International Students

General

How do I get my student ID card?

Take your registration receipt, which you receive by mail, print online, or pick up in person at the Registration Office (L113) to the Computer Café (Shatford Library) to obtain your card.
http://www.pasadena.edu/internationalStudents/FAQ.cfm

How do I receive credit for AP (Advanced Placement) test scores?

Take a copy of your scores to a counselor, who will assist you with a student petition. You can also initiate the process yourself by submitting a student petition with a copy of your AP test scores to the Vice President, Student and Learning Services (L112) after you have completed 15 units at PCC.

Can I repeat a placement test?

Placement tests may be repeated after a waiting period of eight weeks.

How do I purchase a parking permit?

Daily parking permits can be bought at dispensers around all of the parking lots. Semester and intersession parking permits can be purchased online through Parking Plus. Students: Log into Lancerlink - Other Student Services: https://lancerlink.pasadena.edu/student_login.htm Employees: Log into: http://mis.pasadena.edu Semester and intersession permits can be purchased on campus in the Quad at the 411 Trolley, for students and at Police and Safety for employees. Purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee you a parking space. More information found on our Parking web page.

Does PCC have student housing?

No. The Student Affairs Office (T103) and housing boards around campus post notices for roommates and rooms for rent in the local community.

Does the bookstore sell used textbooks?

Yes. And, if you keep your textbooks in good shape, you may be able to sell them back to the bookstore at the end of the semester.

Are there copy machines, computers, and typewriters on campus for student use?

Computers are available in the Computer Café (Shatford Library), the Instructional Computing Center (D Building, first floor) and the Learning Assistance Center (D300). Copy machines are located in Shatford Library (LL Building) and the Transfer Center (L110). Typewriters are available in Shatford Library (LL Building).

How many units do I have to take each semester?

Students enroll in 12 to 19.5 units per semester. International students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester. Winter Intersession and Summer Sessions are optional for International Students.

Is there an ATM on campus?

Yes. The ATM is located in the Campus Center courtyard (between the Bookstore and Campus Center on the West side of the courtyard).

What does "TBA" in the Schedule of Classes mean?

To Be Arranged. This means that class hours are flexible and will be arranged with the instructor.

Who does "Staff" in the Schedule of Classes mean?

An instructor has not yet been assigned to that class at the time the schedule was printed. You may contact the appropriate academic division for more information.

What is a unit?

A unit is the amount of college credit given for a course based on the number of hours the course meets weekly. For example, a three unit class will meet three hours per week. Some classes meet for more hours and may be worth additional units.

How do I receive credit for coursework taken at another college?

Send an official transcript to the Records Office (L113). After you have completed 15 units of coursework at PCC, you may request a transcript evaluation when you see a counselor.

What is a PIN number?

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a four-digit number of your choosing. It allows you to register for classes and obtain final grades by telephone or online. Choose a PIN and memorize it. If you forget your number, go to the Records Office (L113) to choose a new PIN.

How do I receive credit for coursework taken in another country?

Your international college transcript must be evaluated by an approved US foreign transcript evaluation organization. The evaluation is then reviewed by PCC evaluators. See a counselor before you have your transcripts evaluated. You may not need to go through evaluation services if you are planning to transfer.

What deadlines am I responsible for meeting every semester?

The academic calendar in the front of the schedule of classes lists important semester deadlines. Some of these include deadlines for adding/dropping classes and applying for graduation. You are responsible for meeting all deadlines each semester.

Can I drop a class simply by not attending?

No. If you wish to drop a class, you may do so online or by phone. Be sure that you drop by the deadline listed in the academic calendar in the Schedule of Classes. Remember that you must not fall below 12 units. After you drop a class, go to the Cashier’s Office and fill out a Refund Form.

How do I prove that I meet a course prerequisite?

If you've met a prerequisite by taking a course at another college, take a transcript or report card to the Advisement Center (L103D) for course approval. If the course prerequisite includes a test, you must take the test at PCC and then meet with a counselor.

What do I do if the class I want is closed?

Attend the first meeting of the class. If a space becomes available, the instructor will give you an Add Code. You can then use this Add Code to register online or by phone. Check the academic calendar in the Schedule of Classes for add deadlines.

How do I contact an instructor?

Leave messages for daytime instructors in the appropriate division office.

How often do classes meet?

Most classes are completed in one semester or less. During the day, most classes meet Monday and Wednesday for approximately an hour and a half, or Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and a half. Evening classes generally meet once per week for three or four hours. Semesters are 16 weeks long, but some classes meet for a shorter period.

Do I have to declare a major?

It is not necessary to declare a major during your first semester at PCC. However, it is essential that you have an educational plan prepared by a counselor with whom you will discuss your educational and career goals. Visit the Career Center (L103) and enroll in Counseling 17 (Career Planning) to obtain help in choosing a major.

How do I know what classes to take?

Counselors will assist you in choosing classes. Before your first meeting with a counselor, be sure to review the catalog and schedule of classes. They contain lists of general education, major, and transfer requirements.

