international student viewbook and application

arizona, USA

international

student application AZ

www.scottsdalecc.edu/ied

Scottsdale Community College 1

Students at SCC 2

Discover Arizona 3

Why chose SCC? 4

Transfer Opportunities 5

Academic Programs 6

English as a Second Language 7

SCC Student Success Services 8

Experience SCC Student Life 9

Courses & Degrees 10 –11

Frequently Asked Questions 12

SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Learn. Grow. Achieve.

SCC Welcomes international students!

At Scottsdale Community College (SCC), part of the Maricopa Community College District, our student body includes over 1,000 international citizens of which over 100 are here on student visas from all over the world. As the only public community college in the U.S. to reside on Native American land, through a partnership with the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, SCC offers you a pristine, natural setting with expansive mountain views and native plant and wildlife.

At SCC you will discover many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, a supportive and safe environment away from home, and friendly faculty and staff willing to help you achieve your academic goals.

• Accredited 2–year college in the state of Arizona

• No application fee

• Easy transfer to a 4–year university

• Affordable tuition

• Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program

• Small classes

• Personalized advising and friendly support

• Free tutoring

• Over 320 days of sunshine every year

• Multilingual faculty

• Nearby outdoor recreation, nightlife, and shopping

• Free parking

• A day’s drive to California and Mexico

• Bus pass discounts

Choose from more than 100 Associate Degree and Certificate Programs in: • Hospitality & Tourism Management • Business • Culinary Arts • Motion Picture/TV Production • Nursing • Computer Information Systems CONTACT US: ied@sccmail.maricopa.edu phone: +1 (480) 423.6590 fax: +1 (480) 423.6099

• Interior Design

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students at scc

The student is the center of everything we do at SCC. We are here to help you find ways to grow personally and become a productive citizen in a changing multicultural world.

We do that through accessible and affordable learning environments. From the classroom to the community, there are countless ways to expand your learning experience at SCC. OUR STUDENT BODY • Each semester, approximately 11,000 students enroll in classes at SCC. • SCC’s students range in age from 17 to 85. The average age is 28.

Females. . .................................................. 53% Males ...................................................... 47% White, non-Hispanic.............................. 68% Hispanic .. ................................................ 11% American Indian ...................................... 5% Black, African American . . ........................ 4% Asian/Pacific Islander............................... 4% Not specified ........................................... 8%

EDUCATIONAL GOALS Students who reported their educational goals wanted to: • Earn an Associate degree and transfer to a university. . .........................39% • Improve job skills ...................................................................................... 20% • Pursue a personal interest . . ..................................................................... 20% • Prepare for employment........................................................................... 15% • Other . . .......................................................................................................... 6%

HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS Academic excellence is taken seriously at SCC. The college is accredited by the North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission.

The SCC Honors Program SCC fosters academic excellence and critical thinking through specially designated honors classes, monthly Honors Forum speakers, and various other events.

Honors students, many of which are international, are eligible to receive reduced tuition and apply for scholarships.

QUALITY FACULTY & SMALL CLASS SIZE Faculty at SCC are focused on teaching and learning. The average ratio of faculty to students in the classroom is 1 to 20.

Additionally, faculty at SCC are highly qualified and meet strict educational and professional experience standards. Many SCC faculty are culturally diverse and attentive to the needs of international students.

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DISCOVER ARIZONA

The city of Scottsdale is located next to Phoenix, the sixth largest city in the United States and home to world-class museums, libraries, cultural events and professional athletics. Throughout the area you will also find excellent restaurants, shopping, theaters, zoos, parks, and an exciting nightlife. There’s always something to see or do!

Scottsdale was voted by the Council of Mayors as being the “most livable city” in the U.S. Over 300 days of sunshine a year are enjoyed year-round with easy access to outdoor and recreational activities, such as golfing, hiking, rock climbing, water sports, and more. Popular attractions such as Southern California, Las Vegas, the Mexican border and the Grand Canyon are all within a day’s drive. The nearby Phoenix International Airport also makes your international travel plans convenient.

Sports fans find exciting entertainment offered by many popular professional teams in the area, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball, Phoenix Suns basketball, Arizona Cardinals football, and Phoenix Coyotes ice hockey.

