management
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Health Sciences
Community colleges also offer technical and vocational qualifications in areas such as welding, plumbing, automotive technology, culinary arts, and carpentry. The colleges will also have dedicated admissions officers and academic advisors to help you select the best programme to suit your needs.
Hopefully, you now have a better sense of what the study experience at a community college is like. You can continue your research into studying abroad in the USA by reading our guide to the top student cities in the USA, what the USA offers international students, and the must-do things for international students in the USA.
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