Seattle is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the USA. Recognized as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Seattle is home to the Mariners, one of the best clubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Seattle is also the software capital of the world and home to some of the leading biotechnology firms in the world. Companies like Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks have had head-quarters in the city for many years. Additionally, the downtown Seattle is the home of Seattle Central Community College, one of the pre-eminent institutions in the western part of the USA. Seattle Central was chosen "College of the Year" by TIME Magazine. The only community college in the USA to receive this recognition out of 1,200 community colleges – and The New York Times named Seattle Central as a community college of choice for ambitious, high-achieving students.
Seattle is known for its high quality of life. It does not matter which part of the world someone comes to Seattle from, the city and its people are always there to welcome them with open arms. Seatlle's downtown is one of the best downtowns in all of USA and is home to some of the best shopping and dining experiences. There are plenty of museums, galleries, libraries and festivals to watch. The Seattle International Film Festival shows some of the most widely acclaimed films of the year. And to top all this, Seattle is also one of the safest cities for international students. Seattle Central hosts a lot of activities for international students enrolled in their programs. Students can engage in international center activities, various campus events and can join college organizations and clubs.
If, as an international student, you are interested in leading a carefree and happy life full of activities and events as you undergo your education in USA, then the Seattle Central Community College is the place to be for you. SCIE will help you learn all that is needed to learn in English so that you can not only communicate well in English but also use your proficiency in the language to aim for a great career.
The Seattle Central Institute of English (SCIE), part of the Seattle Central Community College, hosts more than 400 international students each year.
SCIE prides itself on its dynamic English programs that offer high level of student satisfaction and student success rate. There are a large number of continuing students in SCIE who take advantage of the low tuition fees and the chance to be accepted in full-time college programs after the completion of their course.
SCIE offers three different programs as part of their ESL curriculum.
The Intensive English Program has three levels – beginner level, low intermediate level and the high intermediate level. International students are expected to attend classes on reading, writing and grammar and additional courses in speaking, listening and grammar for five days a week. All the programs are ten weeks long. After the completion of the Intensive English Program students can enroll into the College Bridge Program or the Advanced English Program.
The College Bridge Program is for those students who want to improve their English prior to attending a college (university) level program. ESL students develop their English skills while they earn up to 13 college credits. This course focuses intensively on critical thinking, reading and class participation skills; things that international students need the most to succeed in American universities and colleges. Students attend 10 to 15 hours a week of English language courses and 2 to 5 hours a week of college/university level courses. The credit courses include Microcomputer Application, Professional Development, Introduction to American Culture, Introductory Social Science or Humanities Courses, Intercultural Communication and Psychology of Adjustment.
The Advanced English Program covers topics like Advanced Conversation, TOEFL Preparation, Vocabulary and Idioms, English for International Business, Pronunciation and Conversation, Cross-Cultural Communication and Advanced Grammar. This course is for those students who don't want to continue in American colleges and universities but want to enhance their English skills.
Apart from these programs SCIE also offers other benefits like college transfer, professional and technical programs, short term certificate programs and internship and volunteer opportunities.
Since SCIE is located in downtown Seattle it offers easy access from almost any part of the city. International students have the option of choosing from multiple accommodation options. What is important is that international students should plan ahead so that there is no last minute rush for finding a proper accommodation. The latest housing option available for international students is at the Studios on Broadway. This brand new building is right across the street from Seattle Central and is occupied by more than 70 international students who stay here on room sharing basis.
American Family Homestay Program is another option for international students. This option is ideal for students coming from abroad because they get a flavor of the American way of life and culture. The hosts in Seattle are completely aligned with the concept of renting out their rooms to international students and all past students who have opted for homestay have had great experiences. Additionally, Homestay programs may include free airport pickup service as well as some meals.
There are also hundreds of apartments and studio living options around the campus that international students may rent. Some of the partners of Seattle Central Community College are Summit at Madison Park, Marvin Gardens Inn and Vermont Inn. Apartments and/or studios are ideal for students whether they take up short term or long term courses. For those seeking temporary residence in Seattle can also choose from a variety of hostels and inns. These are affordable housing options on a temporary basis and offer all the amenities one can ask for.
To learn more about Seattle Central Community College, please visit school's information page or request information via email by using our FREE Information Request Form!
(The graphic art used in this article/blog has been created using image(s) posted on the creative commons section of the flickr.com website by the following artist(s): WordRidden)