Major League Baseball teams also hold their spring training in Arizona. Additionally, Scottsdale is home to the Professional Golf Association’s FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open), and the Greater Phoenix Area boasts over 200 golf courses.

Experiencing a new culture and having fun are some of the greatest benefits to studying in the U.S.!

CANADA

Grand Canyon

Flagstaff

PACIFIC OCEAN

UNITED STATES

Sedona Lake Havasu

New York

ARIZONA

San Francisco Las Vegas Los Angeles San Diego

Phoenix

AZ

ATLANTIC OCEAN

SCOTTSDALE (SCC)

Orlando

MEXICO

Yuma Tucson

GULF OF MEXICO

Tombstone

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WHY CHOOSE SCC?

A COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREPARES YOU FOR EASY TRANSFER TO A uNIVERSITY OR AN OCCUPATION. At Scottsdale Community College you can earn a two-year Associate degree and then transfer to a four-year university to complete your Bachelor’s degree. This is often referred to as a “2 + 2” program because you can start your first two years of general studies at a community college and then finish your last two years at a university. So, consider Scottsdale Community College as your first step toward receiving a Bachelor’s degree.

SCC also offers non-transfer programs that lead to a professional degree or certificate.

These programs are usually two years or less, and teach the current skills needed for working in your specific field.

Did you

know that nearly half of all students who earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. complete their first two years at a community college?

WHY SHOULD I GO TO SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTEAD OF GOING TO A FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY? Community colleges are popular and well-known as a great value in the USA. Benefits of starting your college education at Scottsdale Community College are: U of A • Lower tuition costs • Smaller classes

ASU

• University transfer options

NAU

• Quality education with experienced instructors

SCC

• “Hands-on” practical learning & training • Higher success rate than students who first begin at the university

annual tuition cost-comparison of arizona’s universities and community colleges

University of Arizona (U of A) Arizona State University (ASU) Northern Arizona University (NAU) Maricopa Community Colleges (SCC) = $5,000 (US Dollar)

* Estimated full-time tuition for 2011-2012 academic year figures are subject to change .

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“The classes are small enough to ensure personal attention and fast progress.”

- Grethel, SCC student, Mexico

transfer opportunities

SCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges offer more than 40 transfer agreements with degree-granting institutions across the U.S. and around the world.

WHAT ARE MY UNIVERSITY TRANSFER OPTIONS? SCC provides a quality education to all its students, including a simple system of transfer for students wanting to complete four-year degrees at public and private universities.

Some of the universities that SCC students transfer to include: • Arizona State University • University of Arizona • Northern Arizona University • University of California (multiple campuses) • California State University (multiple campuses) • And many more!

WHY COMPLETE AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AT SCC? • Most fields of study at SCC have a list of required courses that help you transfer easily to a four-year university with an Associate degree.

Doctorate degree study

2+ years

Master’s degree study

2 years

• You can transfer a maximum of 64 credit hours (approximately 20 classes) to Arizona’s universities.

Bachelor’s degree study

• Completing a degree gives you something to show for your hard work.

Associate Degree study (Community College)

2 years

2 years

“I am saving money while doing my f irst two years of university at SCC, and my classes are transferable to a four-year institution.”

-Freddy, SCC student, Venezuela

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academic programs

Scottsdale Community College helps prepare students for an occupation or transfer to a university.

You can choose from over 100 Associate Degree and Certificate programs, including…

BUSINESS programs allow students to learn from industry professionals selected for their ability to bring their experience and expertise into the classroom. Careers in business are as individual as you are. So, whether you choose Accounting, Management, Marketing, Retail Management, or Small Business Management, SCC has a one or twoyear program to prepare you for the future.

THE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM offers a full-time program of classes where students rotate through all phases of cuisine preparation.

Our facility includes 10,000 square feet of teaching kitchens as well as two oncampus, fully operational restaurants where the training is intense, stimulating and exciting.

The program holds numerous awards for state and national level competitions and is proud to be nationally accredited by the American Culinary Federation.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (CIS) prepares students to develop and manage business computer applications, management information systems, databases, and computer networks. The CIS Department offers four areas of specialization, each with its own certificates and degrees.

