Glendale Community College International Student Program

General Profile

Founded in 1927, Glendale Community College (GCC) is a public, two-year community college within the California system of community colleges. The College is fully accredited by the U.S. regional body, WASC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Glendale C.C. offers the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, along with short-term Certificate programs for qualified students.

Glendale has one of the highest “transfer rates” of the California community colleges to the CSU and UC campuses. Many students come to the College for the first two years of undergraduate study before transferring to a competitive four-year university for the remainder of their Bachelor’s Degree.  Current GCC enrollment includes 15,000 students, including 500 international visa students. Full support services, academic and immigration advising, and a flexible admission policy are available as part of the GCC International Student Program.  The College welcomes applications and interest from all over the world.

“Fast Facts”

• Public, two-year college, coeducational.
• Enrollment: 15,000 students; includes 500 international students; over 50 countries.
• Accreditation: WASC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
• Small-City, suburban setting (safe and friendly); 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
• Degrees Offered: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science (60 units); short-term Certificates. Full-time Credit ESL/Language Training is available for new students.
• Admission Requirements: High School Diploma of completion; or “C” average (2.0 gpa) if transferring from U.S. college/university; one-page personal essay statement.
• TOEFL: 45 min. on iBT exam. IELTS British Council exam with min. “band score” = 4.5
• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year: 2019-20): $7,575.  “Non-Resident” tuition rate = $265 per unit.
• Estimated Living Expenses (off campus, 10 months): $13,000
• Academic Calendar: Semester system (16-weeks) and short-term “Sessions.” Fall Semester begins end of August; Spring Semester begins in mid-February; Winter Session begins in early January; Summer Session begins in mid-June.
• Average class size: 25 to 30 students.
• Faculty and Instructors hold Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
• English as a Second Language program (with course credit) following admission to degree program. Includes advanced instruction for grammar, writing, speaking and listening skills.
• Popular Majors Include: Arts and Animation Design, Aviation (with Flight Attendant concentration), Business Administration, Communications, Culinary Arts, Computer Science/Information Systems, Hotel/Restaurant Management, Music, Nursing, Theatre, TV Production, Visual Arts. 75 total academic majors.
• Modern and high-tech campus located on hillside of 100 acres with 25 permanent buildings, including Student Services “Sierra Vista” Bldg.

Academic Programs

Glendale Community College has served Glendale and the surrounding area since 1927 earning a strong reputation for academic excellence that meets the needs of a changing world. As a fully accredited institution, Glendale C.C. provides an exciting variety of academic, vocational, and short-term course programs. The College offers some 75 academic majors leading to the Associate degree, along with a wide selection of General Education courses – allowing students the opportunity to complete requirements for the first two years of college and then transfer to a university with full junior standing. This allows international students to save time and money on their education in the United States.

International students at Glendale can arrange individual meetings with academic counselors who advise students on their academic plan, general orientation skills needed to succeed, and course registration as a full-time student (12 units per semester).

Academic instruction at the College is provided by small, personalized classes; convenient course scheduling with day and evening classes; along with state-of-the-art technology, equipment, lab facilities and teaching methods.

Admission Requirements

International (F-1 visa) students should submit the following documents: (1) completed International Application Form and processing fee of $60.00; (2) official academic transcripts with English translation; (3) Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement with min. of $22,900 USD – total costs for one Academic Year, or 10 months; (4) minimum TOEFL score of 45 on iBT exam or 4.5 IELTS band score; (5) one-page personal statement/essay.

Application Deadlines (Overseas Students)

• Fall Semester (September) = July 1
• Spring Semester (February) = December 1

Please Note: Deadlines may be flexible. Contact the International Student Office for details.

Location And Climate

Glendale Community College is located in the City of Glendale, a safe and suburban residential community about ten miles (or 20 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles.

With a blend of the modern and traditional, Glendale College offers a scenic hillside campus on the slopes of the San Rafael Mountains overlooking the valleys in Glendale and parts of the Los Angeles skyline. The campus consists of 100 acres and 25 buildings, including the Science Center complex with Planetarium, and remodeled Student Center/Bookstore, Cafeteria, and Student Services Center building.

Other services and amenities include a renovated library, various computer labs, student health center, transfer center, math/science center, advanced technology center, auditorium for the performing arts, student art exhibits, fitness center and football/track facility.

The City of Glendale has a population of 200,000 residents. The Southern California climate is generally a temperate and warm climate year round with average temperatures ranging from 15° Celsius in the winter months to 35° Celsius in the summer.

International Student Life

All new international students are required to attend a special orientation prior to the Fall and Spring semesters. Students are encouraged to arrive at least two weeks before the start of semester classes for special advising, testing, and academic course planning. Students are welcomed by the President of the College, various faculty and staff, and health insurance representatives. Students are provided detailed instructions and assistance in the registration process. All relevant immigration regulations and procedures are explained in detail. English placement testing is available for those students who were not able to take the test before orientation. Off-campus housing information is made available for students interested in apartments, roommate placement, or perhaps living with a host American family.

The international student population at Glendale is an active and integral part of the College community. Cultural and social highlights include the International Students Association related to student government, and the annual “International Education Week” in the fall – complete with a fashion show, world music, cultural exhibits, food fair, and dinner dance. The International Office also promotes various “field trips” to local attractions around Southern California.

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