Studying in the US: A Free Year at a Community College
Part 39 of our Foreign Student Series looks at a job training program for people from certain countries. Transcript of radio broadcast: 17 June 2009

This is the VOA Special English Education Report.

Two-year colleges in the United States are also known as community colleges. Students earn an associate degree. Or they can train for a job for a year or two and get a certificate.

Community colleges are less costly than other schools. Some international students can even get a year of education for free. The United States government and the colleges pay the costs in a program called the Community College Initiative.

Six countries took part during the first two years: Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey. Now those countries are joined by Cuba, Ghana and most of Central America. Local Fulbright committees generally nominate the students.

Davidson County Community College in Lexington, North Carolina, is a member of the Community Colleges for International Development

The program provides job training for people who otherwise could not attend college. They learn skills their countries need, like agriculture and health care. Vocational school teachers and administrators from Egypt can also receive professional development through the program.

The program began two years ago with eighty-four students and six colleges. State Department officials say more than five hundred students will attend thirty-seven community colleges this fall.

Where students are placed depends on what they want to study. The program is also a chance to learn about America and its people. And it gives colleges a way to expand their diversity. The students live in dormitories or apartments or with local families.

Carol Stax-Brown is an administrator of the program for a group called Community Colleges for International Development. She says they look for people who have had some work experience, speak some English and want to experience another culture. The program includes English classes in the summer before school starts for those who need them.

Carol Stax-Brown says colleges in some countries might accept credits from the program. But this is not a way to immediately transfer to four-year colleges and universities in other countries, including the United States. Students cannot return to the United States for two years after they finish their year of study.

A Web page is being developed for information on the Community College Initiative. For now, students from countries in the program should contact their local Fulbright committee or United States embassy.

And that's the VOA Special English Education Report, written by Nancy Steinbach. Earlier reports in our Foreign Student Series are at voaspecialenglish.com.  I'm Steve Ember.

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Comments:

1. I want to study in the US

I am a university graduated student and I want to learn more in the US.but I donot have enough money to go to US on my own. if the government or any other personal company help me to go overthere it is going to be a very apperciated sense of life and i will really apperciate and work for the same company for the rest of my life. many thanks take care ! ABDUL QADIM BARACK
Submitted by: Abdul Qadim Barack (Afghanistan)
11-11-2009 - 09:54:04

2. my respects

i sent my best respects and thanks to you .for the programe [learn english]than i wan to know .what way. what apply . what condition .to be one of this communitys college,s student with free ???????????.thank
Submitted by: sana (burkina faso)
10-29-2009 - 00:04:03

3.

America is best country that have many good program to help people. I try to learn English in my country, but it is hard to me. I would like to visit USA and join a good program. and i m a hard worker
Submitted by: aimal (Afghanistan)
10-25-2009 - 19:08:08

4. Studing in the US

Dear Damme and Sir, i found very intersting that US gives an aportunities for Person like me with no skil. I would like to join a program a free Year education at a Community College for English Language. Please send me more information about how to taken in your Program. I realy eager to progres my English and also intersted in American cultur. Thank you very much for let me hope.
Submitted by: Bethlehem Michael yosef (Ethiopia)
10-25-2009 - 11:06:46

5. Studying in USA

Hi, I'm from Egypt and I'm very interested in your program, as studying in the USA has always been my biggest dream; so if you can, please send me more information about your program and the way by which I can apply.
Submitted by: Iman (Egypt, Cairo)
10-22-2009 - 13:25:01

6. study and help my people

hi, i am 15 boy from Afghanistan, Kabul i want to study in USA by VOA service and want to help my poor people of country and i want to destroy the adversity from my Country i hope you hear my voice. thanks
Submitted by: Ramin (Afghanistan)
10-21-2009 - 06:09:01

7. Studying in America will be a great oppurtunity for me.

I'm Johnson Bamidele Aliu from Nigeria,with a certificate in medical laboratory technician in school of Health Technology Akure here in Nigeria. I wish to further my academic career in U.S.A,i need more information on how to contact a free tuitition fee college or university in America for international students like me.I will be very greatful if you can give me a very good directive.
Submitted by: ALIU JOHNSON BAMIDELE (NIGERIA)
10-15-2009 - 11:29:39

