Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College's Intensive English Program has been preparing students to succeed in college coursework since 1990. The Intensive English Program offers 20 hours of English instruction per week, along with an activity program and support services provided by advisors to help students adjust to school life. * Support and Housing Services Recognizing that students are far away from home, Intensive English Program staff provide support and housing services to help students settle in and adapt to a new culture. Staff provide orientations on banking, travel, cultural adaptation, personal safety, and more. Students receive individual tutoring and academic advising. Students can stay with American families in the neighborhood, live in the local university's dormitory, or find other options with an advisor's help. All of these options are comfortable and safe, and offer students many opportunities to speak English and understand American culture. * Transfer Options Students are conditionally admitted to the college when they enroll in the Intensive English Program. After completing the highest level of the Intensive English Program, they can enter regular college programs without taking the TOEFL exam. We offer bridge classes that help students improve their English while taking regular college classes. Advanced students may also move to regular classes in their first year. In some cases, students can take the Intensive English Program and regular coursework together. Students also receive individual tutoring and advising to help them successfully complete their degree or certificate programs. Most of our students transfer to universities such as Western Washington University (WWU), Washington State University (WSU) and Central Washington University (CWU), as well as to schools outside Washington State. Students can also study vocational training courses such as office administration, business, computer support specialist, medical assistant and graphic design. If a student only wants to improve their English, they can take one or two English-only courses without participating in a regular college program. * Climate Whatcom County has a mild climate. Autumn and winter are generally cool and rainy, and Bellingham receives more than 30 inches of rain annually. Spring and summer are warm and sunny. Extreme temperatures are rare in this area, but students can expect a snowfall or two in winter.