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CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND PROGRAMS "In an
increasingly interconnected and complex world, U.S. colleges and universities
acknowledge the need to equip students with skills and knowledge that
will allow them to function effectively across cultures and nations." The International Center at RCC helps to promote the enrollment and academic success of students from other countries who attend the college. An American higher education degree is highly prized in countries throughout the world. In the United States, the number of international students and scholars grew during the 2001/2002 year. The total reached 582,996, an increase of 6.4 over the previous year. The revenue they generate exceeds nearly $12 billion dollars. For Fall 2002, 288 students from 64 countries attended Riverside Community College. The majority of students are from Asian countries, but Europe, the Middle East and other regions are represented as well. International Students at RCC are defined as students who are attending on F-1 (Student) Visas. These students have met all the entrance requirements of the college, including a score of 450 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). They must also show sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, insurance and living expenses, a total of about $15,500 per year. They must also have an interview at the U. S. Embassy in their country before receiving a Student Visa. In addition to being able to do college work in English, and having sufficient funds to support themselves without being employed, the students are required to take at least 12 units per semester. They must also maintain at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average. Most popular majors for international students at RCC are Business, Computer Information Systems, Engineering, Art and Graphic Technology. Some students take Certificate Courses, such as Office Administration. A few are enrolled in Nursing. International Students pay more fees than California resident students. Currently the fees are: $141 Out of State tuition The International Student enrollment brings just over $1 million to the General Fund of the college directly each year. International Students are a valuable resource on campus. They offer faculty and other students the chance to become acquainted with people from around the world - right on the RCC campus. Many faculty use International Students to add to the class discussion by comparing and contrasting life in their countries, or education there, with the American system. The students may also not follow the norms of American students: many are reluctant to talk with faculty members, as in their countries students do not do so. Other students may not be used to participating in class discussions. As the United States and California, in particular, become more tied to the global economy, nearly every type of job in the future will have a global dimension: scientific, technical, educational and cultural. E-commerce is growing, and many new certificates will be related to the Internet. We would be happy to talk with any faculty members who are interested in learning more about students from other countries. We have a small lending library of books related to intercultural education also. Marylin V. Jacobsen Weiyan Liu Annette Meneses (909) 222-8160 Office
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