What should I do if I have an expired Visa?

An F-1 visa acts as a key that allows you to enter the U.S. Once in the country, it is not a problem if your visa expires. However, if you leave the U.S. and try to re-enter, you will need a valid F-1 visa. This means you must first apply for a new visa at the U.S embassy/consulate in your home country. It can take between 2 weeks to 3 months to process, so be prepared for an extended visit.

What should I do if my Passport expires?

If your passport expires, go to the consulate of your government in the U.S to obtain a new one. Don’t let it expire. You must always have a valid passport. Plan ahead and apply at least 6 months prior to expiration.

As an International Student, when can I start working?

Obtaining permission to work can be difficult and requires permission from the International Student Office and in some cases the Immigration Office. To work on campus, you must be in status, have completed 12 units, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This means you must wait approximately 5 months to apply for work on campus. For other work options, please see a Designated School Official (DSO) in the International Student Office (D204).

What must I do before I can take a trip?

A: If you are traveling within the United States, you need not make any special preparations and do not need to have any documents signed. However, if you are traveling outside the country, you must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 before you travel. Visit the International Student Office and turn in a copy of the following: the picture page of your Passport, your Visa, the front and back page of your I-94 card, your current original I-20, and a print out of all the classes taken PCC, including current classes and future classes for which you have already registered.

How do I change my major?

First, you must see a counselor to get a new Educational Plan. Take your new Ed Plan and your I-20 to the International Student Office so a new I-20 displaying your new major can be issued to you.

How do I get a Social Security Card?

You can only get a Social Security Card for employment purposes. Once you are able to work, the International Student Office will write a letter for you to take to the Social Security Office to obtain the Social Security Number.

How do I get a California Driver’s License?

You can get a California Driver’s License by first visiting the DMV online at www.dmv.ca.gov to obtain the latest California Driver Handbook, forms, and instructions. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to make an appointment.

Admissions

Does PCC have an ESL program?

No. All students must attain a certain level of English proficiency before coming to PCC.

What are the estimated total expenses for one academic year?

Estimated expenses per school year (US dollars) total $16,500 (Prices are subject to change).

Will I be able to transfer credits from the schools in my country?

Students with courses from accredited universities from a foreign country are strongly recommended to have their transcripts (Academic Records) translated into English by the school or an official translator before coming to the United States. Students who are planning to graduate from PCC without transferring to the university may apply for credits towards an Associate degree. To receive credits, your transcript must first be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency in the United States. The evaluation will cost approximately $160 payable to that agency. PCC evaluators will then review your academic work. For those students who are planning to transfer to the university, please see a counselor before applying for your transcript to be evaluated. Most universities have their own evaluators who evaluate foreign transcripts. Transcript evaluation is not necessary if you are transferring to a university.

Is there housing on campus? Do you have a host family program?

As with most of the community colleges in California, PCC does not offer on-campus housing and a host family program. There are many low-cost apartments in the area. Listing for both roommates and apartments can be found in our Campus Center.

Will my credits at Pasadena City College transfer to the university?

With the help of the International Student Counselors, you can take half of all the required courses for the university at PCC before you transfer. PCC has one of the highest numbers of students admitted to prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and Art Center.

Will you help me transfer when I am ready?

Pasadena City College has a Transfer Center with information on colleges and universities throughout the United States. Recruiters from many of these schools visit our campus frequently each semester. Our staff will help you to make your transfer as easy as possible.

Can I work while I am going to school?

International students are permitted to work on campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. To work on campus, you must be in status, have completed 12 units, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. To work off campus, you need the authorization from our college and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is very difficult to get this type of authorization.

Can I get financial assistance/scholarships to help pay my bills?

International Students are not eligible for financial aid. There are a few small scholarships available after you have completed a minimum of one year full-time study with above a 2.0 GPA.

Do I have to go to school full-time?

Yes. The American government requires all International Students to complete 12 units each Fall and Spring semester. Winter Intersession and Summer sessions are optional.

Do you provide tours of the school?

For an on-site tour, please contact the office of School & Community Relations at (626)585-7266.

Medical

What is a co-payment?

A co-payment is the amount of money you pay your provider (doctor/hospital) each time you receive medical care. Your co-pay for a doctor visit is $25.00 and $100.00 for a hospital visit. These fees are non-refundable.

What is a deductible, and do I have one?

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket for your medical services before the insurance company starts paying. You do not have a deductible; you only have a co-payment.

Why doesn’t the insurance cover vision and dental care?

Because PCC is required by law to provide F-1 visa students with medical care coverage, not dental and vision. They are recognized as separate plans.

What if I don’t have my insurance card when I need to see a doctor?

Your medical insurance card may not be mailed to you before you need medical care. Don’t worry-you have insurance. Explain to the doctor that you have not yet received your insurance card and that you can be billed at home. Please see Cha in C215 for an explanation on what to do next.