MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON STATE USA
SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
As the President of Skagit Valley College (SVC), I would like to thank you for considering SVC as you pursue your educational goals. When you step onto our campus, you will discover a welcoming and diverse community with exceptional faculty and caring staff who are dedicated to your academic success. Our Strategic Plan includes global citizenship through classroom instruction and campus activities, incorporating state-of-the-art technology in our facilities, and promoting environmental stewardship through our curriculum and institutional practices. When you are ready to take your next educational step, I invite you to choose SVC and all that we have to offer. I will look forward to meeting you at the many activities and events that take place throughout the year.. Sincerely, Dr. Thomas A. Keegan President, Skagit Valley College
Thank you for taking the time to find out a little bit more about Skagit Valley College! SVC and the International Programs Office are dedicated to the success of every international student. From the moment you send your application to the time that you graduate, you will find support every step of the way. If your goal is to graduate from a four-year university, we will help get you there. If you need English language help before beginning your undergraduate program, we will help you gain the language skills needed in your college classes. Once you are ready to begin your degree program, you will find everything from teacher support, free tutoring services, academic advising, and transfer advising. We hope to see you on campus sometime soon! Sincerely, Christa Schulz Director, International Programs
I chose SVC because its international programs, staff and services are well known as being highly supportive and making the students feel at home.
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’m Arrien from the Netherlands and this is my 2nd year at Skagit
Valley College (SVC) studying Business. I chose SVC because
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its international programs,
y name is Kana
staff, and services are well
and I’m from
known as being highly
Japan. I chose
supportive and making the
Skagit Valley College for two reasons: dorms and safety. The one thing that really influenced me was dorms. I wanted to have my own bedroom instead of sharing with a roommate. I also heard
that Mount Vernon, where Skagit Valley College is located, was very safe. Safety was one of the biggest things that I was considering when I was choosing where to study. While living in the dorm at SVC, I had my own bedroom and shared the kitchen, living room and bathroom with 3 other female roommates. Sometimes we shared meals or watched movies together, which is really fun. People in Mount Vernon are open-minded and very friendly. I liked it when I would walk around campus and knew everyone. I also liked the American classroom learning style where students actively participated in class. I had opportunities to ask questions and express my own opinions. I think the American learning style is definitely more suitable for me. Summer in Washington is beautiful. There is little to no rain and always sunny which offers a lot of outdoor activities to participate
students feel at home. SVC is relatively small compared to other colleges in the states, and being in beautiful Mount Vernon is a bonus. I was working, but I decided to stop so I could study in the US. I have no regrets for making a change for a great adventure. It was hard after I first arrived, and yet the advisors and teachers were very helpful. With their support, I managed to adopt a new life and was able to step out of my comfort zone. I have made a lot of friends, taken interesting classes; it’s been an overall great experience. I lived in the dorms my first year with two Americans and one Asian roommate. I learned a lot and we are all now good friends. Living with a host family has also been great! I have seen how family life is here and they have included me in holidays and other family events. After two years my English has improved due to all of the activities both in and out of classes. I make sure that everywhere I go, I am using English. Getting involved with clubs and other groups on campus where students from all over the world gather really motivated me to improve so that we could all communicate and become friends.
in. The other seasons are basically cloudy and rainy, making it difficult to get outside; however, the rain does keep Washington green and beautiful. I joined the softball team at Skagit. It was hard but a lot of fun and a good experience. Being the only person on the team from outside the U.S. made communication with teammates tough at first, however it helped to improve my conversation and English speaking skills.
