Janice Lozano
International students applying to Diablo Valley College (DVC) can expect a range of support services to help them transition smoothly into student life. The college offers a self-paced online orientation to help international students secure their visas, find housing, and plan their class schedules. During the application process, students will need to choose an area of interest and select a degree or certificate to pursue. Once accepted, international students must enrol in at least 12 units, with a minimum of nine units being in-person or partially online. DVC also provides an International Students Academic Bridge program and a 1+1+2 transfer program for international students to ease their transition to studying in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Submit an application to become a student at Diablo Valley College through CCC Apply's application for international students. |
| Time | The application will take about 30 minutes to complete. |
| Requirements | Requirements include evidence of secondary/high school graduation (if under 18), evidence of English language proficiency, financial support evidence, and a passport copy. If you are not a U.S. citizen, excluding F1 students, you will also need your Alien Registration Number or VISA information. |
| Orientation | Complete a self-paced online orientation to get tips on securing your visa, finding housing, and planning your class schedule. |
| Placement | No exams are necessary. Get help choosing the math, English, and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that are best for you. |
| Educational Plan | Develop a plan to achieve your career goals and map out your first two semesters at DVC. |
| Registration | Register for your first-term classes in InSite. International students must enroll in at least 12 units, with at least nine units being in-person or partially online. New international students are encouraged to register for COUNS-140: Student Success for International Students during their first semester. |
| Visa | If you plan to study in the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1 visa. You will need an updated I-20 with a new program start date. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing an interest area
When applying to Diablo Valley College (DVC) as an international student, you will need to choose an interest area and select the degree or certificate you want to pursue. DVC offers five interest areas and programs to choose from. Here are some tips to help you choose an interest area that aligns with your passions and goals:
Reflect on Your Passions and Interests
Think about the subjects and activities that excite and motivate you. Consider your hobbies, the topics you enjoy learning about, and the types of challenges that spark your curiosity. Reflecting on your passions and interests can provide valuable insights into the interest area that would be a good fit for you.
Explore DVC's Five Interest Areas
DVC offers a range of interest areas, including academic programs and career paths. Take the time to review and research each of these five areas. Learn about the courses, faculty, and potential specializations within each interest area. This will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals.
Assess Your Career Goals
Consider your long-term career aspirations. Reflect on the type of work you want to pursue and the impact you want to make. Think about the skills you want to develop and the industries that interest you. By aligning your interest area with your career goals, you can set yourself up for a more fulfilling academic and professional journey.
Utilize Available Resources
DVC offers a range of resources to support international students. Take advantage of the online orientation, where you can learn more about the interest areas and get guidance on choosing the right path. The International Student Office also provides a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and support services to help you make an informed decision about your interest area.
Connect with Academic Counsellors
Consider reaching out to academic counsellors or advisors at DVC. They can provide personalized guidance based on your unique interests, background, and goals. Academic counsellors can help you explore the different interest areas, explain specific program requirements, and offer advice on choosing the right path for your educational journey at DVC.
Remember, choosing an interest area is an important step in your academic journey. Take the time to reflect, research, and seek guidance to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your passions and future aspirations.
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Applying for an F-1 visa
International students who wish to study at Diablo Valley College (DVC) can apply for an F-1 visa. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Submit Your Application to DVC
Firstly, you need to submit your application to become a student at DVC. You will need to choose an interest area and select the degree or certificate you want to complete. This application will take around 30 minutes to complete.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
To finish processing your application, you will need to submit the required documents for international students. These documents may include a passport, visa application form, application fee payment receipt, and more. It is important to carefully review the list of required documents and gather them before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Apply for the F-1 Visa
Now, you can begin the process of applying for the F-1 visa. This visa allows international students to temporarily live in the United States while studying at an academic institution. It is important to note that you must have been accepted into a course of study at a SEVP-approved school and have ties to your home country, indicating your intent to return after completing your studies. The F-1 visa application process involves paying fees, submitting forms, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 4: Complete Your Orientation and Registration
Once your visa application is approved, you can prepare for your arrival at DVC by completing the online orientation for international students. This will provide you with tips to secure your visa, find housing, and plan your class schedule. After completing the orientation, you can register for your first-term classes, ensuring that you meet the minimum unit requirements for international students.
