International Education Center

Counseling for International Students

 

International Counseling will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 due to Labor Day holiday.

Counseling Services

Academic Counseling

International Education Counselors provide academic assistance to students with an F-1 visa and to international students studying in their home countries. They are available year-round and can support students in various ways.

Fall 2026 In-Person Counseling 

The International Counseling Center provides in-person counseling Monday through Thursday. The line may close early depending on how many students are waiting.

  • Monday:         8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
  • Tuesday:         8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
  • Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Thursday:       8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Zoom Express Counseling for F-1 Visa and Overseas International Students

Express academic counseling is for quick questions, such as prerequisite waivers, unit increase requests, or general transfer inquiries. Sessions may vary based on the student's questions and concerns.

Express Counseling is not intended for detailed transcript reviews, educational planning beyond one or two terms, or immigration questions.

Please have your SMC student ID and a valid photo ID ready. Before logging in, please make sure your audio and video are functioning properly. If you require more than 15 minutes, please submit your questions to the email portal listed below.

If the waiting room is locked, you won't be able to join at that time because we've reached capacity. Please check back periodically, as the room may reopen.

​Meet with an academic counselor to receive assistance with:

  • Quick questions regarding course selections 
  • Over-unit requests 
  • Guided Self-Placement questions
  • Pass/No Pass grading; Course Repeats

Fall 2026 Zoom Counseling

Zoom Express Counseling is available during the following hours (Pacific Standard Time). We usually see the last student 30 minutes before we close our Zoom Express service.

  • Monday:         8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday:         8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Thursday:       8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Friday:            8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join the F-1 Zoom Express Counseling Waiting Room

Email an International Academic Counselor 

Services include:

  • Reduced Course Load, Special Consideration, and other forms
  • Over units (more than 10 during the intersession and/or more than 19 in Spring and Fall)
  • Questions regarding requirements and completion of educational goals
  • Long Range Educational Planning

Counselors will respond within 3-5 business days. Responses could take longer during holiday closures.

Current SMC Students

Prospective or former students with no SMC ID #