First-Rate Education
Community colleges receive accreditation from associations that use standards similar to those applied to four-year colleges and universities. Community college students get a first-rate education. Courses are the equivalent of lower-division university courses. The curriculum and text may be the same, but the professor at the community college typically has more time to answer questions and to help students after class. But most professors who teach at U.S. universities have an open door policy when it comes to providing students with extra help. If you have a question about an assignment, you can set up a time to meet with your course instructor during his or her office hours.

Low Cost, Personal Attention
Throughout the years, low tuition costs and one-on-one attention in the classroom have attracted a large number of American and international students to community colleges. In 2004, AACC reported that 10.4 million students attended community colleges in the U.S. According to Open Doors 2004, of those, 75,830 were international students. Most institutions have a special staff of advisors to assist international students with the application process. This staff also provides extra support once you arrive on campus. Orientation programs are common, and the full-time availability of foreign student advisors throughout your academic career contributes to a positive educational experience. Student happiness and success are of utmost importance to campuses that invite international students to join.

University Transfer
Students who have begun their education at a community college are likely to have a high success rate when they transfer to a university. Most community colleges have strong articulation agreements with neighboring universities. These agreements mean universities certify they will accept specified credits earned at the community college level. Many universities also have a specific quota of transfer students they accept each year-virtually guaranteeing admission to hundreds of qualified community college transfer students. Most community colleges have transfer counselors to help international students with every aspect of the transfer application process. These counselors also maintain close ties with university admissions officers so that special assistance for international students is just a phone call away. Regardless of where you choose to begin your undergraduate studies, friendly staff members and advisors are always available to help you succeed.