Why You Should Study Abroad at Community College

The opportunity to study abroad for community colleges is often overlooked. And yet, in the United States, more students attend community colleges than any other higher education sector. Comparatively, international students enrolled at community colleges only account for approximately 10% of those enrolled at schools in the US. 

Is there something local students know that international students don't? If you are an international student who wants to further your education overseas, studying abroad at community colleges is a great option - especially when your grades are modest or your budget is tight. Here are four reasons why you should study abroad at a community college. 

You’ll be exposed to greater diversity 

Community colleges are designed to be accessible to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Through the open door policy, you will be able to study abroad at a community college alongside people from many different backgrounds. 

As a result, studying abroad at community colleges means you are able to have access to a richer, more diverse studying environment - one that maximises exposure to different ways of learning and working. 

Coupled with specialized English language courses and tutoring services, community college study abroad programs also offer less intimidating environments from which international students can learn a new language and culture.

You'll stand out to potential employers

When you study abroad at a community college, you can network with local companies. Community colleges maintain close ties with local industries, so employers are often active on campus. 

Candidates with global experience, who can communicate across language and cultural boundaries, are highly valued in today’s global job market. Having studied abroad at community colleges means you are demonstrating initiative, determination, planning, and multitasking skills that many employers value. 

This is why studying abroad at community colleges is a great option for international students to meet potential employers, to find internships or to join workforce programs that might not be available at home.

You’ll enjoy more flexibility

Studying abroad at a community college is all about options. When scheduling classes, many community colleges consider other factors. For instance, they may offer evening classes or weekend classes so that students don't have to make a choice between work or family commitments. 

Studying abroad at a community college may provide you with new and better job opportunities, or it may act as a springboard toward a bachelor's degree or other specialization - now or at some time in the future.

Or over a shorter, more intense period, you could complete various certificate courses or industry-specific training programs designed to equip you with additional knowledge, skills, and experience.

For international students considering studying abroad at a community college, this high level of customization means more opportunities to fund your studies abroad through part-time work (subject to any visa restrictions that may apply). 

You could also use the more generous schedules to plan longer trips, to visit sites located further from college and grow bonds with new friends between and around your study commitments.

It’s a good investment

Community college tuition fees are lower in absolute terms than at four-year institutions, even when out-of-state fees are factored in. To put it another way, studying abroad at community colleges is a great way to reduce costs. 

The benefits of studying abroad at community college go beyond its low cost. Community colleges routinely offer more personalized attention, smaller class sizes, better employment outcomes, as well as more opportunities for blended learning.

The result is lower student debt and a higher return on investment. Together with all the other reasons we've highlighted, studying abroad at a community college makes for a hard-to-beat combination.

About the Author

Dean Ehrlich is a digital content editor at educations.com. He develops content to support product and site growth. Mainly from South Africa, he has also lived and studied in Botswana and France. He is currently based in Sweden after moving there to study abroad.