Santa Monica College, California

Santa Monica College, California:
Changing Lives through Excellence in Education

• Admissions and Application Requirements
• Intensive English Language Program
• Housing Options at Santa Monica College
• Estimated Tuition and Fees

Santa Monica College is a two-year community college with an enrollment of approximately 30,000 students -- including more than 3,100 international students from more than 100 countries. Students completing their first two years of undergraduate requirements can receive an Associate of Arts degree before transferring to a four-year university to complete their Bachelor's degree.
Santa Monica College is located in the city of Santa Monica, California -- a vibrant, active and diverse beach-side community. Located on the West Coast of the United States, bordering the Pacific Ocean, it is home to a wide range of cultural, educational, and entertainment-filled activities. Santa Monica attracts a youthful, active population and is within easy commuting distance of the large urban city of Los Angeles, as well as many beach and residential communities.

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Admissions and Application Requirements

You can easily get all the necessary information about admissions and application requirements by visiting our website, http://www.smc.edu/international/
In addition to filling out an application, the following requirements must be met for admission:

• Provide proof of English proficiency. If you do not have sufficient English skills to join the academic program, please learn more about our Intensive English Language Program.
• Essay (usually one or two pages) describing your reasons for applying to Santa Monica College
• Official transcripts from your secondary school and / or college or university. If the transcript is not in English, you will need to have an official translation in English.
• Complete and submit the International Student Financial Statement. In addition, the applicant and / or sponsor(s) must submit a bank statement showing a minimum of $21,000 to meet SMC's estimated tuition and living expenses. Further financial documentation may be required.

Healthcare: Medical care in the United States is very expensive. Therefore, international students attending Santa Monica College are mandated to purchase a comprehensive medical insurance policy through the school. This policy is paid for by each student at the time of enrollment.

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Intensive English Language Program

The Intensive English Program at Santa Monica College offers 20 hours per week of noncredit content-based English instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The program is available at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Intensive English Program is designed to matriculate students to the undergraduate program by improving their English proficiency. Students admitted to the Intensive English Program will be required to attend an orientation session before they begin the course. Students will take a test during the orientation session to determine the appropriate course level. In addition, books must be purchased on your own through the college book store.

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Housing Options at Santa Monica College

Comfortable, safe housing is an important concern for our international students. Although SMC does not have a student dormitory, the International Education Counseling Center (IECC) is happy to assist students with the many housing options offered in Santa Monica and the nearby area:

• Homestay Programs
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Rooms in Private Homes
• Apartment Sharing
• Apartment Rentals
• Corporate Housing
• Dormitory-style Housing

Please remember that securing housing is your responsibility. If you are not interested in a homestay program, we strongly suggest you arrive at least two weeks before classes start to familiarize yourself with the area and find comfortable housing. When considering a neighborhood, think about safety, transportation, and, if you do not have a car, be sure that things you need (such as shopping, library, post office, etc.) are close enough to be easily reached by bus, foot or bicycle.
Homestay Programs: If you prefer to live with an American host family, you may consider a Homestay Program. These programs are arranged through private companies that charge a fee to match you with a compatible, pre-screened family. Your living arrangements would depend on your personal preferences as well as those of the host family. The host family often provides meals; typically the student will have a private bedroom and share a bathroom with members of the family. In most cases, a refundable damage deposit will be charged in addition to the processing fee and the monthly rent. Monthly costs vary, depending on the facilities provided. Each of these private companies has its own rules and regulations; SMC does not monitor or administer these programs.

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Estimated Tuition and Fees at Santa Monica College
per Academic Year (two semesters)

The estimated costs for tuition, fees, health insurance, texbooks and supplies and living expenses for one academic year is approximately $21.000. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Tuition for the English Language program is separate from that of the college. Tuition is payable by cash, MasterCard, Visa, money order, cashier's check, or a California bank check only. There is no payment plan available. Tuition refunds follow Santa Monica College policies for each semester or session.