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Programs of Study ▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN ARTS DIRECT TRANSFER AGREEMENT (AA-DTA) The Direct Transfer Degree allows you to tailor your degree for your major and complete your first two years of general requirements with us before entering as a junior at a university. Some popular concentrations: Communications | Drama | International Relations Political Science | Psychology | Economics | Mathematics Foreign Languages | Sociology
▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN BUSINESS DEGREE Business Administration | Accounting | Finance | Marketing
▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN BIOLOGY DEGREE ▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN SCIENCE DEGREE Chemistry | Environmental Science | Geology Physics/Engineering | Computer Science
▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN PRE-NURSING DEGREE ▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Education | Environmental Conservation Environmental Sustainable Agriculture
▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN MUSIC DEGREE ▪ASSOCIATE ▪ IN VISUAL ARTS
Associate in Technical Arts Degrees (ATA) — A degree designed to prepare you for a specific career field within two years. ▪▪ Allied Health/Medical Assistant
▪▪ Human Services
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM CERTIFICATES
▪▪ Automotive Technology
▪▪ Marine Maintenance Technology
▪▪ Business Management
▪▪ Composites Technician
▪▪ Multimedia & Interactive Technology
▪▪ Computer Information Systems
▪▪ Nursing/Allied Health Occupations
▪▪ Dental Assistant
▪▪ Criminal Justice ▪▪ Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
▪▪ Office Administration & Accounting Technologies
▪▪ Diesel Power Technology
▪▪ Operations Management
▪▪ Early Childhood Education
▪▪ Parks Resource Management
▪▪ Education Paraprofessional
▪▪ Parks Service & Protection
▪▪ Engineering Technician
▪▪ Tourism & Hospitality Management
▪▪ Pharmacy Technician
▪▪ Environmental Conservation
▪▪ Water/Wastewater Treatment Technician
▪▪ Sustainable Agriculture
▪▪ Fire Protection Technology
▪▪ Welding Technology
▪▪ Veterinary Assistant
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▪▪ Game and Web Development ▪▪ Geographic Information Systems ▪▪ Health & Fitness Technician ▪▪ Manufacturing Technology ▪▪ Parks Law Enforcement Academy (PLEA)
YEARS AT SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE
YEARS AT A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY
YEAR BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Popular University Choices of International Students Transferring from Skagit Valley College
{ and many more! } Additional Washington Colleges & Universities Accepting Transfer Degrees (AA-DTA) from Skagit Valley College
▪▪ Bastyr University
▪▪ Eastern Washington University
▪▪ Pacific Lutheran University
▪▪ Central Washington University
▪▪ The Evergreen State College
▪▪ Seattle Pacific University
▪▪ City University
▪▪ Gonzaga University
▪▪ Whitworth University
▪▪ Cornish College of the Arts
▪▪ Northwest University 5
STUDENT SUCCESS ACADEMIC ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (AESL)
college work, you will not need to take Academic English as a Second Language (AESL) classes. If your test results are below our English language requirement, you may need to start in one of our three intensive levels. If your English language ability is more advanced, you may be able to start in one of two Bridge levels or directly into your degree program without AESL support.
Skagit Valley College does not require you to have a TOEFL score/NO TOEFL policy Strong English skills will help ensure your success. If you do not have appropriate TOEFL or IELTS scores, you will be given a placement test before registering for classes. If your test results show skills adequate for
COURSE SEQUENCE Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Writing (Grammar)
Writing (Grammar)
Writing (Grammar)
Reading
Reading
Reading
Listening
Listening
Listening
Speaking
Speaking
Speaking
Bridge 1 Level
Bridge 2 Level
College Level
Composition
Composition
English (99 or 101)
Reading
Communications
College Success Skills
Music Appreciation
College Success Skills
–
College Success Skills
–
–
Communication Studies
–
–
Each level is a quarter in length (approximately 10 weeks).
TOEFL Test Scores Below TOEFL iBT 45
TOEFL iBT 45-52
TOEFL iBT 53-60
TOEFL iBT 61 or higher
Student must take SVC placement test
Bridge 1 Placement
Bridge 2 Placement
All AESL levels waived
IELTS Test Scores Students must have a score of 5.5 or higher in each sub-test in order to waive all AESL levels. Any scores below 5.5 (overall or sub-test) will be required to take SVC placement test. 6
I
graduated in 2014 from University of Washington, Tacoma campus (UWT). My major was Urban Studies and Planning. I studied two years at Skagit Valley College (SVC) and one year at University of Washington. I really liked studying at both SVC and UWT because I gained a lot of knowledge. For example, I improved my English skill, earned an Associate’s degree, and a Bachelor’s degree that would allow me to get a good career in Hong Kong. I am now working as a Leasing Executive at the biggest real estate company in Hong Kong. When I was at SVC, I received a lot of support from the International Programs Office (IPO). I remember in my first quarter, I took the Business Law class. It was very challenging so I asked for help from staff at IPO. They took action right away and found me a tutor who helped me get through the class. At the end, I got a very good grade. I am so thankful that I could ask for help and receive it anytime I needed it. – Ka Yung Cheung (Ursula) | Hong Kong
SERVICES High School Completion Program Skagit Valley College offers High School Completion, a unique opportunity for students to take college courses and earn credits towards their high school diploma and an Associate’s degree at the same time. Students can earn a US high school diploma recognized around the world. The program is open to all students 16 years or older; however, it is recommended that students have completed a minimum of 11th grade (or equivalent) prior to admission. Most students who have finished the 11th grade in their home country can earn the high school diploma in two quarters, or about six months. We can give you an estimate of how long it will take based on your high school transcripts and English level. Most courses will be college-level that satisfy both high school and college degree requirements. The State of Washington High School Diploma requires course credits in English, math, social studies, 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 need to take at SVC.
Counseling & Advising
International Programs Office At Skagit Valley College, the primary goal of the International Programs Office (IPO) is to help our students be successful. We provide support from the time that the student applies to the time of graduation. Once a student is accepted to SVC, we will pick them up from the airport, bring them to campus, and help them with housing. We then provide a full orientation, student visa advising, and, most importantly, academic and transfer advising. In addition, we also create opportunities for students to experience American life and culture through our Conversation Partner Program and events organized by our Activities Coordinator. Our full-time staff is here to help you every step of the way!
