College of Alameda

Alameda, California

College of Alameda, California's only community college located on an island, is situated on a beautiful park-like campus and offers the quiet of a suburban setting in a bustling urban environment.

Founded in 1970, College of Alameda has served more than 200,000 students and enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the excellence of its academic, vocational, and student- support programs. A range of unique classes awaits you at College of Alameda, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Apparel Design, Automotive Technology, and various ESL programs. College of Alameda is nationally recognized for the innovative ways that it meets the educational needs of a complex, diverse, and dynamic community.

Academics

As a comprehensive community college, College of Alameda offers courses and programs that satisfy the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities. College of Alameda provides its students with the opportunity to enroll concurrently in one class per semester/quarter at the University of California, Berkeley; California State University, EastBay; Mills College; Holy Names College; or John F. Kennedy University.

The faculty members are master instructors who are dedicated to the field of teaching and enthusiastically celebrate their students’ successes. In addition, the college’s classified staff is committed professionals who provide excellent college services in the instructional divisions, counseling, EOPS, DSPS, CalWorks, tutoring, student support services and information technology.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

For direct entry into the academic line of study at the College of Alameda, students must prove that they have the required English level. This can be done in two different ways:

1. The student takes a TOEFL test and submits the score together with the application to the school. The required score for direct entry to the academic line of study is 157 on the computer based test.

2. The student arrives to the college and takes the placement test provided by the college. If the student passes the test and scores high enough he/she will be admitted directly into the academic line of study.

For students who do not meet either of the requirements above the college offers the possibility to enter ESL-classes in connection with admission to the college. Depending on the level of the student and area of study the ESL-classes can be taken parallel to academic studies if the student’s English is strong enough to follow some classes. The student will then gradually move over to the academic line of study as his/her English improves. ESL-classes are offered at several different levels to best suit the student’s needs.

Transfer Center

Associate Degree graduates from the College of Alameda are guaranteed admission to the following universities and 4-year colleges:

» University of California – Davis

» University of California – Santa Cruz

» University of California – Santa Barbara

» University of California – Los Angeles

» California State University – East Bay

Students at the College of Alameda also enjoy priority admission to a number of universities such as:

» University of California – San Francisco

» University of California – San Diego

» San Francisco State University

» California State University – San José

» University of San Francisco

Every year representatives from top quality universities including schools from the UC and CSU university systems visit the College of Alameda to introduce their schools and give the students information about their transfer possibilities. The College of Alameda is ranked among the top schools for transfers to UC Berkeley.

Students receive transfer support from the International Student Counselors and other college staff in order to have the best possibilities for transfer.

Student Life

All international students at the College of Alameda are required to attend an International Student Orientation organized by the college. This orientation is held before the start of the academic program and includes important information about being a student as well as safety information, information about school facilities, the local area and of course academics. Students are also given the student handbook during this orientation which is held approximately one week before the beginning of the semester. There are International Student Counselors at the school supporting the international students whenever needed during the year.

When it comes to athletics the College of Alameda is the proud home of the Cougars. The school offers both Physical Education as well as intercollegiate sports, and the teams are of course the Cougars. Basketball is offered for men and Volleyball is offered for women as competitive team sports at Alameda and both American and international students take part.

For students who wish to get involved in something other than sports there are a number of clubs offering activities as well. Students are active in clubs such as the Dance Club, Psychology Club or why not the Anthropology Club. International students are encouraged to join as well.

The College of Alameda is unique in the sense that it is the only College in California that is situated on an island. This of course opens up for water activities outside of schools or why not just a nice 20 minute boat ride to downtown San Francisco?

Campus /Location

College of Alameda’s campus is located on Alameda, which is a small island next to Oakland in the San Francisco Bay in Northern California. The city has a small-town feel with its Victorian homes and tree-lined neighborhoods. Located right across the canal from Oakland via the Webster tube, was once known for its Naval Base and easy port access, Alameda has grown into a great modern city, which has maintained its old world charm. Shopping is convenient at the South Shore Center, and there are restaurants of every variety.

Alameda is only a boat ride away from one of the most famous and exiting cities in the world, San Francisco. There is of course a great deal for an international student to experience in San Francisco. First of all there are a couple of “must-sees” such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and of course the inside of one of the famous trams as it dashes down one of the steep hills of the city. But there are many other things to see and do in this fascinating place. Visit the exciting and huge China Town, relax with an organic drink outside the Ferry Terminal and watch the local skateboarders, hang out at one of the cool and alternative restaurants in the famous Castro area or just simply walk the streets fully enjoying your time spent in one of the most exciting places in the world.

Application Deadline

Fall - June 1st, Spring - November 1

TOEFL Required

No

Sports:

• Basketball
• Volleyball