Community colleges: an easy first educational step

International students looking to get a foot in the door of the American education system can look to U.S. community colleges as the first step toward a degree. Many community colleges offer associate's degrees, which can be used as the basis of a transfer to a four-year college or university.

Studying at a U.S. community college has many benefits, including a lower cost of tuition, ease of admission and innovative programs. Some community colleges have begun offering courses in renewable and alternative energy technology, a field that continues to grow. Many others provide training for aspiring nurses and information technology workers.

Moreover, some community colleges have partnerships with four-year colleges and universities that allow matriculating students to transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Iowa-based Ashford College, which has physical campus locations and offers online courses, recently paired with a California community college to permit easy credit transfers to the four-year school. Other community college partnerships feature greater access to scholarships or tuition discounts.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, some 11.7 million students were enrolled in U.S. community colleges in 2009.