Study Overseas

If you are thinking about studying overseas, congratulations! You are about to embark on one of the most enriching and exciting experiences in your life. No matter what your personal or professionals goals, it is sure to be a rewarding experience which you will never forget. As you research different options, be sure to include U.S. City Colleges!

You may not be familiar with the U.S. concept of city colleges. The U.S. has a comprehensive network of community and city colleges, the goal of which is to provide students with technical knowledge and practical job skills.

City colleges have a special emphasis on education and training in technical fields. These technical programs meet the employment needs of local communities and range from childcare worker development to dental hygiene to computer forensics. Most community colleges serve people from nearby communities and offer academic, technical and continuing education courses.

Even if you have never considered studying at a city college, there are many reasons why studying at a city college may be the right choice for you.

Key advantages

The advantages of city colleges are multiple. Like other community colleges, city colleges rely on adjunct and part-time faculty to fill many positions because of the need for people who possess technical skills and state-of-the-art knowledge. The expertise and workplace experience keeps the curricula fresh (AACC, 2004).

Why would a city college be right for you?

• If you know exactly which career path you would like to follow.
• If you are looking for very specific technical expertise
• If you are looking to enter the career force as soon as possible
• If you have an interest in, and talent for technical fields
• If you want results fast, and aren't interested in theory unrelated to your career path
• If you are interested in a career change.

What should students look for in a technical college?

• What specific corporate connections does the college have?
• What is the job placement rate?
• What do current students at the college have to say? Ask to speak with current students to get the "real story".
• Does the college offer merit scholarships?

With so many community and city colleges available, how does one decide which school to pursue?

As with any educational institution, an on-campus visit is highly recommended. Try to visit the college beforehand, and meet with faculty, staff and students in your career field of interest. Are you given personalized attention? Do instructors have in-depth knowledge of the field? What kinds of community resources are available, and what kinds of career and networking opportunities are offered?

Ask career counsellors on site what their graduate placement rate is.

Try to speak with current students to get the real story on their city college experience. They are the best source of information!

Enter The Work Force Quickly

Community and city college training gives you the opportunity to enter the work force very quickly. International students are encouraged to pursue an Associate of Arts degree because it tends to get one further in the marketplace. However, a Certificate can often be completed in as few as 6 months. For those who need to start work fast, community and city colleges are the perfect answer.

Two-Year Programs

If money is tight (as it often is for students!) city colleges are a smart option. Often, an educational experience comparable to 4 year colleges or universities can be earned at a community or city college for a fraction of the cost. Students save thousands of dollars by beginning their academic careers at technical colleges, and are often very pleasantly surprised by the high quality instruction and personalized attention that they receive!

Transfer To A Four Year College Or University

Transfer agreement between many city colleges and 4 year institutions offer students guaranteed transfer of their courses from specific AA to BA or BS programs. The pre-arranged agreements guarantee that students will not lose time in completing their transfer.

Upon completion of an AA degree, many city colleges have the option of transferring to 4-year colleges and universities, where students can go on to earn a Bachelor's degree. The advantage of studying the first two years at a community or technical college is that students save thousands of dollars on their education, but still earn the same degree. What better way to earn your degree and maintain your financial goals at the same time?

Consider pursuing your goals at a U.S. city college. You may find they offer you the perfect way to obtain your dream job fast!