STUDENT SERVICES: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) 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 with a metropolitan population of more than 500,000 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 Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) is to maintain a diverse student population. International students from all countries are encouraged to apply to SCC or SFCC. 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:
- A completed application form and $40 application fee.
- Evidence of high school graduation or equivalent.
- English translation of high school and college-level transcripts (also include any U.S. transcripts).
- Documented evidence of financial support for $16,000 (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
- 61 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 20 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 a.m.
and 3 p.m. 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 -
INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM (IELP)
The IELP supports international students in the accelerated development of English language proficiency as well as academic and cultural competencies needed to succeed at both colleges of CCS as well as the other institutions of higher education and/or in the private sector in the United States.
Methodology: This program provides a curriculum that is student-centered and focuses on communicative competence as developed through authentic, practical interaction among students.
Focus: The IELP is a four-level, 20-credit college-preparatory program established within the English Department of SFCC. It offers excellent, individualized instruction in Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking, Grammar, Research and Study Skills. In addition, in the project-oriented English 195 "English in Action" class, students can earn college-level credit. Upon completion of the IELP, students are ready to begin regular college-level classes to earn a degree, complete a technical/professional program, earn a certificate, or just take a few classes before returning to their universities and careers in their home countries.
Levels:
- High Beginner (50-level)
- Low Intermediate (60-level)
- Intermediate (70-level)
- Upper Intermediate/Advanced (80-level)
Instructors: All IELP instructors are SFCC English Department faculty who hold Masters and/or Ph.D. degrees and have extensive ESL teaching experience both at colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad.
Class Hours: IELP classes meet daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 20 hours per week. Because the program is part of SFCC's course offerings, all classes are on the same quarter system (10-12 weeks) as all other classes on campus.
Advising: The IELP provides personalized academic advising through our International Student Academic Advisers.
Technology: Cutting-edge software for language acquisition and computer resources are available within state-of-the-art classrooms and in the International Computer Lab (ILC).
Facilities: IELP students have full access to all SFCC facilities, e.g. Fitness Center, Library, Spartan Theater, Recreation Center, and all college activities.
Integration: Student involvement in the college, district, and community is promoted by means of Service Learning programs (incl. the International Peer Mentor program), campus clubs and organizations, including the International Club and Phi Theta Kappa, and involvement in community participation projects. In addition, most students take advantage of the Homestay program, which allows them to live with an American family.
Contact: International Programs, 509-533-3242 or 509-533-4113; Intensive English Language Program, 509-533-3581 or 509-533-3561.
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 $16,000. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, health insurance, housing, meals, local transportation and personal expenses (costs are subject to change).
In 2009-10 the average education and housing costs for three quarters for international students were tuition and fees $9,000; housing and meals $5,000; miscellaneous $2,000 for a total of $16,000 for one academic year.
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.
STUDENT VISAS
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.org.
Call the International Programs Office, 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.