International Education Program FAQs

Why choose to study at CGCC?
What do I need to do to come to school on a student visa (F-1 status)?
What is the difference between Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and a university?
What are the benefits to earning an Associate degree from CGCC before transferring to a university?
What are the costs?
What are the tuition fees for CGCC?
Is there a tuition payment plan available for international students?
Where can I get more information on the F-1 via student status?
Do I need to pay the $17,300 directly to Chandler-Gilbert Community College?
Will my college classes from another country count toward my CGCC degree?
Where can I get information on courses?
Are scholarships available for International Students?
How do I register (sign up) for classes?
What is an assessment test?
Can I use my native language for college credit?
Do I have to take the TOEFL test?
What score is needed on the TOEFL?
Must I purchase the health insurance?
What are the deadline dates for applying?
Can I work while I am on F-1 status?
Does Chandler-Gilbert Community College have dormitories or other student housing?
Will I be able to pay tuition and fees as an Arizona resident?
How long is the I-20 valid?
How many credits must I take?
How long is a semester?
Can I transfer to a 4-year university after I complete my studies at Chandler-Gilbert Community College?
What types of support services are available for students?
How do I Register for Classes?
How large are classes?

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Why choose to study at CGCC?

There are many good reasons why students benefit from the excellent quality of education offered at CGCC. Amongst the many degrees and certificates , we have a list of several advantages for international students if they begin their educational goals at CGCC.

What do I need to do to come to school on a student visa (F-1 status)?

You must first apply for a document called a SEVIS I-20 which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status. This is done by applying to the college through International Admissions .

What is the difference between Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and a university?

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is an accredited two-year academic institution that offers a variety of certificates and Associate degree programs. CGCC awards degrees to students who transfer to universities and degrees to students seeking vocational/technical education that plan to enter the workforce upon completion of their program. An accredited university is an academic institution that awards 4-year Bachelor's degrees. Many universities also award Master's and Doctorate degrees.

What are the benefits to earning an Associate degree from CGCC before transferring to a university?

You may find a significant cost savings by obtaining your Associate degree at CGCC instead of attending a four-year college or university during your first two years of college in the U.S. Many students will satisfy their general education requirements after completing an Associate degree at CGCC and transfer to a university in junior standing (3rd year student). We have articulation agreement with all three state universities so that don't lose any or minimal credit when you transfer. CGCC offers small class sizes and free assistance with writing, math, and computers. Because the class sizes are small at CGCC, students are encouraged to ask questions in class and can meet individually with instructors.

What are the costs?

The following represents estimated costs for a 10 month period beginning Fall 2006:

Out of state tuition and fees:	$7000
Living Expenses (off campus):	$8700
Textbook expenses:	$600
Mandatory Health Insurance:	$1000
Total:	$17,300

What are the tuition fees for CGCC?

Tuition at CGCC is subject to change every year. All non-immigrant students applying for full-time status (12 credits or more) must pay the out-of-state surcharge. For the current Out-of-State tuition which applies to all international students with student visas, please visit our Fiscal webpage at: http://www.cgc.edu/fiscal

Is there a tuition payment plan available for international students?

Yes. For a very small fee per semester, all CGCC students can apply for the student payment plan by signing up online. For more information on the online payment plan, please visit the Fiscal webpage: http://www.cgc.edu/fiscal and click on the "Payment Plan eCashier" on the left hand side column.

Where can I get more information on the F-1 visa student status?

You can visit the United States Immigration and Custom's Enforcement - Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) FAQ webpage: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/faq.htm

Do I need to pay the $17,300 directly to Chandler-Gilbert Community College?

No. You will pay Chandler-Gilbert Community College for tuition, fees, and the student health insurance. You will also purchase your books and supplies at the college. Therefore, you will need to have sufficient funds to pay for these costs when you arrive. If you will be living in an apartment, you will also need enough money to move into your apartment (rent, electric bill, telephone, etc.). CGCC has housing available at the Williams Campus. You can get more information by contacting Williams Campus Housing and Residential Life or by calling 480-727-1700.

Will my college classes from another country count toward my CGCC degree?

Most classes from another academic institution may apply toward a CGCC degree; it depends upon accreditation of the institution, the class, the grade you received, and the program of study at CGCC. Students working toward transferring to a university first need to have their official transcript evaluated from an outside agency (outside CGCC), then submit the information from the evaluations agency to CGCC International Education Programs (IEP). We recommend Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) for information: www.ece.org

Where can I get information on courses?

All courses for each semester can be found on CGCC's online Class Schedule. You can access the link by going to CGCC's Homepage. (http://www.cgc.edu) and selecting "Class Schedule" at the Quick Links option located at the top of the homepage. Select the summer session or semester (Fall or Spring) and the "All Classes" option. On the next page you have two options: (1) On "Select All Course Prefixes", check the box and click 'continue'. This will list all courses available in alphabetical order. If you click on the Subject Code Prefix in the gray/sage-green bar for each course (example, AAA115) your new window will open with course description, competencies and course outline. Or (2) click on a discipline in the box (example, ACC - Accounting, BIO - Biology, MAT - Mathematics, etc.) and this will list all Accounting or Biology or Mathematic courses available with more detailed information for each courses. If you click on the Subject Code Prefix in the gray/sage-green bar for each course (example, ACC111) a new window will open with the course description, competencies and course outline.

Are scholarships available for International Students?

CGCC has limited scholarships available to international students. Student will need to apply and compete for scholarships along with any other CGCC student who applies. Student can apply for scholarships after establishing a good GPA following completion of their first semester. For more information on scholarships and requirements, visit the Scholarship Information page.

