Portland Community College (PCC) is located in Portland, Oregon, USA, and is the largest institution of higher education in Oregon. PCC has three comprehensive campuses offering an extensive variety of academic programs, including one year specialized certificates, two-year professional and technical degrees, and professional/ technical career training opportunities. PCC has helped international students achieve their educational goals for over 20 years. There are many choices: improve language skills by participating in our English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) program, take art classes during summer break, or pursue courses in over 100 areas of study including computer science, engineering and business administration. Our international education staff can also help you plan courses that will transfer to a four-year university to complete a degree program. International students choose PCC because of the quality of academic programs, the affordability (approximately half the cost of international student tuition at a state university), the small class sizes and friendly instructors and staff. The international education staff can also assist you with academic advising, finding a host-family, and orientation to the college and community life in Portland. Designated as the "Best Big City" by Money Magazine, Portland is an ideal study abroad destination located in the heart of the United States Pacific Northwest. Portland's big city excitement, friendly people, and no sales tax make the " City of Roses" a favorite west-coast destination.

PCC' s mission is to "provide quality education in an atmosphere that encourages the full realization of each individual's potential." To achieve that goal, PCC works to foster academic excellence in both teaching and learning. Portland Community College is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges. Many programs within the college also have accreditation from professional associations.

Portland Community College is located in Portland, Oregon, the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Portland's mild climate, lush greenery, sparkling waterways, and easy access to winter and summer activities is why Portland was name "Best Big City" by Money Magazine! Portland is located 173 miles/107.5 kms south of Seattle, Washington and 635 miles/394.6 kms north of San Francisco, California.

Fall Term 2008
Sept. 22, 2008-December 14, 2008

Winter Term 2009
Jan. 5, 2009-March 22, 2009 Spring Term 2009
March. 30, 2009-June 14, 2009

Community Colleges are two-year institutions that offer diverse academic programs, including one-year certificates in specialized areas of study; two year professional and technical degrees, and university transfer degrees.

Class sizes are often much smaller than four-year institutions so you receive more individualized attention. The average PCC class is between 20-25 students. Portland Community College has three comprehensive campuses: Sylvania, Rock Creek, and Cascade. PCC campuses provide access to libraries with free computers and internet access, bookstores, gyms, fitness centers, cafeterias, and numerous on-campus events and activities. Enrollment at PCC allows you to take courses at any campus.

Excellence in teaching starts with hiring. PCC has the highest standards in the state for hiring and evaluating faculty. The college conducts nationwide searches for its instructors, and it strives to hire instructors who have "real-world" experience with the technical and professional programs they are teaching.