8. i'm so intrested !!

hey,my name is nouran i'm from egypt & i'm very intrested in your programm as studying in the USA has always been my biggest dream, so if you can please send me more information about your programm & tell me how i can apply;i would be so gratefull.... thank you so much for trying to help. ps: i already speak good english if it helps me more.
Submitted by: nouran (Egypt)
10-12-2009 - 19:37:49

9. i like to study at community colleges

pls, you people should try and send me free visa,my family were very poor,i like to study at community colleges and even like to work and live there too,and even become citizen by living,the leader of my country were very bad in govering education system.thank u and god bless america and the rest of the world.byeeeee.
Submitted by: my name is akinsola samson (am from nigeria)
10-05-2009 - 20:11:44

10. accounting

life is our life's work
Submitted by: ahmed atef ahmed mohamed (egypt)
10-02-2009 - 22:29:56

11. engineering

hi dear :i am interest to learn the american language and culture , i love AMERICAN LANGRAGE could you help me ,i realy know the conditions of joining in this programme
Submitted by: ahmad khorosh (afghanistan)
10-01-2009 - 12:29:00

12. thanks for America

thanks for USA the greatest place in the world
Submitted by: Abdulmuein (Syria)
09-30-2009 - 09:28:43

13. how to apply

could you please let me now how I can apply to study at the community college and what courses do you have for international students?
Submitted by: lili (Iran)
09-20-2009 - 16:27:10

14. Get more information about the College.

I'm very impressed with this program also would like to study in U.S.A. It'll be appreciated if you could provite more details about this communit college and the way how to apply! Regards. Nathan Herculano - MG,Brazil.
Submitted by: Nathan Ricardo Moreira Herculano (Brazil)
09-20-2009 - 13:38:28

15. I am interest in this program

Dear VOA staff I am interest in this program. the article mentioned that teachers and administrators from Egypt can also receive professional development through the program I am work as a teacher and I want to know about this program and where it is running Best regards
Submitted by: Romany Isaac (Egypt)
09-19-2009 - 08:55:22

16. How do I apply

hi.i am Ibrahim Ismael.I am also from Ghana.Please i need to know how to apply to any of this community colleges with free tuition fro international student and does my country qualify. Thanks
Submitted by: Ibrahim Ismael (GHANA)
09-13-2009 - 14:24:26

17. community college

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Submitted by: ABDI KHAIRE (djibouti)
09-11-2009 - 23:25:23

18. Good news

I realy want to know about this program. Because it's a very good way to learn English and about America.
Submitted by: Amraa (Mongolia)
09-09-2009 - 04:39:55

19. Study at Community College

I would be gratfull if you could provide me with more information on that programe and process of applying to study at the Community College and It is really usefull to get education in US.
Submitted by: Huma (Afghansitan)
09-08-2009 - 06:08:21

20. How do I apply

Please i need to know how to apply to any of this community colleges with free tuition fro international student and does my country qualify. Thanks
Submitted by: Ayoola Toyin (Nigeria)
09-02-2009 - 07:14:25

21. Enlish language

Your english program is realy useful for new english learner students i realy like it and this is my first time to send you my comments about your programm and i am trying to follow your english programm and also i want to become english teacher in the future,if you have another better way for us to learn english please share with us. Thanks
Submitted by: Sayed Raza Miakhil (Afghanistan)
08-29-2009 - 09:14:58

22. higher education

To Whom It May Concer; it is to have this kind of memo about students education which will helpe world new generation how to get education by helpe you web site and TV programme , shortly just i want to tell that iam Abdul Rabi From afghanistan aim graduated from 12th and iam Lso ESL teacher for 8 years here in paksitan , i have also done TOEFL and IELTS ,due to financail problem i couldn't apply to college or Unversity ,would you find a free university or college which will helpe me for giving scholar ships my education and talend will be my best recommendation. Iam looking forward for helping . sincerely Yours'
Submitted by: Abdul Rabi (Afghanistan)
08-28-2009 - 05:08:12