How do I register (sign up) for classes?

Students will receive a letter indicating they need to meet with a staff person in International Education Programs (IEP). After you have reported your arrival to IEP, you will be directed to meet with an academic advisor. The advisor can inform the student about the many different areas of study available at the college. The student will select a desired program of study, and the advisor will help him/her select appropriate classes. It is okay if the student is not sure exactly which course of study to pursue, and he/she can change majors after studies commence.

What is an assessment test?

All students who want to enroll in classes are required to take the ASSET English, Reading and Math assessment test prior to registering for the class. The test does not appear on a student's transcripts; it is simply a placement tool to help register the student into the appropriate level of study. Most international students also take the CELSA placement tool to help the advisor place you in the appropriate academic level.

Can I use my native language for college credit?

No credits will be added to students' transcripts for knowledge of their native language, however, students who are fluent in a language other than English will not be required to complete a foreign language requirement at universities who require it. The student will be required to test for level of competency in order not to take the foreign language requirement courses.

Do I have to take the TOEFL test?

No, students do not need to submit a TOEFL score in order to apply for admission to Chandler-Gilbert Community College and if English as a second language courses are needed. If no TOEFL score is submitted, CGCC will issue an I-20 for ESL instruction.

In addition to TOEFL, other test are also accepted for admission purposes only. Please
review international admissions . Once you arrive on campus, all students are required to have their English, Reading and Math skills accessed by a tool called CELSA, ASSET or COMPASS for appropriate level of course placement. If students are transferring from another US college or university, the transcripts will be evaluated to determine whether or not a placement test is required.

What score is needed on the TOEFL?

Students can have an I-20 issued for an academic degree program, by submitting any
of the following TOEFL test and minimum results:
TOEFL (Paper-based) = 500+
TOEFL (Computer-based) = 173+
TOEFL (Internet-based) = 61+

Must I purchase the health insurance?

Yes, the Maricopa Community Colleges' International Student Health insurance for the Maricopa Community Colleges is a mandatory requirement. CGCC has mandatory insurance through Renaissance Insurance.

What are the deadline dates for applying?

July 15 - Fall semester enrollment
November 15 - Spring semester enrollment

Can I work while I am on F-1 status?

Although employment is not recommended in your first semester of study, you are eligible for employment on-campus. Students on an F-1 visa who are in-status may work on campus 20 hours per week or less. Employment is limited on CGCC campuses (Pecos or Williams) and the pay is minimal; therefore, students should not rely on any monies from on-campus employment for living expenses or tuition. Students are responsible to visit the Career and Job Placement Office or visit various departments on campus to see if there are any jobs available for them. You may not engage in off-campus employment without proper authorization from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Does Chandler-Gilbert Community College have dormitories or other student housing?

Yes. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a two-year college with housing available at the Williams Campus only. For more information on housing, click here .

HomeStay is a wonderful experience that can help you improve your English while learning American Culture. Students who chose this program will live with an American family close to CGCC campuses. Options might include:

• Your own private bedroom in a home near your school
• 2 meals (breakfast & dinner 7 days a week)
• Free airport pick up by your host family
• You can stay a minimum of 4 weeks or continue for as long as you like.
• $200 for placement & processing fees (1 time charge only)
• $600 rent for each 4 week stay (includes meals, lodging & utilities)

Please check the following link for more information: http://www.azhomestay.com/

Will I be able to pay tuition and fees as an Arizona resident?

During your entire enrollment period on F-1 status you will be considered a nonresident for tuition purposes. F-1 status indicates a temporary status in the United States which makes you ineligible to establish Arizona residency.

How long is the I-20 valid?

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a two year college. USCIS allows the SEVIS I-20 to be issued for the length of study for the programs which are usually 2 years.

How many credits must I take?

F-1 students must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours each fall and spring semester. Summer is an optional enrollment period at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

How long is a semester?

Each fall and spring semester is a 16-week enrollment period.

Can I transfer to a 4-year university after I complete my studies at Chandler-Gilbert Community College?

Yes. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a fully accredited college that offers the first two years of university instruction. Most college-level classes will transfer to a university, however, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to map out an appropriate combination of classes that suit the student's academic goals and apply toward a transfer degree. The classes taken at CGCC are the same caliber of classes taken during the first two years at a university. Selection of classes is very important, taking into consideration the student's major and the requirements of the transferring academic institution.

(Source/Adapted from Mesa Community College International Education Office )

What types of support services are available for students?

Once at CGCC, all students have access to a wide range of resources and services: Advisement for degree programs, Career & Job Placement, Computer Lab, Connections Newsletters, Honors Program, International Student Services, Tutoring (free) - Learning Center, Library, Orientation, Transfer Center, Writing Center are among a few, in addition to the many clubs and organization run by our Student Life & Leadership.

How do I Register for Classes?

As an international visa student you first need to be formally accepted and qualify for the immigration / SEVIS Form I-20. Upon arrival to CGCC, you should report to the International Education Program for orientation and advising with an academic advisor in the Advisement office. Placement tests in English/ESL and Math are required for all new students. Students must make arrangement for Placement testing as soon as possible once they arrive to CGCC. Following orientation and Placement testing, students are permitted to register for courses for courses. As an international student on the F-1 visa category, you will want to maintain full time status (12 units of credit) each semester at CGCC.

How large are classes?

The average class size is 25 students, but some classes size can be up to 40. ESL classes are usually smaller with about 15-20 students.