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What is a Community College?
Community colleges are a major sector of the U.S.
education system. More than 10 million students, about 40 percent of
all undergraduate students, attend community colleges throughout the
United States.
Community colleges provide the first two years of
university education, called “lower division courses,” preparing students
to transfer to a university for two years to complete their bachelor’s
degree. This system is called “2+2” – two years at a community college
plus two years at a university equals a bachelor degree.
The community college also offers two-year
associate degrees in many fields; one and two year certificates for
shorter courses focusing on career training as well as short term non
credit programs.
In 2002 there were more than 80,000 international
students attending community colleges in the United States. Green River
Community College has been serving international students since 1985 and
currently has nearly 400 students from over thirty countries.
What are the benefits of attending a community
college?
The curriculum at a community college and a
university are the same. Both the community college and the university
are accredited by the same agency. However, the community college costs
less money, classes are smaller and you receive more attention from your
instructors and advisors.
How difficult is it to transfer from GRCC to top universities all over
the US.?
Each year several hundred students, international
and domestic, transfer to universities from Green River Community
College. Preparation for transfer is very important. There is the
equivalent of three full time advisors, educational planners, who assist
international student. When you arrive on campus and begin your academic
credit program you will be assigned a personal advisor.
About Getting Ready to Attend Green River Community College
How do I apply?
You may apply online at
www.greenriver.edu/international or by mailing or faxing your
application.
When can I start?
You may start any quarter. Fall quarter begins in September;
winter quarter begins in January; spring quarter begins in April; and summer
quarter begins in June.
What is the age requirement?
Students must be 16 years of age.
How do I obtain a student visa?
Upon acceptance to Green River Community College
you will be sent an I-20. You then need to bring the I-20, your
passport, and a bank statement to a United States Embassy to apply for a
student visa. It is best to check the Web site of the Embassy in
your country for up-to-date information.
Do I have to complete a TOEFL assessment prior
to attending?
No, you don’t have to take the TOFEL; you may take
our English Placement Assessment when you arrive. However, if you have
a TOFEL score of 173/500 you are immediately eligible for academic
classes. In the event you do not qualify there is an English as a Second
Program available to assist you in preparing for the college program.
About Student Life at Green River Community College
Where is Auburn?
Auburn is a suburb of Seattle, approximately 35
miles south of the city-center. It is about 20 minutes from
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Auburn has a population of 45,000
and is located on the Green River.
Where can I live?
Green River has student apartments on campus or if
you choose you may live with a host family or in a nearby apartment.
Our housing department will work with you to find the type of
accommodations you desire. Starting fall quarter 2004, the college
will open a new student
housing facility, Campus Corner Apartments, right on campus. It will be a
wonderful place to live and make friends with Americans and others from
all over the world.
How many students are on campus?
There are about 10,000 students attending, 350 –
400 depending upon the quarter are international students from 30
different countries.
Can I participate in Sports and Activities?
There are both intramural and varsity sports at the
college. In addition, there is a full-time activities coordinator for
international students. Trips, clubs, sports, cultural activities are
arranged on a continual basis for international students.
Can I work?
Yes and no. You can work on campus at any time.
There are more students wanting jobs than there are jobs; however, so
you have to compete for them. There are special circumstances which
allow you to work off campus after attending for a number of quarters.
Ask an advisor when you get to the College.
More Questions?
Please let us know if you have more questions by
e-mailing us directly. We
will get right back to you with the answers.
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