International Student General Information
What is a Community College?
Community colleges are a U.S. innovation serving the needs of students for nearly
100 years. Around 1900, many education leaders advocated separating the first two
years of higher education from the university setting, to better prepare students
academically.
Today, community colleges are found in every one of the 50 United States. This nationwide
network of approximately 1,100 state-supported two-year colleges enrolls 44 percent
of the nation's undergraduates and 49 percent of all first-time freshmen. At community
colleges, the emphasis is on teaching and learning. Most colleges offer three types
of programs: college transfer that prepares students to enter a four-year program
leading toward a bachelor's degree; career training that prepares students for a specific
career in two years or less; and continuing education that offers classes for lifelong
learning.
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About Our Programs
More than 9,000 students earn college credit at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. Another 54,000 area residents use our continuing education programs. The colleges offer 55 career training programs in fields such as agri-business, health care, computers, electronics, industrial trades and office careers.
Students in the 41 liberal arts and sciences concentrations can focus on study areas such as physical and life sciences, mathematics, English, fine arts and the humanities, as well as pre-professional programs in engineering, law, chiropractic, and other health professions.
Internet access is available to all students. The District is also a nationally recognized
leader in environmental education.
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Full Credit EAP/ESL Courses
Our academic credit-bearing English for Academic Purposes (EAP) English as a Second
Language (ESL) program is perfect for the diverse needs of international students.
It teaches the comprehension and use of spoken English, and the reading and writing
of formal English.
If your TOEFL scores are below 500, you will be required to complete credit ESL classes
before taking other academic classes. The eight-week class sessions are offered in
six levels ranging from beginning to advanced. You will learn how to speak English,
write paragraphs and longer essays, read technical and literary material, understand
the structure of English, and improve your vocabulary, note-taking and study skills.
As an added benefit, you'll meet other students from all over the world.
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About Our Communities
Everywhere you turn in Eastern Iowa you'll find green space and nature. Though many
think of Iowa as being miles of corn fields, the terrain of Eastern Iowa is anything
but flat. Wooded bluffs, scenic overlooks and rolling hills abound in our river valley
area. Miles of Mississippi River offer opportunities for boating, sailing, water-skiing
and fishing from river beaches or riverside parks. Bicycle, walking and jogging trails
allow residents to enjoy natural beauty. You may see a bald eagle in flight, or watch
a riverboat making its way along the river.
Located at the intersection of U.S. 30 and the Mississippi River, Clinton is home
to approximately 30,000 residents, who enjoy low cost of living, low crime, and high
quality of life. Situated 138 miles west of Chicago, Clinton has been a strategic
historic and commercial area for more than 150 years.
Muscatine's rolling terrain, river heritage and quiet neighborhoods give it a special
personality. Named for a Native American tribe which lived in the area, this thriving
community of more than 23,000 is also home to 96 diversified industries. Summer in
Muscatine means fresh-picked produce, especially regional favorites such as sweet
corn, watermelons, cantaloupe and tomatoes.
Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa, make up a portion of a bi-state metropolitan area
called the "Quad Cities". The Quad Cities, which spans the Iowa and Illinois sides
of the Mississippi River, is home to nearly 400,000 residents and several major industries.
Located about 160 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois, and about 48 miles from the
University of Iowa, the Quad Cities is a clean, safe area offering something for everyone.
In just minutes, you can travel from the peaceful quiet of rural settings to the energetic
bustle of city life.
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Sports & Activities
Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges all offer intercollegiate sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer and golf in which you can participate. For more information, jump to our athletics website.
In addition, up and down the river, our communities offer plenty to do and see. Community walks and runs range from Clinton Community College's B-rrry Scurry Run in February to the internationally known Bix 7-Mile Run, which attracts thousands of world-class runners to Davenport each July. The Clinton, Muscatine, and Quad City park systems offer public swimming pools, and areas for picnics, baseball, tennis, volleyball and soccer. Other athletic attractions include two professional Class A professional baseball teams, a basketball team and a hockey team.
Our Climate
Residents of Eastern Iowa enjoy the variety of four changing seasons. For international
students from tropical or sub-tropical climates, attending college here offers a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to experience crisp white winters, green springs, balmy summers and colorful
autumn displays.
Midwest summers are warm and humid. From June through August, temperatures range
from an average high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) to average lows
of 60 F (16 C). Fall is especially beautiful along the river valley, as the oak and
maple trees change color to deep orange, bright yellow and brilliant reds. Temperatures
from September through November range from highs of 60 F (16 C) to lows of about 40
F (4.5 C).
Winters are fairly moderate, with total average snowfalls of 30 inches or less (less
than eight decimeters). High temperatures from December through early March average
40 F with average lows in the 20s. (-6.67 C). Spring rains arrive in March, transforming
the landscape into green grass and colorful flowers. Spring temperatures feature highs
in the 60s F and lows in the 40s F. Annual rain averages under one meter.
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Our Culture
Iowa is known as the heartland of the United States, perhaps because conditions have
encouraged the development of the best U.S. values - a positive attitude, courtesy
and humor. As legacies, our early settlers left behind a hard-working rural work ethic,
a friendly atmosphere and a reverence for education. Iowa leads the nation in public
school quality and educational opportunities.
Parts of our Mississippi Valley area have a multi-ethnic heritage. Generations of
immigrants were attracted by our dynamic river towns, rich farmland and strong manufacturing
base. These new residents brought unique traditions, cuisines and folklore, which
are celebrated at local festivals.
Music, theatre, dance and art are woven into the fabric of each community. Symphony
orchestras, ballet, art festivals and galleries, professional and community theatre,
and museums provide ample cultural enrichment and enjoyment.
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About the EICC
The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges , or EICC, was established in 1965 by the Iowa
State Senate as one of 15 community college merged areas. Today, the EICC serves more
than 270,000 people through Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges.
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Degree Opportunities
At Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges you may complete programs leading
to a degree, a diploma or certificate. The Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of
Science (AS) degrees are designed for transfer to four-year colleges and universities,
while the Associate in Applied Science (AAS.) degree prepares the student for specific
occupations. Shorter-term diploma and certificate programs prepare students for entry-level
employment, often in less than two years.
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Admission
The colleges of EICC operate under an open admissions policy. All individuals above
mandatory high school attendance age (16 years in the U.S.) are welcome to apply for
admission, even if they have not completed high school. EICCD reserves the right to
guide the placement of applicants through assessment, interviews and past academic
achievements. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to all programs
offered by the college. For more details on international student admission, please
request additional international student information.
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Full Accreditation
EICC has earned the maximum 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission
(HLC). This accreditation means our programs meet or exceed the standards for academic
excellence set for every public or private college in the 19-state North Central region.
The colleges are approved by the Iowa Department of Education and the State Board
of Regents. Individual programs are accredited by associations within their respective
fields.
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Guaranteed Transfer
Arts and sciences credit at one of the EICCD colleges will generally transfer to any
HLC-accredited institution. Special agreements with eight participating colleges and
universities ensure a smooth transfer for students earning an Associate in Arts degree.
A degree from EICCD guarantees admittance to any of the universities run by the state
of Iowa, regardless of your pre-college academic performance.
EICC's transfer guarantee contract provides for a tuition refund to participating
AA degree graduates for credits that will not transfer to eight public and private
colleges.
International Student Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to make the beginning of your stay in Iowa as easy and stress-free as possible. It includes general information about the USA and Iowa, how to get started, and how to live as a student in Iowa. We advise you to read all the information in the handbook before you leave for the USA, and keep it for reference during your stay.
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