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
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.
International Education Center
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:
- Monday8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Tuesday8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Wednesday8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Thursday8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Friday8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
We will be closed on Thursday, August 24, 2023 for campus-wide Professional Development and on Monday, September 4th, 2023 for Labor Day holiday.
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.
For general questions, email: IntlEd@smc.edu
For academic counseling, contact International Counseling
Include your name in any communication via email.
SMC International Instagram
Important Enrollment Changes for Fall 2023
Update for Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students:
PLEASE NOTE: Effective Fall 2023, 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.
Helpful Information
Application Deadlines
Winter 2024
Out of country: November 15
In country: December 1
Spring 2024
Out of country: January 5
In country: January 15
Summer 2024
Out of country: May 15
In country: June 1
Fall 2024
Out of country: July 15
In country: August 1