23. How can i apply for free study in Unite state

Iam one the poor afghan student want to study in unite state of amirica as well as i study some computer program mostly iam interested to study in BCS,MSC or Engineering field
Submitted by: Muhammad islam (afghanistan)
08-27-2009 - 06:35:18

24. I NEED A SCHOLARSHIP

Im currently a student of Medical Laboratory Science here in Nigeria. Owing to the poor educational system, i wish to get a scholarship to study in the U.S. It has been my big dream. Please help me in anyway you can. Thanks
Submitted by: OMEZI HONESTY (NIGERIA)
08-04-2009 - 17:43:11

25. INTERNATIONAL BUSSINES

I like bussines education.
Submitted by: Arshad (PAKISTAN)
07-31-2009 - 13:50:13

26. learning some simulitenous courses in USA

HELLOW I have strong well to study in USA but I havenot enough money to go there would you mind help me to do so
Submitted by: abdelraoof (sudan)
07-28-2009 - 17:54:02

27. Request

I am a Laotian.I really enjoy your programe. but I can not reach you. may you send me some American-English books to me. If possible please may you let me know sincere, Somchith
Submitted by: SOMCHITH (LAOS)
07-27-2009 - 07:38:53

28. information

I am so interested to admit in community college, How it will be possible for me ? already I have completed 12 years course(high school) 6 years ago
Submitted by: md. khorshed alam (bangladesh)
07-26-2009 - 12:27:54

29. international relationship

I, a Somali student. finished high school prepairing to go to university or collage, and I am eager to learn something in the USA. so please help me. Thanks
Submitted by: Yasin Bashir Ibrahim (somalia)
07-25-2009 - 11:16:03

30. I WANT TO JOINING THE PROGRAMME

i have the article and very intrested in the programe, presently i have nation diploma in Agriculture technology in nigeria and wich to have more knowledge in the conutry like us but i have no much fund to that, so you can help to join you
Submitted by: Adebayo Ogunleye (Nigeria)
07-24-2009 - 12:43:44

31. Study English

I wont study English but I am very puwe. you can help me study English.
Submitted by: Rev.Chandananda Thero (SRI LANKA)
07-17-2009 - 07:17:16

32. whoa~! Good program..!

In my opinion, it's very nice program. I want to get many useful information about USA and have good ability with English. Although I will not be able to attend this program :(, I will study hard in my counrty. - with VOA :) Errr, I believe I can achieve.. ; cheer me up!
Submitted by: Hwang eui yeong (South Korea)
07-16-2009 - 14:43:28

33. i am interested

im interested in knowing more about this. also to find out about scholarships in the Unites States
Submitted by: Bumah Gisele (Cameroon)
07-12-2009 - 15:18:50

34. study abroad

i commend you for the good initiative and will motivate those are interested to study abroad. Also this will promote the US goodwill gesture throughout the world and has demonstrated your commitment towards humanity.
Submitted by: Alhagi ceesay (The Gambia)
07-06-2009 - 12:25:46

35. Please help me in studying abroad(US) !

Respected VOA Team ! I have read this article community college,I need scholarship for college in America.I am currently student of 12th class (2nf year of College).Sofomore. After doing this i am going to study in US or other places.Please guide me on getting scholarship for the year 2010.I shall be thankful to you. Abdullah
Submitted by: Abdullah (Pakistan)
07-06-2009 - 05:50:08

36. best way to learn english

Dear Voa team! thanks for your share the best program with us,i like the program very much,but my english not very well, i really want to speak and written english fluently. could you please advise how to learning english very well and fast! i looking forward to hearing form you! best regards to you!
Submitted by: lily (China)
07-02-2009 - 07:00:36

37.

i finish my studied in CAIRO UNIVERSITY ,FACULTY OF ARTS.EASTERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT SO i would like to study in usa
Submitted by: ehab (egypt)
07-01-2009 - 17:31:37

38. ILETS

Hi there, As all know that now a days to get an scholarship students are spending much on ILTES study and test s, I wanna know is it necessary to appear in test ? and Can somebody do preparation by itself. If yes than can you please guide me regarding ILETS perpetration. Kind Regards
Submitted by: GulNaz (Pakistan)
07-01-2009 - 07:38:56