University Transfers Students can take from one term to two full years at PCC then transfer credits to a U.S. four-year university. Associate of Arts (A.A.) Transfer Degree For international students interested in majoring in Art, Business, History, Languages, Music, Sociology, Psychology or other fields in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. All Oregon public four-year universities accept this degree. Associate of Science (A.S) Degree Designed for students planning to transfer credits to a baccalaureate degree program at an Oregon four-year institution. This degree is for students majoring in biological sciences, computer sciences, earth sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, engineering, and premedical sciences. University Transfer Courses Anatomy Anthropology Art Aviation Science Biology Business Administration Transfer Chemistry Computer Information Systems Computer Science Economics Education Transfer Engineering Environmental Studies Transfer General Science Geography Geology History Humanities International Studies Literature Mathematics Modern Languages French German Japanese Russian English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Music Peace and Conflict Studies Physical Education Fitness and Dance Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Sociology Speech Communications Women's Studies Professional/ Technical Start a New Career If you decide that a four-year degree is not what you want, then PCC can help you launch your career in two years or less. In just one or two years, you can earn a certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree that will increase your salary potential and get you into a profession instead of just a job. Nearly 80 Different Programs PCC offers nearly 80 degrees. Depending on your chosen program, students work toward a certificate or an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Many of these programs are not transferable to four-year universities and colleges. Please consult www.pcc.edu/pcc/prof-tech.htm for additional information. **Please note that certain Professional/ Technical Education programs have special entrance requirements and limited enrollment numbers. Work Experience Upon program completion, international students are eligible to apply to INS for a one-year work authorization to gain real world experience(OPT). Our students have worked at organizations such as Intel, Nike, National Park Service, Adidas, Freightliner, and many other area businesses. Professional/ Technical Programs PCC can prepare you for careers in the following professional and technical areas. Most of these two-year degree programs (A.A.S) also have one-year certificate programs. Please note that certain programs (as indicated with a *) have selective admission. In addition to applying to PCC, prospective students will also need to apply directly to the program. Agricultural Mechanics Architectural Design and Drafting, Auto Collision Repair and Technology Automotive Service Education Program Automotive Service Repair Technology* Automotive Service Technology* Aviation Maintenance Technology* Aviation Science Building Construction Technology Criminal Justice Diesel Service Technology Early Childhood Education Facilities Maintenance Technology Fire Protection Technology* Graphic Design Industrial Design and Drafting Technology Instructional Assistant-Special Education Interior Design Interior Design Drafting Landscape Technology Machine Manufacturing Technology Professional Music Publishing Technology Technical Illustration/ Publication Telecommunications Administrator Veterinary Technology* Video Production Internship* Welding Technology Computer Science Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant-Office Mgmt. Computer Applications and Office Systems Web Site Development Computer Information Systems Computer Software Engineering Technology Microcomputer Information Systems Business Accelerated Computerized Accounting Accounting Accounting Clerk Management Marketing Health Occupations Biotechnology Dental Assisting* Dental Hygiene* Dental Laboratory Technology* Fitness Technology Gerontology Heath Information Management Medical Assisting* Medical Laboratory Technology* Nursing* Ophthalmic Medical Technology* Radiography* Sonography* Engineering Civil Engineering Technology* Electronic Engineering Technology* Mechanical Engineering Technology*

There are numerous apartments available within a short distance of all PCC campuses. In addition, PCC participates in the International StudentStays Program. For more information about homestays, please visit www.andeo.org , e-mail a request for information to info@andeo.org

International Advisors PCC is committed to making your international educational experience beneficial and memorable. That's why our International Advisors are happy to assist you with academic advising, immigration concerns, finding a host-family, and orientation to the college and Portland community. Transportation The Portland Metropolitan Area is serviced by an extensive public bus and light rail system. All PCC campuses are accessible by public transit. Visit www.tri-met.org for more information. Language Assistance English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages(ESOL) is an intensive, multi-level language program (beginning and lower intermediate courses are not available for F-1 international students) designed to develop the student's competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English at college level. International students may take ESOL courses (intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced, upper advanced) Clubs/ Activities In addition to Portland's vibrant array of events and activities, PCC campuses are filled with social, political, and civic clubs and numerous year-round events and activities. Plus, PCC has its own men's and women's basketball teams.

Below an annual estimate for a single-international student living with a host family and using public transportation. Estimated annual expenses are based on 3 terms: 1 term equals 3 months.

Tuition and fees (based on 15 credits per term, $195.00 per credit, 1 term equals 3 months)
$7,400.00

Books and supplies
$900.00

Housing and food
$5,400.00

Transportation
$540.00

Personal expenses
$2,100.00

Health insurance (required)
$876.00

Total
$17,216.00

A high school diploma is not needed for admission to Portland Community College. To apply for admission simply fill out the PCC International Student Application form and submit the following:

Application&Application fee
Proof of financial support
Official copy of high school or college (or university) transcripts if applicable.

Students transferring from a school within the U.S. will also need to provide:

Copy of passport pages 1-4
Copy of front and back of I-94
Copy of front and back of current I-20
Copy of U.S. Visa stamp in your passport
International Student Transfer form