- Does PCC have an ESL program?
No. All students must attain a certain level of English proficiency before coming to PCC.
- What are the estimated total expenses for one academic year?
Estimated expenses per school year (US dollars) total $16,500 (Prices are subject to change).
- Will I be able to transfer credits from the schools in my country?
Students with courses from accredited universities from a foreign country are strongly recommended to have their transcripts (Academic Records) translated into English by the school or an official translator before coming to the United States. Students who are planning to graduate from PCC without transferring to the university may apply for credits towards an Associate degree. To receive credits, your transcript must first be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency in the United States. The evaluation will cost approximately $160 payable to that agency. PCC evaluators will then review your academic work. For those students who are planning to transfer to the university, please see a counselor before applying for your transcript to be evaluated. Most universities have their own evaluators who evaluate foreign transcripts. Transcript evaluation is not necessary if you are transferring to a university.
- Is there housing on campus? Do you have a host family program?
As with most of the community colleges in California, PCC does not offer on-campus housing and a host family program. There are many low-cost apartments in the area. Listing for both roommates and apartments can be found in our Campus Center.
- Will my credits at Pasadena City College transfer to the university?
With the help of the International Student Counselors, you can take half of all the required courses for the university at PCC before you transfer. PCC has one of the highest numbers of students admitted to prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and Art Center.
- Will you help me transfer when I am ready?
Pasadena City College has a Transfer Center with information on colleges and universities throughout the United States. Recruiters from many of these schools visit our campus frequently each semester. Our staff will help you to make your transfer as easy as possible.
- Can I work while I am going to school?
International students are permitted to work on campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. To work on campus, you must be in status, have completed 12 units, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. To work off campus, you need the authorization from our college and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is very difficult to get this type of authorization.
- Can I get financial assistance/scholarships to help pay my bills?
International Students are not eligible for financial aid. There are a few small scholarships available after you have completed a minimum of one year full-time study with above a 2.0 GPA.
- Do I have to go to school full-time?
Yes. The American government requires all International Students to complete 12 units each Fall and Spring semester. Winter Intersession and Summer sessions are optional.
- Do you provide tours of the school?
For an on-site tour, please contact the office of School & Community Relations at (626)585-7266.
