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.
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:
- 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.
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. - 3:45 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For general questions, email: IntlEd@smc.edu (opens in new window)
For academic counseling, contact International Counseling
Include your name in any communication via email.
SMC International Instagram
Important F-1 Enrollment Requirements
PLEASE NOTE: All international students on an F-1 Visa must enroll in a minimum of 12 units and only one (1) online class of no more than 3 units can count toward the required 12 unit minimum. You must be enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) on-ground or hybrid units.
If you need help finding and enrolling in on-ground or hybrid courses, please speak with an IEC Counselor. (opens in new window)
Helpful Information
Application Deadlines
Summer 2025
Out of country: May 15, 2025
In country: June 1, 2025
Fall 2025
Out of country: July 15, 2025
In country: August 1, 2025
Winter 2026
Out of country: November 15, 2025
In country: December 1, 2025
Spring 2026
Out of country: January 5, 2026
In country: January 15, 2026
