Long Beach City College (International Programs) - Overview
Two-Year Southern California College in Diverse International Community
College Profile
Long Beach City College (LBCC), located in the international port city of Long Beach on the southern California coast, is a fully accredited, public community college with2 campuses. More than 500 international students attend Long Beach City College each year.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Long Beach City College is recognized nationally for its registered nursing program, and it also has an honors program for its high achieving students. English as a Second Language (ESL) is one of the largest programs on campus.
Founded in 1927, Long Beach City College is a feeder school for California State University and the University of California campuses, with one of the highest transfer rates of all community colleges in Los Angeles County. Current student population at Long Beach City College is around 26,000.
Wide Range of Associate Degree Programs and Certificates
Long Beach City College offers more than 100 associate degree, academic certificate, and vocational certificate programs through its 6 schools: the School of Business and Social Science, the School of Creative Arts and Applied Sciences, the School of Health and Science, the School of Language Arts, the School of Trade and Industrial Technologies, and the School of Physical Education and Athletics.
Among the most popular programs are registered and vocational nursing, photography, film, music industry, business and computers, culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management, dietetic technician, fashion design and merchandising, interior design, and theater. See a complete list of majors at http://osca.lbcc.edu/curriculumguides.cfm.
2 Plus 2 Path -- Transfer Programs
"2+2" is a process in which students complete two years of education at LBCC and then transfer to a four-year college or university (public or private) to obtain a bachelor's degree.
2 Years at LBCC (Finishing GE requirement and major Prep)
Plus
2 Years at a Four-Year College or University (focused on major)
= a Bachelor's degree
The benefits of following this Path
1. Affordable Tuition resulting in thousands of dollars in savings.
2. Gradual adaptation to U.S. Higher Ed system.
3. Greater focus on classroom instruction in smaller class size.
4. Transfer agreements with public and private 4 year institutions for smooth transfer path.
5. Articulation agreements with 4 year universities to show how course credits earned at LBCC can be applied when student transfers -- see www.asssit.org.
6. LBCC graduates have first PRIORITY for admission at the junior level for the UC and CSU systems.
7. Transfer Center at LBCC serves as a resource for students to accomplish their transfer goal with assistance in transfer application and transfer workshops.
8. Full time Academic Counselor at LBCC to develop educational plan for efficient 2+2 transfer plan.
9. English language classes for those who need to improve their skills.
Intensive English Language Program
Students who do not have the proficiency in English to fulfill the language requirement can enroll in LBCC's American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI). The program offers an intensive, 9-week curriculum that allows students to improve their English language skills enough to succeed in college level classes and participate fully in the LBCC academic community. Upon completion of ALCI, a student can easily transition into LBCC academic programs toward completion of AA or certificate programs.
Orientation and Special Programs for International Students
LBCC's International Student Program (ISP) is dedicated to helping students meet their academic and professional goals, beginning with admissions application assistance for prospective students. Ongoing services for new international students help them select classes, find housing, and adjust to life in the Long Beach community.
All new international students take part in a special orientation, during which they take the placement tests, meet with their academic counselors, select courses, and register for classes. Throughout the year, academic counselors and international student advisers provide academic planning, immigration advising, and workshops to students with F1 status (academic visa) and M1 status (vocational and non-academic visa).
International students can also join the Friendship Friends program, which matches students with American families with whom they can spend holidays and enjoy informal visits.
Faculty at LBCC
Long Beach City College's 366 full-time and 729 part-time faculty members represent diverse academic, training, and social backgrounds. Many hold advanced degrees in their fields.
Campus Facilities and Student Activities
The college's libraries contain a combined collection of more than 150,000 volumes and are fully automated with an online catalog and computer-based literature searches. The Writing and Reading Center offers a wide range of learning materials, certified instructors, and peer tutors to help students succeed in their courses.
Campus facilities include a stadium and track, student activities center, game room, lounge, pool, tennis courts, and fitness center. LBCC's intramural athletic program is the oldest of any community college in the nation, with 21 intercollegiate men's and women's teams known as "The Vikings." Many graduates of LBCC have gone on to professional athletic careers.
More than 60 student clubs and special interest organizations are active on the campus, including a peer-to-peer mentoring program facilitated by LBCC's Leaders Across Campus and the International Student Club. LBCC is also recognized nationally for its volunteer service program.
Convenient, Commuter-Friendly Location in Culturally Diverse Area
LBCC's Liberal Arts Campus, known as LAC, houses most of the college's academic programs. It is situated in the residential Lakewood Village section of Long Beach. The Pacific Coast Campus, known as PCC, is located in central Long Beach, near the city of Signal Hill, along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Home to one of the largest shipping ports in the world, and one of the nation's most culturally diverse cities, the city of Long Beach has a long history of educating international students. Ocean views and sunny climate make Long Beach City College an inviting place to learn.
Most students commute from locations throughout Los Angeles County. Housing options include nearby off-campus apartments and placement with host families. The college's central location makes it easy to access highways, airports, public transportation, beaches, and dozens of attractions, cultural centers, and shopping centers.