39. Congratulations

I am very happy with your wonderful programmes, because my pupils and I, we're learning the correct english prononciation. Thank you very much
Submitted by: luis alfonso rodriguez forero (colombia)
06-28-2009 - 15:50:16

40. I need your help

I am an iranian as you you know our government in dictatorial , I want to be free and study english and culture of USA , I know English a little and I have been working since 3 years ago as a control peroject manager , I am an Indastrial engineer, please help me if you can.
Submitted by: omid (iran)
06-28-2009 - 05:26:58

41. good news

every day iam seeking to study in usa can you help me
Submitted by: hamed (afghanistan)
06-27-2009 - 05:12:37

42. can i be able to part of this to study through the voa news study?

well i love this site and its good i hope you people keep up with the good image and the steps to help improve people's lives.thank you.
Submitted by: stephen osei amponsa (ghana)
06-25-2009 - 08:55:47

43. Scholarship

I'm very much eager to study in USA to get my post graduate, but I'm looking for financial aid, could please advise me to get a scholarship ? thanks
Submitted by: Luhut Sinaga (Indonesia)
06-25-2009 - 07:21:39

44. about comunity college

I am very lucky to be in the states and I am the new comer to the states with the legal VISA. I want to study and learn more. So how can I get enrollment in college? I am the high school graduated in the Afghanistan and what do you think the American colleges will accept me in the college or not? I am really upset about my study. I am waiting for your answer. Thanks
Submitted by: Abdul Ahad "Safi" (Afghanistan)
06-24-2009 - 17:10:53

45. Congratulations VOA

This site is wonderful and all subjects are very important because help people from many countries to learn English!
Submitted by: Evandro Silva (Brazil (Venâncio Aires/RS))
06-24-2009 - 15:43:03

46. i want to study in america

it is great for me to get a chance to study in america.please give me information about scholarship and to be student in USA
Submitted by: dickey (india)
06-24-2009 - 06:18:34

47. Seeking for the same scholarship

Your subject is very intersting and I think it's a good opportunity for the people around the word to join your program. I'd like to know if it is possible for me to have the full information on it (where we can register, what background is needed,...).Thank you again for your helpfull content in our site.
Submitted by: Hary RAVELOJAONA (Madagascar)
06-24-2009 - 05:20:46

48. Community Colleges Initiative

I have read the comments from around the world asking for more information on this program. So I took the time to search the Internet and found the following link that should help! http://exchanges.state.gov/globalexchanges/community-colleges-initiative.html Please note the the article does indicate that: "Participants are recruited from historically under served populations and may not have had opportunities for formal job training or higher education. Most participants are in their early- to mid-twenties and many already have work experience. Nearly 400 students have benefited since the program's inception from study at host institutions across the United States." It appears that specific countries are being targeted for this program! If you want more information, I would suggest using the search engine called 'Google' at: www.google.com which should help!
Submitted by: US Citizen (USA)
06-23-2009 - 23:23:28

49. hi!i'm very lucky when i enter your website

i have just come to the us for 2 weeks.i really surprise at education here.it makes me don't follow.i would like to have a course online and free
Submitted by: thanhtrang (vietnam)
06-23-2009 - 03:57:08

50. Wonderful Programme

It's great to know this information, I hope, next time you can provide me more detail about opportunity to join this programme and how can i learn and share my experience with this programme. I realy want to have a change to study in USA, especialy for Development Programme. Regards, thanks
Submitted by: Ung Heng Sothea (Mr.) (Cambodia)
06-23-2009 - 03:42:59

51. Could you give me some details about the program

I'm Vietnamese. I really want to know how can I join in this program? what are conditions?
Submitted by: Le Quyet (Viet Nam)
06-22-2009 - 16:20:13

52. Study

am really happy when I read the community college article.I really want to study in USA although I just know english a little. but, I like english language..I really want to speak english fluently..that's why I want to study in USA.I also want to learn about USA culture.I think community college program can help me.It's a big chance for me.could u give me the web when I can consulting this program or some information about scholarship in USA..Thank you..and GOD BLESS YOU
Submitted by: Aryan (Iran)
06-22-2009 - 14:19:35

