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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Opportunities For International Students Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College welcome the applications of students from other countries. Both colleges offer international students an opportunity to pursue a quality career/technical or liberal arts education and to live in an All-American city of more than 175,000 people. For students who wish to stay in the U.S. for study beyond a two-year degree, the community colleges prepare students for easy transition to four-year colleges and universities. An important objective for CCS is to maintain a diverse student population. International students from all countries are encouraged to apply to Spokane Community College or Spokane Falls Community College. The colleges support diversity by welcoming international students from around the world. Resident or international students interested in international programs can talk to the counseling staff or call the International Programs Office directly at SFCC 509-533-3242 or SCC 509-533-8659. Through its strong academic programs, international students can complete the first two years of study at CCS then transfer to the four-year institution of their choice to complete a bachelor’s degree. Or international students may choose to enroll in one of nearly 100 specialized career and technical programs offered at SCC and SFCC. International students have a very high rate of academic success at CCS and find that living and studying in Spokane is both rewarding and satisfying. International Student Admission Policy International students are admitted by the International Programs Office upon receipt of the following information: 1. A completed application form and $40 application fee. 2. Evidence of high school graduation or equivalent. 3. English translation of high school and college-level transcripts (also include any U.S. transcripts). 4. Documented evidence of financial support for $15,000 (U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requirement). English Proficiency To be admitted to SCC or SFCC with unrestricted access to all non- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, all nonnative speakers of English must demonstrate their proficiency in English.
There are different ways to do this: Students may have unrestricted access to academic classes at SCC or SFCC with the submission of: • TOEFL Score of - 500 Paper - 173 Computer - 59 iBT • IELTS score of 5.0 Students who complete the intensive ESL program at SCC or SFCC may be unconditionally admitted to Community Colleges of Spokane institutions. In addition, English language proficiency can also be satisfied by program completion and a letter of recommendation from a U.S. Intensive English Language Program such as those at Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, University of Washington, Washington State University, ESL language schools, and the American Cultural Exchange. Graduation from a U.S. high school. U.S. college transfer (a minimum of one complete quarter that includes one course equivalent to English 101 with a minimum grade of 2.0.) If English ability does not meet any of the above criteria, but all other admission requirements have been met, the student can be granted conditional acceptance with the understanding that he/she will meet the English language requirements prior to official admission. English As A Second Language (ESL) Programs There are ESL programs at both SCC and at SFCC. Both include intensive programs that offer from 18 to 22.5 hours of ESL per week. In addition, they are specifically designed to prepare students for entry into college studies. By completing either of these programs, the student will receive an unconditional acceptance to SCC or SFCC without having to submit any outside test of English proficiency; no TOEFL required. These programs are designed to raise students’ English proficiency quickly, so the student can enroll in other non-ESL courses. In addition, both programs are designed to improve the full range of English language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The two ESL programs are: • Spokane College of English Language (SCEL) at Spokane Community College • Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and Bridge Program at Spokane Falls Community College Spokane Community College - Spokane College Of English Language (SCEL) The SCEL at SCC prepares students for entering Spokane Community College by quickly raising their English language proficiency. Call 509-533-8659 or 509-533-8885 for more information. This ESL program offers: 1. Intensive/Super Intensive English This program is designed to improve overall competency in English. It prepares students for entry in Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College programs and future university studies. Classes meet between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm daily. There are three levels from elementary to advanced. Each level is 12 weeks long, and students move up based on progress within the class and final exams in writing, speaking, listening, reading and grammar. Students in this program receive 22.5 hours of class per week. 2. Certificate/Diploma in English This is a 12 or 24-week academic program for students seeking proficiency in English. This program is perfect for a student wishing to take international or U.S. exams. Each level is 12 weeks long. Students move up based on progress within the class and final exams in writing, speaking, listening, reading and grammar. 3. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Spokane Community College has a partnership agreement with SCEL whereby students can study EAP courses at SCEL. Completing EAP meets English entry requirements for SCC undergraduate programs. Students in the EAP program are eligible to take one regular college credit course at SCC while they are completing their ESL studies. The college course can be selected from any of hundreds of courses offered each term. This program has a prerequisite of passing an English entrance test to qualify for this program. • Students attending SCEL have the opportunity to participate in student activities at SCC: all college clubs, all college activities, and all college facilities; • All classes are held on the campus of SCC. Spokane Falls Community College - ESL Program The ESL program at SFCC has two parts: (1) an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and (2) an advanced Bridge Program. 1. INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM (IELP) The IELP at SFCC offers four levels of study and prepares students for entering the college by quickly raising their English Language Proficiency. Upon completion of the IELP, students receive an unconditional acceptance to either SFCC or SCC without having to submit a TOEFL score. Call 509-533-3242 or 509-533-4113 for more information. 2. BRIDGE PROGRAM The Bridge Program at SFCC offers AA degree elective, transfer-level courses as well as 90-level developmental English courses for matriculated international and domestic ESL students designed to improve communication skills to ensure successful transition into academic and vocational college courses and programs. Call Dr. Allison Blizzard 509-533-3581 for more information. In addition, the SFCC ESL Program also offers: • A state-of-the-art computer language lab; • Classes that are held on the SFCC campus; • Classes taught by college faculty; • Opportunity to participate in student activities at SFCC; all college clubs, all college activities, and all college facilities; • A dynamic learning experience in a pleasant and secure environment. Academic Requirements International students must successfully complete 12 credits each quarter, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C grade) and progress through an academic program at a reasonable rate. Students who do not meet the above requirements are placed on academic probation. Students who remain on academic probation for two consecutive quarters may be dismissed from the college. Expenses Because individual tastes and habits vary greatly, it is impossible to predict exact expenses for attending SCC or SFCC. However, the minimum cost for a nine-month academic year at the community college is approximately $15,000. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, health insurance, housing, meals, local transportation and personal expenses. (Remember that costs are subject to change.) In 2006-07 average education and housing costs for three quarters for international students were tuition $7,500; housing and meals $4,500; miscellaneous* $2,500. * Includes books, fees, transportation and insurance. Financial Aid U.S. financial aid is NOT available to international students and on-campus employment is limited. Therefore, students must provide their own financial resources for tuition, fees and living expenses. International students are encouraged to participate in college work-study programs. Work-study prepares students for future employment by providing experience with hiring, training, supervision and relations with the public and other staff members. It is a unique opportunity to earn while learning. Immigration International students admitted to SCC or SFCC are issued an I-20 form, which must be presented at the U.S. Consular Office during the visa application process. In addition, the student should present documentary evidence of financial support and a passport, which must be valid for at least six months. Other visa regulations apply. It is recommended that international students visit the U.S. State Department web site for further details, www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/. Call the International Programs Office at 509-533-3242 or 533-8659 for more information. Special Programs SCC and SFCC offer several unique and important programs to support their international students. These programs offer opportunities for increased cultural exchange opportunities between SFCC/SCC students, Spokane residents and international students. International Peer Mentors Program The International Peer Mentors (IPM) program matches international students with American (resident) students in peer mentoring teams. This unique program provides peer support for internationals and Americans that enhances each student’s access to intercultural experience, relationship and communication practice. In particular, the IPM program is an opportunity for international students to: Develop an international friendship. Improve English language skills. Gain a greater understanding of another culture. Community Friends of International Students The goal of Community Friends of International Students is to promote intercultural exchange and friendship between Spokane area residents and international students. Students and their community friends share leisure, family and community activities once a month for one to three quarters. The Community Friends program provides international students with an additional point of contact within the Spokane community and offers a further opportunity for social exchange. Housing Accommodations Several types of housing are available for international students attending SCC or SFCC. Students may apply to live with an American family through the Homestay Program or locate their own apartment. For those interested in apartment living, CCS provides a housing list that includes commercial and home-sharing apartments available in locations convenient to the campuses. The web site www.LivingChoices.com is helpful in locating an apartment. Additional information is contained at the International Programs web site www.spokanefalls.edu/International. The Homestay Program offers international students the opportunity to improve communication skills, experience American culture on a personal and daily basis and build a long-term relationship with an American family. Learn more about the American Homestay Program by visiting www.spokanefalls.edu/International or e-mail teresag@spokanefalls.edu.