Community College Program
for International Students
International Secondary school graduates between the ages of 17 and 23 can participate
in university-level academic exchange programs at community colleges across the United States.
Students can choose between a semester or year-long English Language Program, the Academic Semester Program,
or the academic-year Certificate Program. A two-year degree Program is also offered, where
students live independently in apartments during the second year.
Overview of the Community College Program
If you have completed secondary level school in your country and would like to undertake your undergraduate
(post-secondary) level studies in the United States, the YFU Community College Program might just be what you are looking for.
The YFU Community College Program provides students from around the
globe with the opportunity to pursue college level academic studies while living with a
carefully selected host family in a community reflecting American values.
YFU has partnered with a number of community colleges across the USA that offer
academic course work, have earned regional accreditation requirements, and have
committed the resources of a campus coordinator to assist YFU students.
The YFU Community College Program matches your
needs and objectives with the strengths and programs available at participating colleges.
The Community College Program staff reviews your application to find the
college that matches your educational goals with the specific strengths and academic programs offered.
Program orientations and Cultural Enrichment activities are arranged for you
and approximately five to twenty other YFU students from around the world.
You will not only learn your preferred field of study, but also about life in the U.S. and your surrounding
community. You may also have the opportunity to take courses in a variety of
subjects in order to explore your interests and expand your knowledge.
Program Options
You may study in the USA through one of our four programs:
- English Language Program This intensive English as
a Second Language (ESL) and homestay experience is designed to improve English language
skills. The one-semester program begins in August or early January. An
academic year of ESL begins in August. The program
includes 15 hours of intensive English language instruction per academic
session (non-credit program).
- Academic Semester Program This academic and
homestay exchange experience is designed to offer academic and career training courses in
a variety of subject areas, for example in Arts & Sciences,
Accounting/Finance, and Computer-related courses. The program begins each August and January and lasts for one academic
semester (approximately 16 weeks in length). The academic load is 15 credit hours for the
semester (equivalent to four or five courses).
- Certificate Program This program is designed to
offer academic and career training in a variety of subject areas for an academic
year. The program begins each August. The academic load is 15 credit hours per semester.
Students enjoy a homestay experience by living with a host family for the academic year.
- Degree Program This two-year Associate Degree
program is designed to provide career skills for those who are returning home,
while also offering transferability of credits to a U.S. four-year college or university.
After living with a host family the first academic year, students live independently in
apartments during their second year, at their own expense. The program includes a total of
60 credit hours of tuition and begins each August. Degrees are offered in many areas,
including Arts & Sciences, Criminal Justice, Computer
Science/Information Technology, Education, Communications, and Business Administration.
Dormitory Stay/Mentor Family Option
Applicants for the Certificate Program or those entering the first year
of the Degree program (beginning in August) may choose to live with an
American roommate in a college dormitory during academic sessions. During
orientations and holidays, the student lives with a Mentor Family in the
community. This option is currently limited to a select group of partner
colleges and only available if it is offered at a college that meets the
student's academic requirements. If interested, please contact your National
Office for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the YFU Community College Program must demonstrate the
following in order to be accepted:
- Graduation from secondary school
- Strong academic record
- English language proficiency (except for the English Language Program)
- Motivation to excel in academic or career courses
- Commitment to the host or mentor family experience
- Self-responsibility, self-direction, and maturity
- Readiness for a cross cultural exchange experience
Candidates applying to the program must be
between 17 and 23 years of age at the time of arrival and demonstrate pride in their culture and respect for cultural diversity.
Applicants take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate English
Language level, submit a comprehensive application and personal essays, and take part in face-to-face interviews to
determine motivation and readiness for both homestay exchange and college-level work.
Program Tuition
The Community College Program tuition includes international airfare
to the community college that meets your academic needs and objectives, cost of up to 15
credit hours of course tuition per academic session, host
family placement arrangements, program orientation, Cultural Enrichment
activities, and on-going support. Your National
Office will be able to provide more details on current tuition, as well
as the cost for the Dormitory Stay/Mentor Family option.
Applying to the YFU Community College Program
To receive information about the Community College Program, please contact your YFU National
Office. |