53. Great Programme

I am pretty much interested in getting chance to be enrol for this programme. I love ENGLISH language and always hoping to get it to be fluent as much as it could be, and on the other hand, it's a gift to be able to learn up the language and the America's culture, which I have been longing for all this year. Where shall I go if I would like to have more informations about getting a scholarship? Warmest Regards.
Submitted by: Samantha (Malaysia)
06-21-2009 - 14:22:59

54. It is good chance for someone who want to become a international citizen

Thanks for the program, the program has created opportunities for people want to exchange learning but not enough economic conditions can turn their dreams into reality
Submitted by: Ho Viet Duan (Viet Nam)
06-21-2009 - 05:27:47

55. studying in US

hello everybody, I like the idea for study at community colleges, if you could give me or us more information, about the visas, if the college can help us to get it easily, we will realy appreciate your response thank all of you and GOD BLESS YOU
Submitted by: Humberto Martínez (México)
06-19-2009 - 21:48:23

56. I want to be a student in American

Dear authorize, I also hope to continue to study in the united state for my developing in my country,if I could take a good chance from you. Thank you very much. Emmy.
Submitted by: somphet (lao.)
06-19-2009 - 09:19:04

57. I need more details about this program

I'm Vietnamese. I really want to know how can I join in this program? conditions of cadidates?
Submitted by: Haiha (Vietnam)
06-19-2009 - 08:38:29

58. Heath

Iam somali women and i like to join your progam
Submitted by: Sfia Jama (Somali)
06-19-2009 - 04:07:50

59. I am suprise

I am really happy when I read the community college article.I really want to study in USA although I just know english a little. but, I like english language..I really want to speak english fluently..that's why I want to study in USA.I also want to learn about USA culture.I think community college program can help me.It's a big chance for me.could u give me the web when I can consulting this program or some information about scholarship in USA..Thank you..and GOD BLESS YOU
Submitted by: tirsa (Indonesia)
06-19-2009 - 04:03:04

60. Good

America is best country that have many good program to help people. I try to learn English in my country, but it is hard to me. I would like to visit USA and join a good program.
Submitted by: kwenhee choi (South Korea)
06-18-2009 - 22:31:27

61. Studying in the US: A Free Year at a Community College

Dear VOA Team, I support this programme very much as it will help many people from third world countries to access abroad education particularly USA easily. I would like to know when the website will be ready and be accessible. Therefore, I congratulate you for the good job you are doing since we didn't expect that you could bring good programme like the one stated at the subject above. I look forward to hearing from you and expect to get updates. Regards, Waryoba Nyakitita The Good viewer,listener and reader of VOA programmes.
Submitted by: Waryoba Nyakitita (Tanzania)
06-18-2009 - 15:05:59

62. Good

I like this report, I hope that I can accept this education at America too.
Submitted by: YongBei (China)
06-18-2009 - 13:28:35

63. I need your help

Iam eager to learn english and culture of USA and i think it is a big chance to me that i recieve it now i know enlish a little but i am a worker in metal smith shop it is 4 years that i have been working there and also iam student in 10 class in High school and i want to work and study in USA and i wish you help me better for this iam about 17 years old i will wait for your possitive answer have a good time Steve Ember Best Regards bye.
Submitted by: hassan reza (Afghanistan)
06-18-2009 - 09:31:50

64. about worldwide educational program

When we read article about community college we are surprise that is the good way to learn some proffetional program we appretiate that program thanks from the American people
Submitted by: Mohd.Farooq"Himmat" (Afgahnistan)
06-18-2009 - 06:00:27

65. Hard to take a scholarship when I am an Undergraduate student

I can see man peopl;e from many country in the world study in U.S but it is hard for students to get an sholarship when they are undergraduate student. Could you give us some useful information to find out schorlaship in U.S?
Submitted by: nam (Vietnam)
06-18-2009 - 03:50:27

66. I am interest!

I am interest in know more subject. What is web page where I can consult this program. thanks.
Submitted by: Paula (Colombia)
06-17-2009 - 23:48:39

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