Student Support

International Education Center

 

California's #1 Transfer College

Welcome to Santa Monica College! SMC is recognized as one of the best community colleges in California and the United States. SMC provides the first two years of American university education to help you get where you want to be. We are the #1 school to transfer to the UC system that includes schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and more! We are also #1 in transfers to private schools like USC, and LMU.

Why SMC is Your Best Choice

Justin Hong, International Transfer Student

Here to Help You Succeed

SMC offers many classes and special programs to help international students succeed.

Areas of Interest

Explore a range of academic and career paths designed to fuel your curiosity, imagination, and goals.

Intensive English Program

This program will help you improve your skills in speaking, reading, listening to, and writing in English and prepares you for SMC’s academic programs.

SMC Online

SMC is leader among California Community Colleges in online education.  We offer hundreds of individual classes as well as full online degrees and certificate programs.

Student Activities and Clubs

Whatever your interest, you will find it at SMC. Join a student run club or start your own.

About SMC

Learn more about SMC.

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International Education Center

SMC provides a full range of dedicated counseling and support services for international students.

IEC Services

Contact the International Education Center for assistance with:

  • Immigration and F-1 Visa issues
  • Travel Signatures
  • Health Insurance questions
  • Department of Motor Vehicles support
  • Housing
  • Verification Letters
  • Package Program support
  • Social Security questions

IEC Counseling

Contact International Counseling for the following:

  • Academic and Transfer Counseling
  • Educational Planning
  • Transcript Evaluations
  • Course Waivers and Substitutions
  • Personal Counseling and Referrals
  • Transfer Application Assistance

 

Walk-in Visits

The international Education Center (IEC) Will Offer In-Person Services during the following times:

  • Monday          8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
  • Tuesday          8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday    8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
  • Thursday        8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
  • Friday              8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Contact

If you have any questions concerning your current travel restrictions or your F-1 Status, contact the International Education Center using the links below.

International Education Center Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

International Counseling (In-Person)
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
International Counseling (Zoom) 
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

For general questions, email: IntlEd@smc.edu

For academic counseling, contact International Counseling

Include your name in any communication via email.

Important Enrollment Changes for Fall 2023

Update for Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students:

PLEASE NOTE: Effective fall 2022, all international students on an F-1 Visa must enroll in a minimum of 12 units and only 1 online class can count toward the required 12 unit minimum.

Please schedule on-ground and hybrid sections of your classes with no more than 1 online class.  Remember that only one (1) online course will count towards the 12 unit requirement.  The rest of your courses must be on-ground or hybrid.

If you need help finding and enrolling in on-ground or hybrid courses, please speak with an International Student Counselor by joining a  Zoom Express session.

 

Clarifications on Travel to the U.S.

Helpful Information

Application Deadlines

Winter 2023
Out of country: November 15
In country: December 1

Spring 2023
Out of country: January 5
In country: January 15

Summer 2023
Out of country: May 15
In country: June 1

Fall 2023
Out of country: July 15
In country: August 1