Step 5: Report Your Arrival
Finally, remember to report your arrival by updating your local U.S. address in your student account and attending the mandatory check-in event at the beginning of your term. This step is required by law and marks the completion of your enrolment process at DVC as an international student with an F-1 visa.
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Enrolling in classes
Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a college email address. It is recommended that you forward your college emails to your personal email address to ensure you don't miss important messages about your financial aid, class schedule, and more. You will also need to complete your online orientation, where you can get tips on securing your visa, finding housing, and planning your class schedule.
As an international student, you must complete the Guided Self-Placement process, which will help you choose the math, English, and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that are best for you. No exams are necessary for this process. You will then need to develop an educational plan to achieve your career goals and map out your first two semesters at DVC.
Finally, it's time to register for your first-term classes in InSite. Remember, international students must enrol in at least 12 units, 9 of which must be in-person or partially online. New international students are encouraged to register for COUNS-140: Student Success for International Students during their first semester.
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Registering arrival
To register your arrival as an international student at Diablo Valley College (DVC), you must follow these steps:
Firstly, you need to update your local U.S. address in your InSite account. InSite is where you will register for your classes, and it also contains information about priority registration dates and times. You can access InSite from your home country.
Secondly, you must attend the mandatory Check-in Day event, which is held at the beginning of each term. This is required by law, and information about it will be sent to you via email. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have provided a current and regularly checked email address.
Before you arrive, it is recommended that you complete the self-paced online orientation for international students, which provides tips for securing your visa, finding housing, and planning your class schedule. You can also get help choosing the best math, English, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for you.
If you are an F-1 visa student, you must be enrolled in at least 12 units, 9 of which must be in-person or partially online (hybrid) courses. If you are a Summer first-semester student, you must be enrolled in at least 6 units, 3 of which must be in-person or partially online.
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Finding housing
Diablo Valley College (DVC) provides housing resources for international students. The Student Life Office posts various types of housing options, which are open to all students at DVC. Students must get the information from the Student Life Office and make the necessary arrangements themselves.
The International Students Office (ISO) does not maintain the housing board, but it offers support services and can answer frequently asked questions about housing and other topics.
Diablo Valley Homestay is a housing option where students can be placed with local hosts in the surrounding community. This program carefully screens and selects its hosts to ensure students live in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Living with a host family allows international students to learn about American culture and improve their English language skills. Students who choose the homestay option receive a private furnished bedroom and meals, and they pay their host family $1,100 per month and a one-time refundable $450 security deposit.
Another option is to book furnished apartments with IEC@DVC's housing partner, InteRResidential Apartments in Pleasant Hill, which is within walking distance to the DVC campus. Students may choose private accommodations or share a room with two to three other students. Students who choose this option pay a $400 security deposit and a non-refundable $250 placement fee.
Additionally, DVC offers an online orientation for international students, which includes tips on finding housing.
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Frequently asked questions
DVC stands for Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, or Dual Credit programs. It allows high school students to earn college credits for courses taken at a college or university while they are still in high school. International students can benefit from DVC programs as they provide an early introduction to the US education system and can help ease the transition to US colleges.
Eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on the college or university offering the DVC program. However, generally, international students must be enrolled in a partner high school, meet certain grade or GPA requirements, and have completed the necessary prerequisite courses for the college-level course they wish to take. Some programs may also require language proficiency test scores, like TOEFL or IELTS.
There are several advantages to participating in DVC programs. Firstly, it can help reduce the time and cost of completing a college degree. Credits earned through DVC may be transferable to many colleges, potentially saving a year or more of study time. It also demonstrates academic prowess and adaptability, which can strengthen university and scholarship applications. Additionally, DVC provides an early opportunity to experience college-level coursework and gain a better understanding of personal interests and future majors.
The application process will vary depending on the college offering the DVC program. Typically, you'll need to start by checking with your high school guidance counselor to see if your school is a partner in any DVC programs and what specific steps are required. You may need to submit an application form, provide transcripts, and meet with a college advisor to discuss course options and ensure you're on track to graduate on time. Some colleges may also require an interview with the student and their parents.
Costs can vary significantly depending on the college and the specific DVC program. In some cases, the high school may cover the costs, while in other cases, the student or their family may be responsible for tuition, fees, and textbooks. There may also be additional expenses, such as transportation to and from the college, and some programs may offer financial aid or scholarships specifically for DVC participants to help cover these costs. It's important to carefully review the financial information provided by the college offering the DVC program.