Those areas are Applications Design and Development; Network Administration, Hardware Maintenance and Security; and Software Skills.

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THE HOSPITALITY AND TOURI SM MANAGEMENT

programs allow you to specialize in Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Tourism Development & Management, Golf Management or Spa & Wellness Center Management . With an abundance of five-star hotels, resorts, restaurants, and golf courses in the Scottsdale area, SCC’s quality programs attract students from around the world. A variety of classes are offered in these programs, such as Hotel Facility Management, Event Management, Hospitality Marketing, Golf Movement Analysis, Ecotourism, and more.

The Motion Picture / Television (MP/TV) program provides you with the abilities and knowledge you need to pursue a variety of different careers in motion pictures and television. The highly acclaimed program offers Certificates of Completion and Associate of Applied Science Degrees in five areas: Screenwriting, Broadcasting, Film Production, Editing, and Sound Design.

Additionally, you will gain an awareness and appreciation of the profound impact these fields have on their worldwide audiences.

Please refer to pages 10–11 for a more complete list of programs of study, or visit us online at www.scottsdalecc.edu/ academics/departments

English as a second language

SCC offers a full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) program which prepares students for success in regular academic degree programs. Admission to the ESL program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 45 on the Internet-based test or 450 on the paper-based test. Many students successfully complete the comprehensive ESL program and go on to enroll in SCC’s academic programs, and later transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program.

Dedicated to helping students learn english The ESL program offers several levels of English. Students may study as much as three to five hours per day by taking a block of four classes per level. The classes are sixteen weeks long and prepare students for the next academic level. Class sizes are small, providing more personal attention. Students will study the following skills in each level: • Reading • Writing • Grammar • Listening/Speaking The third level, or “transitional level,” consists of preparatory classes for university-level English and specialty classes such as Business English and Accent Reduction.

Free tutoring and English Conversation classes are also available.

Upon arrival to SCC, all ESL students take a placement test* and are assisted with registration for their courses. * Placement test does not require preparation. It is used only to place you in the correct level of English class.

John Liffiton ESL Coordinator +1 (480) 423.6447 John.Liffiton@sccmail.maricopa.edu

www.scottsdalecc.edu/english/esl

“The quality of instruction is great!

They teach us not only English, but American culture as well.”

– Ikuo, SCC student, Japan I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S

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scc student success services

Our experienced and multilingual staff of the International Education Programs (IEP) enjoys hosting international students from all over the world. We value the global perspectives you bring to our campus and community, and our services will help make your stay in the United States a success!

PERSONALIZED ADMISSION ASSISTANCE Our International Student Advisors will work with you by e-mail, telephone or in person to help you with the admission process.

ADVISING Experienced and caring advisors help you meet your academic and personal goals. Assistance is available to aid you in defining academic goals, choosing an educational program, selecting appropriate courses, learning about majors and degrees, exploring career possibilities and transferring to other colleges. We also give helpful advice on how to apply for a driver’s license, off-campus housing, health services, foreign credential evaluation, and more.

ORIENTATION We host an International Student Orientation to welcome you to the college, explain student visa regulations, how to use your health insurance, and introduce you to other services available to students.

ACADEMIC TUTORING To help you succeed in your classes, academic tutoring is available on-campus (free of charge) in English as a Second Language (ESL), writing, mathematics, science and computers.

COMPUTER LABS You can work on your class assignments in any one of the 7 computer labs on campus, which provide computer hardware, software and technical support for all students. They are conveniently available day, evening and some weekend hours.

“Global Artichokes” INTERNATIONAL CLUB Open to all SCC students, the “Global Artichokes” international club is a great way to meet new friends.

It encourages the sharing of language and culture through participation in fun events, trips and community service opportunities.

CULTURAL AWARENESS EVENTS/ ACTIVITIES SCC offers several events and activities such as International Education Week, the Week of World Languages, the Global Leadership Retreat and the Conversation Partner Program. We invite our international students to participate in these events and share their culture with our campus community.

