Community Colleges in the USA

Why not begin your college education in the U.S.A. where more than 40 percent of Americans do? At one of the 1,100 local community colleges. Community Colleges in the United States are the great unsung heroes of American Higher Education. In fact, even for Americans and certainly for those overseas, they are not just unsung. Their importance is frequently unknown. These colleges in every state are the best value for the dollar. They are the most accessible, have reasonable tuition, outstanding faculty and convenient locations. Anyone with a high school diploma can be considered for admission to a community college.

Community Colleges in the USA

The classes are small and the faculty focus on teaching and helping students learn. The teachers are interested in making sure that students have the important skills to get jobs or transfer to a higher level of education. Unlike in some other countries, these are not institutions with a narrow focus but rather a comprehensive perspective.

Community colleges are largely unknown to international students overseas because they usually do not recruit students outside their own areas. They are local institutions, focused on serving the local community and its businesses. However, international students are very well known to community colleges. There are now over 200,000 international students at over 500 community colleges around the U.S.A.

Why are community colleges ideal places for international students? More than half of all community colleges offer English as Second language (ESL). The campuses have friendly environments where people get to know one another and different cultures. A major theme for community colleges is lifelong learning. At most schools, students are more mature and are getting their education while they are employed.

Most community colleges offer small classes, with 20 to 30 students. Faculty are chosen and evaluated based on how well they teach, not on their research or publications. Community colleges also have many services designed to help students begin their careers. Hundreds of these colleges have international programs that enrich the campus, the community and local businesses. They are globally aware and want to establish cultural and business ties with other nations.

Community colleges have been specially designated to provide people with the skills needed for the growing high technology and health care fields. There are also strong relationships with many local businesses. In fact, many teachers at community colleges come from local businesses. These part-time instructors have direct, working knowledge of the latest developments in computers, telecommunications, biomedical technology, financial services, marketing and advertising. All these advantages make a community college in the U.S.A. the best place to start your global education.