The application to California community colleges is a different form than the application for United States citizens or residents. Applications for international students vary by community college. Some schools have a separate application, while others use the general application but require further information. The student must fill out all of the information on the application.
International students to California community colleges who are accepted by the college are sent visa application eligibility forms. The form is called "Form I-20 A-B" and is taken to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country to obtain a student visa for the college. A visa is a necessary part of joining the California community college student body.
California community colleges require proof of proficiency in English if the native country is not an English-speaking country. Proof is shown via the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL exam, which is available at testing centers in the country. Students taking English as a second language in the community college are not required to complete the exam.
California international community colleges require all international students to show proof of finances. The amount available to the student must cover a full year of college costs and living expense costs. Students with an F-1 student visa, which is the visa given through the school, are not able to work while attending the community college and thus must have enough funds to pay for the college and expenses of living in California.
Any international student must show immunization records before they are able to come to the school. This is a record of all the shots given to the student during his lifetime. Students might need to get shots before coming to the college.
The California community colleges encourage all students, both international and native to the States, to learn about international cultures and perspectives. California Colleges for International Education points out that the program not only encourages learning in the states, but also international exchange programs. The colleges often have an exchange program option available to students so students learn more about other cultures and how to manage international relations in the job force.