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experience scc student life

At Scottsdale Community College you have the freedom to find balance between academics and extracurricular involvement. Whether through athletics, student organizations or partnerships with the community, there are countless ways to get involved. Both faculty and staff are eager and willing to help you create your own path to an enriching educational experience at SCC. Student clubs and organizations: • Advocacy @ SCC • American Indian Honor Society • Artie’s Animal Allies • Artists Creating Theatre • Christian Challenge Club • Dance Club • Focal Point – Film and TV Production • “Global Artichokes” International Club • Hospitality, Sales & Marketing Association • Jewish Arizonians on Campus • Latino Student Association • Music Industry Club • Outdoor Adventure Club • Phi Theta Kappa

SCC is located just minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, yet it is also set in the Sonoran Desert, offering an abundance of plant and wildlife, spectacular views of nearby mountains, and breathtaking desert sunsets. Our campus walkways are filled with people of all ages, numerous races and ethnic backgrounds, and an unlimited variety of interests and purposes.

Opportunities for leadership, civic and campus involvement, recreation and general growth are available to help you enjoy your college experience and prepare you for your future. Through clubs, events and service projects we are here to help you get connected and involved. Whatever your interests, there are many exciting opportunities and experiences waiting for you at SCC!

• SCC ASID (Interior Design) • SCC Chess Club • SCC Collegiate Delta Epsilon Chi (DECA) • SCC Green Club • SCC Robotics Club • SCC Student Nurse Association • SCC Veterans Association • SPARK • Student Leadership Forum • Sun Earth Alliance Indian Club

“I like SCC because of the great selection of diverse programs, services, and activites available to all students.”

-Jonathan, SCC student, USA

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courses & degrees Scottsdale Community College has more than 1,500 courses and programs designed to help you earn an associate degree, certificate, or provide a strong foundation for university transfer.

The Associate in Arts, Business, elementary Education, Fine Arts, Science & Transfer (AA, ABUS, AAEE, AAFA, AS)

SCC offers several degrees in these categories. If you complete a transfer degree, you will be guaranteed to enter an Arizona university with Junior (3rd year) status.

THE ASSOCIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES (AGS)

A degree for students whose educational goals require flexibility. Any elective course numbered 100 and above qualifies for the AGS. THE ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)

A degree for students who wish to attain a depth of technical expertise by completing an occupational program.

For transfer information visit www.scottsdalecc.edu/ admissions/advisement/university-transfer-tutorial THE ARIZONA GENERAL EDUCATION cURRICULUM CERTIFICATE (AGEC)

A choice of three, 35-38 credit “blocks” that meet all lowerdivision university general education requirements.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION (CCL)

Certificate coursework provides the specific skills necessary for success in a chosen occupation. Fewer credits are required than degree programs.

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE (AC)

Classes

• Certificates

• Associate Degrees

Business and Information Systems

Accounting

Bookkeeping • Business (Fastrack) • • Business-Personal Computers

Cisco Networking Technology Computer Hardware & Network Support • Computer Information Systems • • Database Development • General Business • International Business

Management • Marketing • Network Administration • • Office Automation Systems • • Personal Computer Applications • Programming and System Analysis • • Real Estate

Retail Management (Districtwide program) • Retail Management and Marketing • Small Business Management • Society and Business

Software Development • Web Design Technologies • • Web Development • • Word Processing •

A certificate for students who wish to gain additional expertise in an academic area.

Classes

• Certificates

• Associate Degrees

Applied Sciences Administration of Justice Studies Aerospace Studies Architectural Technology Building Safety Technology Civil Engineering Technology Crime & Accident Scene Photography Crime Scene Investigation Crime Scene Technology Equine Science Fingerprint Classification/Identification Forensic Science Forensic Science: Crime Lab Interior Design Interior Design: Professional Level Justice Studies Military Science Police Academy Preparation, Level 1

