College Placement
ESL (English as a Second Language)
ESL language training includes general English courses and it is an important part of studying abroad. For students that are not confident in their English usage, it offers a chance to increase their proficiency and may aid language scores on such tests as the TOEFL, IELTS and the GRE. ESL classes are often offered at community colleges (2 year schools). Students can first gauge their level of proficiency by taking a level placement test. Instructors, schedules, and assignments can then be tailored to fit the student’s level. Based on specific achievement goals, a student can choose from a variety of courses and schools such as General Courses, Intensive Courses, TOEFL, IELTS, Business English, Intensive Conversational Courses, etc.
Certificate Program
A Certificate Program is designed for a student who has improved English proficiency and who is equipped with the basic skills to support studying more in depth. This type of program lasts a certain period of time (at least 9 months or more) after which the student is awarded a certificate to authenticate the time spent at the school. This certification is helpful for academic and career preparation and the courses involved can vary widely depending on the program provided by the chosen school. The biggest advantage of the certification program is that a student can receive OPT (an official immigration work permit granted to foreigners who hold student visas) and a SSN (Social Security Number) to work officially in the US.
Example programs/certificates include TESL/TEFL, International Business Certificate, Marketing Certificate, Accounting Certificate, Integrative Nursing Certificate, etc.
Community College (2 year)
Community Colleges (CC) are two year public higher education institutions in the US. Tuition tends to be lower than 4 year schools and students who come to study abroad often enroll in a CC before transferring to another school. In addition, attending a community college can provide culture, sports, and a variety of experiences which will help a student adapt to studying in the United States. Students who have completed a two year course (associates degree and certification) can receive a degree or prepare for a four-year university. In addition, depending on the program the CC provides, students can have the opportunity of gaining work experience in the US. Examples of Community Colleges in San Diego include San Diego Mesa College, Mira Costa College, and City College.
College/University (4 year)
Once a student completes foundational courses at a two year community college, they can transfer to a four year college. When a student successfully completes their major after 4 years, a bachelor’s degree is granted. After this, the student may apply for employment, or enroll in further study in graduate school to obtain a Master’s Degree. Attending a school in another city or state at the time of transfer is also a possibility.
Example universities in the Southern California area include: SDSU (San Diego State University), UCSD (University of California, San Diego), and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles).