Counseling & Career Services Deciding on a career, choosing a major, selecting a college or university or finding resources to solve personal conflicts are all topics you can address in Counseling and Career Services.
www.skagit.edu/counseling
Faculty Advisors When you register at SVC, you will be assigned an advisor to help you choose classes and structure your educational plan. Your advisor can discuss academic and employment opportunities in your field of study and answer your questions.
Tutoring Our skilled tutors provide one-on-one, drop-in, and on-line tutoring to help you excel in math, science, English and many other subject areas.
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esides studying, I had a chance to serve in Student Government. This experience has been so fulfilling. I felt more involved in my college life, and not just the academic part of it. I met a lot of friends from different countries such as Germany, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and many more. I would not have had this opportunity if I had stayed in Hong Kong. In addition, my leadership and communication skills have tremendously improved. In class I tended to take the lead to facilitate group conversations, plan the meetings, be a contact person, and create the meeting agendas. – Man Hin Ng (Jason) | Hong Kong
Student Life
Skagit Valley College is more than a college, it’s a community. An enriched, well-rounded college experience includes a great mix of learning opportunities balanced by extra-curricular activities. Through Cardinal athletics you can polish your athletic skills, or root for your favorite team. You can get involved by serving on the student government (ASSVC) or helping organize student activities (Program Board). Attend Club Day and join one of the many clubs and organizations to meet with like-minded students. Not only does Skagit Valley College give you the opportunity to get an excellent education, it provides a way for you to get involved and to have fun! www.skagit.edu/studentlife
Athletics Skagit Valley College is a member of the Northwest Athletic Conference. Our sports include: Basketball Tennis Baseball Softball Cross-Country Track and Field Golf Soccer Volleyball www.skagit.edu/athletics
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he staff from the International Programs Office is very helpful. They search the host family for me and organized everything before I came. When I arrived at Skagit Station, the housing coordinator picked me up and drove me to my new home. That first day was really interesting. I was first nervous but not for too long. When I arrived, my host father was grilling and making hamburgers outside in the yard. He smiled when he saw me, and invited me to join the family barbeque. They were so welcoming, open and friendly. It felt like home immediately. – Julia Hufnagl | Germany
Housing
As a SVC International student, you have two great living options: Homestay and On-Campus Housing. Experience American life by participating in our Homestay Program! You will have an opportunity to live with a local family who will welcome you into their home. This is a great chance to improve your English and immerse yourself in American culture. Or, you may choose to live in Campus View Village (CVV), our apartment style housing located in a park- like setting on the edge of campus. Each unit features four private bedrooms, a bathroom, a living/dining area, and a kitchen. Living at CVV offers you an opportunity to meet American students and other International students in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
I
chose Skagit Valley College (SVC) because it has on-campus housing. We call it dorm or Campus View Village (CVV). I have my own bedroom so that I can have my personal space. I needed a quiet place to focus on studying, so a private room was perfect for me. In my two years at SVC, I made a lot of friends who also lived at the dorm. Some of them are Americans; some of them are from all over the world. My roommate, Jessica, is very nice. We shared life views and became best friends. Living at CVV was one of the best things in my student life in the United States. – Olga Baykova | Russia 9
Why Choose Skagit Valley College?
▪▪ Student Success ▪▪ Personal Attention ▪▪ State-of-the-Art Classrooms ▪▪ On-campus Housing ▪▪ Beautiful Surrounding Area ▪▪ Safe & Friendly Environment
Admission Requirements All documents need to be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. All documents submitted with the application become the property of Skagit Valley College and will not be returned to the student. Notarized or certified copies of the originals are acceptable for admission; however, you may be required to present the original upon request if admitted. ▪▪ International Student Application ▪▪ Certificate of Financial Responsibility ▪▪ Official Bank Statement ▪▪ Official Transcripts (including all secondary and any post-secondary work) ▪▪ Copy of Passport ▪▪ Letter of Recommendation ▪▪ Official TOEFL Score Report (optional) ▪▪ $25 Application Fee
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To obtain an application or to get more information, please visit www.skagit.edu/international or email internationaladmissions@skagit.edu. To submit official TOEFL scores, please use Skagit Valley College’s code 4699.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Skagit Valley College 2405 East College Way Mount Vernon, Washington 98273-5899 U.S.A. Telephone: Fax: Email: Website:
+1-360-416-7734 +1-360-416-7868 internationaladmissions@skagit.edu www.skagit.edu/International
CANADA
Vancouver, BC San Juan Islands
Bellingham North Cascades National Park
Mount Vernon SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE Olympic National Park
Lake Chelan
Seattle
Spokane
WASHINGTON STATE
SeaTac Olympia
Tacoma Mt. Rainier National Park
www.skagit.edu/international
Pullman
IDAHO