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• •

• • • • •

• •

•

• •

•

• •

Complete list of degrees & certificates:

www.scottsdalecc.edu

Classes

• Certificates

• Associate Degrees

Counseling Counseling and Personal Development

Fine Arts Advertising Art

Art (Computer, Photographic, Visual) • Art Humanities

Audio Production Technologies • • Communication Arts

Electronic Music • Graphic Design: Visual Communication • • Humanities

Motion Picture/Television Production (Tracks: Broadcast Production, Editing, Film Production, Screenwriting) • • Music (Commercial and Business, History and Literature, Performance and Private Instruction,

Theory and Composition)

Music Business Theatre Arts/Technical Theatre Theatre Performance and Production

• • • •

Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Dance Dance Humanities Dance Technology Exercise Science Food and Nutrition Nutrition for Fitness and Wellness Health Science Physical Education Recreation Management Personal Training Specialist Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training Wellness Education Yoga Instruction

•

• •

•

• • • •

•

Health Sciences Driver Operator (Fire Science) • Emergency Medical Technology • (Paramedic), Advanced Emergency Medical Technology, Basic • • Emergency Response and Operations • Fire Officer Leadership • Fire Science Technology • Firefighter Operations

Health Care Related

Health Core Curriculum • Nurse Assisting • Nursing (Continuing Education, Nursing Science) Practical Nursing •

Library Science Information Studies

Undecided about Your Major?

Career Services can help you discover your interests and strengths, setting you on a challenging and rewarding educational path.

english, World Languages & Journalism Critical Reading

Creative Writing

English

English Humanities

English as a Second Language

Journalism • Mass Communication

Reading

World Languages

American Sign Language Chinese French

Italian

Pima

Spanish

Mathematics and Sciences Agricultural Science Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer Science Engineering Science Geology Mathematics Physics

Social and Behavioral Sciences American Indian Studies Anthropology Early Education Early Learning and Development Economics Education Education Professional Development Geography (Cultural, Physical) History Philosophy Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Tribal Development

• •

• •

Hospitality/Tourism and Culinary Arts Advanced Professional Culinary Arts • • Culinary Arts • • Culinary Fundamentals • • Hospitality and Tourism/Golf Management • • Hospitality and Tourism/Hotel Management • • Hospitality and Tourism/Restaurant • • Management Hospitality and Tourism/Spa and Wellness Center Management • • Hospitality and Tourism/Tourism Development and Management • •

Updated schedule and catalog:

www.scottsdalecc.edu/schedule www.scottsdalecc.edu/catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students are in a class?

Classes usually have between 20-35 students, depending on the subject, which allows for more one-on-one interaction between faculty and students.

How many classes do I have to take?

As an international student, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours for both the spring and fall semesters. This is usually equivalent to four or five classes per semester. After you arrive on campus and take the placement tests, we will help you choose and register for your classes.

How safe is the campus?

SCC values the safety of our campus and students. The College Safety office is open 24 hours a day, including weekends, and provides security cameras and emergency phones in the parking lots.

Where will I live?

Many students live in nearby apartments or choose to live with an American host family. Since SCC does not have on-campus housing, we are glad to provide you with more information about finding an apartment or a host family. The cities of Scottsdale and nearby Tempe (home of Arizona State University) have a variety of safe apartments and other housing options.

IF I already have health insurance in my own countrY, Do I still need to buy SCC’s health insurance?

Yes. All international students are required to be insured under our policy unless sponsored by an embassy or approved international agency. You do not need to worry about paying for it until you arrive.

What about transportation and parking?

The campus is accessible by city bus, or students can choose to park their own car on campus for free.

Does Scottsdale Community College offer financial assistance to international students?

There are a very limited number of scholarships. However, many students seek a financial sponsor(s) to help fund their education.

Can I work while attending school at SCC? On a student visa, you are permitted to work only on campus for a maximum of twenty hours per week. Other limited off-campus opportunities exist for eligible students who apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). These are paid, professional-level employment opportunities that must be directly related to your field of studies or curriculum. For example, many students consider OPT after completion of their degree, which allows work authorization in the U.S. for a maximum of 12 months. See the International Student Advisor for details.

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Begin Your College

Education in the Valley of the Sun!

International Education Programs 9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256–2626 phone +1 (480) 423.6590 • fax +1 (480) 423.6099

www.scottsdalecc.edu/ied

SCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges are EEO / AA institutions.