A beginning has been made
Colleges can become that necessary bridge between obtaining secondary education at home and entering an American university. One of the features of community colleges is general education courses, which for a foreign applicant may sound like 'university preparation'. At the same time, in technical colleges you will find general technical education courses and vocational training programs.
An American college is a flexible structure. To enroll there, as a rule, you do not need to study in preparatory courses; good (sometimes intermediate) knowledge of the language of instruction — English — is sufficient. Such lenient admission requirements do not mean that you will receive an education of mediocre quality. It is just that the main goal and philosophy of colleges is to provide initial education to everyone who wants it. And then it is up to you to decide: whether to devote yourself to mastering a profession or continue to receive an academic university education.
By the way, it is precisely for the purpose of accessibility of education that colleges 'invent' various forms of learning. Distance learning, modular learning, and evening groups are becoming increasingly widespread. In recent years, students have even been offered to combine different forms of study according to their work schedule.
There are usually many areas and programs of study in colleges. Sometimes they represent different 'facets' of one profession: for example, in the field of information technology, these could be programs in programming, web design, website promotion, or computer network maintenance. Sometimes more than a dozen different specialties are offered, within which areas are distinguished. The offerings also include general education programs and English as a foreign language classes.
What makes American colleges attractive for international students is the opportunity, while studying within the walls of a secondary specialized educational institution, to complete the first two years of a bachelor's program with the corresponding degree, and accumulate credits to later continue education at a chosen university.
For this purpose, there are special 'transfer' programs. However, students should pay attention even before starting their studies to what achievements are needed to later become a university student. For example, sometimes disciplines in business and information technology are not transferred; it happens that the number of credits that can be earned at a college is less than required for a university course. There are also 'reverse' situations when particularly talented students are credited with courses taken at college that are not part of the transfer program.
Upon completion of studies at a college, students receive either a certificate (usually corresponding to one-year programs) or a diploma (two-year programs). Sometimes there is an opportunity to obtain a degree directly at the college by studying for four years.
Colleges also offer short-term programs, advanced training programs, and short seminars and trainings. All this, as they say, optional.
Programs for every taste
If you decide to choose an American college for yourself, you will inevitably encounter that literally in every state the number of educational institutions you like can range from one or two to a couple of dozen. And which one to prefer? One way is to trust an educational agent. Another is to act independently: correspond with colleges, clarify all the nuances of study and admission, and select the optimal option. Remember that colleges try to present the maximum range of programs and specializations, so there is the opportunity to realize all personal preferences. By the way, if you have decided to go to America, then first choose not even a college, but a state. And if you have already targeted a specific university, then find out in advance which colleges the university cooperates with and in which areas the transfer programs 'work'.
You can choose Hillsborough Community College, Indian River Community College, Keiser Career Institute, Lake City Community College, Lake Sumter Community College, Miami-Dade Community College, North Florida Community College, Okaloosa-Walton Community, or any other worthy educational institution from a huge list.
Traditionally, colleges offer programs: AA (Associate of Arts) for humanities, AS (Associate of Science) for those interested in mathematics, engineering sciences, business, and the diploma AAS (Associate of Applied Science).
In the small Miles Community College, there is an almost family atmosphere. Here they offer programs in building technology, information technology, small business management, and some other specialties. At Miles, in addition to the traditional AA, AS, and AAS, they develop individualized degree programs for those who want to start climbing the career ladder immediately after graduation.
Florida National College offers two-year programs leading to an AS degree, diploma, or certificate in accounting, business, computer technology, dentistry, medicine, English (as a second language), tourism. Here they emphasize that they try to 'work' with each student's personal plans and goals, selecting the optimal study program for them. Classes are held in small groups, and the college is equipped with the most modern equipment.
Kellogg Community College offers programs in a variety of areas within two "key" fields: Art & Science, Art & Communication. Here you can study French, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, master the nuances of journalism or photography, music or theater, study pedagogy and law, dentistry and nursing, electronics, mechanics and business, information technology and much more. For example, by choosing a business program, you can obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree or a certificate in business management. The curriculum includes traditional lectures, computer sessions, case studies, and small group work. In addition, within the program there are three specializations: business management, human resource management, and marketing. Choosing a business course is recommended for those with a mathematical background. Kellogg also offers a popular course in e-commerce today, leading to an AAS degree or certificate.
Programs leading to an Associate in Arts Degree and Associate in Applied Science Degree are specifically designed to prepare students for transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Those who choose an Associate in Criminal Justice Degree can either start working immediately or continue their education at a higher level.
At Alexandria Technical College, there are more than 45 programs leading to Associate in Science degrees, Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas, and certificates. You can earn the credits necessary for university study during the spring or summer semester, or choose a two-year program and spend the first two years of a bachelor's degree within the college itself. There are general education programs for further study, programs for secretaries, office workers, and future marketers undergo training, among others.
Cascadia Community College offers Associate Degrees in Integrated Studies (AIS), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in Applied Science (AAS). AIS is optimal for those planning to continue their education in liberal arts at a university. AS is ideal for those who see natural sciences, engineering, or computer science as their future field. An Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) can be obtained in Network Technology, Software Programming Technology, or Web Technology.
The number of options is huge. Have you already made your choice? Then welcome to an American college!