International Students: Information
WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Thank you for your interest in the West Valley College.
Chinese:
首先感謝您對西谷大學(West Valley College)感到有興趣
西谷学院国际学生信息
German:
Vielen Dank für das Interesse am West Valley College.
Russian:
Благодарим Вас за интерес к West Valley College!
Thai:
ขอต้อนรับเข้าสู่ West Valley College!
Dutch:
Dank u voor uw interess in West Valley College!
Internationale Studenten - informatie ›
Turkish:
HOŞGELDİNİZ ULUSLARARASI ÖĞRENCİLER
West Valley College welcomes international students with a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
- University transfer courses
- Associates degrees and certificates
- Occupational training programs
- Personal or skill development opportunities
Students may choose to attend course work offered in the day or evening schedule of classes. The college calendar is based on the semester system, and a double summer session. West Valley College confers Associate degrees (A.A. and A.S.), certificates of training, and general education certification for lower division university requirements. The college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
West Valley College is located in the "Heart of the Silicon Valley". Set amid 143 acres of Saratoga's beautiful foothills, West Valley College has been enriching the lives and careers of students from the Santa Clara Valley since 1964. Graduates from our more than 40 departments enjoy one of the highest successful transfer rates to four-year colleges and universities of any community college in the state. We also offer opportunities for vocational training or personal development in a vibrant atmosphere. West Valley College is proud of its respected faculty, counselors, staff, student services personnel and our students typically find that the education at West Valley has prepared them well for the competitive demands of both higher education and the working world.
ADMISSION INFORMATION for International Students
Admission Standards
The committee on International Students will select for admissions those students with a successful academic record. The college has established specific admission guidelines and will usually not admit an international student on academic probation status at any other college, university, or one who is "out of status" per Immigration guidelines.
Admission Requirements
Application deadlines:
Fall Semester - May 1
Spring Semester - November 1
(admission documents issued one month following deadline above)
The following are required and must be completed before West Valley College can issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) Form. 
- Application must be completely filled out and returned with the other required documents before the deadline date shown above along with an application fee of $100 (U.S. Dollars) made out to West Valley College International Students.
- Submit English translation of high school transcript and any college records.
- Submit a notarized financial bank statement in U.S. Dollars. (minimum $16,500)
- Must take the TOEFL test administered by the American Embassy or consulate in your homeland. Students already in the United States may obtain information online at www.toefl.org or phone 1-800-GO-TOEFL (1-800-468-6335). Send results to West Valley College (institution code 004958). Minimum TOEFL requirement: 500 (paper based), 173 (computer based), or 61 (internet based) TOEFL minimum.
- Eiken exams accepted in lieu of TOEFL at the Pre-1 level www.eiken.or.jp
- The international student must be able to use the English language with a degree of proficiency which will enable him to profit from instruction at West Valley College. The international student must offer evidence of a standard degree of academic aptitude and achievement equal to an American high school education.
- All new international students accepted for the current semester must complete a Counseling 002, orientation class with the International Student Counselor before registering.
Additional Requirements
- International students must be enrolled in and maintain a minimum of 12 units each semester excluding Summer and Winter Session.
- A student must be at least 18 years of age or a graduate from a high school with proof.
- All international students must become familiar with the regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and assume responsibility for complying with those regulations by taking the required orientation class, Counseling 002.
- Students must keep programming appointments with the international student counselor. All subsequent program changes must be approved by the international student counselor.
- Departmental assessments are required for Math and English placement after acceptance to the college.
- Post office boxes are not acceptable per Immigration Law. All international students must have a physical street address. Immigration requires change of address notifications within 10 days of moving.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact the Counseling Department - International Student Assistance
-
Sara Patterson, PDSO/Counselor
tel: (408) 741-2694 / 741-2528
Phone: (408) 741-2694, email: sara_patterson@westvalley.edu -
Dr. Wanda Wong, DSO/Counselor
Phone: (408) 741-2528, email: wanda_wong@westvalley.edu -
Terry Eppley, DSO/Program Specialist
Phone: (408)741-4028, email: terri_eppley@westvalley.edu - International Student office FAX: (408) 741-4076
Mailing address:
West Valley College
Attn: International Student Counselor
14000 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070-5698, U.S.A.
District Language School at Mission College:
IIS - Institute for International Students
Carol Qazi - Director
phone: (408) 855-5108
email: iis@westvalley.edu
