International Student Services
Frequently Asked Questions
About Admission
- When can I start school?
You can start school at the beginning of one of the four quarters: September, January, April or June. - What is the minimum age requirement?
We are open to all students 16 years or older. Student under 18 must live in Edmonds CC Housing unless their parents fill out the Alternative Accommodation Form, please see Services for Students Under Age 18. - Do you have a TOEFL requirement at Edmonds?
No, instead a student takes our English Placement Asssessment when they arrive, and are placed into appropriate classes. If they need more ESL before college there is a complete range of classes to choose from. - After I apply, what’s next?
After you apply, we will review your file, inform you of any missing documents, and send you an I-20, which you will take to the American Consulate/Embassy to obtain your student visa. See the overview. - Why do I need health insurance?
In the U.S., health insurance is not automatically provided. Therefore, you have the option of coming with a health insurance program from your country or you can buy the college health insurance program for $183/quarter (3 months).
- Where can I live?
You have 2 choices: you can stay in a our dormitory, or with a Host Family. Please see the Housing website for information and applications. - Who is going to pick me up at the airport?
After you send a host family or dormitory room application and $190 fee, the Housing Department will ask you to send your flight information. Then Housing will arrange a driver to pick you up at Sea-Tac International.
- What is a community college, and why should I go to a community
college instead of a university?
A community college represents the first 2 years of a university degree. You can either choose to complete the first 2 years of a Bachelor’s Degree at a university or a community college; the curriculum is the same. However, going through a community college is cheaper, classes are smaller, and you get more attention and personalized instruction from your teachers. - What is a credit?
1 credit = 1 hour of class/week. As an international student you must enroll for at least 12 credits, which would mean that you would have 12 hours of instruction/week. It may seem light, but remember that in the U.S. you have to do a lot of homework, including research and homework. Therefore, you will have as much work as what you may have now in your country. - How do I transfer to a university?
After completing your Associate’s Degree, you can transfer and complete 2 more years at a university. Your advisors will help you choose a university. Or you can transfer before completing an Associate’s Degree. - How many students are on campus?
About 10,000 students attend Edmonds Community College, 600 are international students from more than 50 different countries - When do I pay my tuition?
You pay tuition when you register for classes. - Can I work as an international student?
As an international student (F-1 visa), you can work on campus 19.5 hours/week if you are in good academic standing, but you cannot work off campus unless authorized by U.S. Immigration. - Who can help me choose classes?
We have 4 full-time advisors, who can help you choose classes every quarter. You can also get help from a curriculum adviser and from our counseling center. - Do you have restaurants/cafeterias on
campus?
We have one cafeteria, two restaurants, and an espresso bar. - Can I play sports? Which ones?
Yes, our Student Programs Department arranges all kinds of clubs, friendship groups and sports activities. In addition we have a golf course and a gymnasium where you can play basketball, volleyball, lift weights for bodybuilding, or do aerobics. - How can I meet Americans?
You will meet Americans during your orientation week before classes start. We also highly recommend enrolling in clubs, associations and events that the Student Program Department organizes.
- What is the minimum age requirement?
High School Completion is open to all students 17 years or older. - What is the prior education requirement?
Open to all students, regardless of how many years of high school have been completed. - How long will it take to finish my High School Diploma?
Most students who have finished the 11th grade in their home country can earn the High School Diploma in 2 quarters at EdCC, or about 6 months. We can give you an estimate of how long it will take based on your high school transcripts and English level. - How can I take college classes in High School Completion?
You will take a combination of high school and college courses to meet the requirements of the High School Diploma. Some courses will be high school level only. Other courses will be college level courses that can satisfy high school and college requirements. - How are my high school courses determined?
The State of Washington High School Diploma requires course credits in English, Math, Social Studies, Life Science, Occupational Education, Physical Education and Electives. Your high school transcripts will be evaluated to determine which courses you have already taken and which courses you will take at EdCC. - What if I don’t have English proficiency yet?
Students will be accepted to our Intensive English as a Second Language Program, offering 20 hours of instruction per week. There are five levels of classes in Reading, Writing, Grammar and Speaking/Listening. Students who pass all Level 5 classes with at least a 2.5 will be accepted to the High School Completion program.
About Life
- What shops/facilities can I walk to from campus?
The post office, bank, over 20 different restaurants, 3 major grocery stores, video and music stores, and sporting goods store - How can I go to school from where I live?
As a student, you will get an EdPass, which allows you to ride local buses for free. - What is the voltage in the USA: 110V or
220V?
110 V - How far is the college from Seattle?
It is about 15 miles (24 km) north of Seattle. - How much pocket money do I need every month?
It depends on your personal habits of spending, but you should budget about $300/month
