International Student Viewbook Ottumwa & Centerville, Iowa USA www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents
We Welcome Students From Around The World! As a nationally recognized institution, Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) has been listed in the top ten percent of community colleges in the U.S by the Aspen Institute for multiple, consecutive years. Founded in 1966, Indian Hills is located in the state of Iowa. With campuses in Ottumwa and Centerville, our students experience the true small town feel of being in a safe community. With a wide variety of academic programs, we have something to offer everyone, including transfer agreements with many well-known institutions. Why Indian Hills? A wide variety of instructional programs ESL classes Small class sizes Lower tuition rates Four-day academic week Modern on-campus housing Academic advisors to assist you with your major and career options College activities & volunteer opportunities Weekly shuttle service to various stores within the community Free tutoring 24-hour security Medical assistance on-campus Free airport pick-ups A college education will be one of the biggest investments you ll ever make, both in terms of time and money. It s a decision that will give you a lifetime of memories and open up a world of opportunities. Indian Hills is committed to providing the best student learning experience, both inside and outside the classroom. We are confident that you will like what you see. 2 www.indianhills.edu
Where are we? Indian Hills Community College is located in Iowa, with its main campus in Ottumwa and a second campus in Centerville. Located in smaller communities, Indian Hills offers a welcoming experience in a safe setting in the heartland of the United States. Iowa is considered one of the safest states to live in. It is also centrally located between many larger cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Saint Louis, and Omaha. Des Moines, the state capital and home to the Des Moines International Airport, is just a short 90-minute drive from both campuses. Indian Hills Community College Average Seasonal Temperatures High Low 23-2 35 16 Changing Seasons! 23 0 1-11 *temperature measured in Celsius www.exploreottumwa.com www.centerville-ia.com 3
Your Home Away From Home Ottumwa Campus Main Campus Ottumwa, a small yet exciting town, is home to the main campus of IHCC with a student population of 5,000. This close-knit community celebrates many local events, such as: Oktoberfest, Independence Day, Pro Balloon races, among others. If these festivities don t keep you busy enough, Ottumwa also offers many other activities including an outdoor waterpark, golfing, bowling, hiking, biking, and much more! Campus is within walking distance of restaurants, banks, and a supermarket, and only a short commute from other locations within the community. Centerville Campus The town of Centerville has a population of roughly 5,500 people, with 400 students on the Indian Hills Campus. Restaurants and stores are within walking distance of campus. The Centerville campus will soon offer a cutting-edge sustainable greenhouse operation which will provide hands-on training experience for students and promote tourism within the community. Baseball is also a big part of Centerville s community. IHCC s baseball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the Midwest and has made 11 trips to the Junior College World Series. 4 www.indianhills.edu/ottumwa www.indianhills.edu/centerville
On-Campus Housing & Dining IHCC offers a wide range of living options in its on-campus residence halls. There are traditional one-person and two-person rooms, as well as suites that can accommodate up to five people. We consider it apartment-style living without ever leaving campus! All rooms feature air conditioning, wireless internet access, cable TV hook-up and telephone hook-up, as well as free laundry in the building. Living on-campus gives students a broader college experience and cuts commuting time and transportation costs. IHCC also offers a variety of convenient dining venues where students can choose to eat. Our Ottumwa campus features The Hills Diner, Warrior Junction, and The Hills Café (our very own coffee and sandwich shop). On the Centerville campus, The Barn is a great place to grab some food and hang out with friends. We strive to serve a variety of quality food options in a comfortable atmosphere to make your dining experience eventful and enjoyable. Dormitory Options Students on the Ottumwa campus may choose to live in one of five dormitories: Appanoose Hall features apartment-style units and has co-ed occupancy. Keokuk/Mashaska Hall is co-ed and was recently renovated into apartment-style living. Oak Hall has double-occupancy rooms and is co-ed. Trustee Hall is co-ed and contains double-occupancy rooms. Wapello Hall is co-ed and has several different room styles. The first floor has two and four-person apartment-style units. The second floor has apartment-style units and super singles (a unit with two single bedrooms and a shared bathroom). Students on the Centerville campus are housed in a co-ed dorm with double-occupancy rooms. www.indianhills.edu/housing www.indianhills.edu/dining 5
Programs of Study Arts and Sciences The Arts & Sciences program is a general education program where students can enroll in courses to obtain an associate degree. Students can then choose to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor s degree. Indian Hills Community College offers many focus areas within the Arts & Sciences program where students can take courses specifically toward their area of interest. Indian Hills graduates often have higher graduation rates than students who do not transfer with an associate degree. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Indian Hills Community College offers a variety of opportunities. Incoming students are given an ESL COMPASS test. Based on the test results, each student is then placed into one of the following ESL class levels: beginning, intermediate, or advanced; in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking to best suit their areas of need. Tutors are available to give students extra practice and help with their usage of English. ESL is offered on both the Ottumwa and Centerville campuses. 6 www.indianhills.edu/courses
Advanced Technologies The Advanced Technology division at Indian Hills offers a wide variety of programs designed to prepare students to excel in today s job market. Our state-of-the-art labs provide opportunities for valuable handson experience in our programs. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree within two years; or if a short-term diploma program is preferred, this can be completed within a six-month timeframe. Many IHCC students often have jobs waiting for them in their chosen field of study before they graduate; and there are also opportunities for students to transfer to four-year colleges or universities for those who would like to continue their education. Health Sciences The Health Sciences division at Indian Hills is prepared to help you achieve your goal of a career in any of a wide range of health and human services fields. Hands-on clinicals and practicum experiences, which can be started as early as a student s second term, are distinguishing features of our programs, because our top priority is ensuring our students are well-prepared for the workplace. Students can choose from programs in a variety of health fields from occupational therapy to radiology with lengths ranging from a few weeks to two years. 7
Gerald Valera Venezuela I came to Indian Hills Community College to improve my English and study Arts & Sciences. I chose this institution because I wanted a school to help me adapt to the change of moving from Venezuela to the United States. Also, the English as a Second Language classes at Indian Hills Community College were small and made me feel more comfortable practicing my English. 8 Akari Kinjo Japan I really like the smaller class sizes at IHCC. It offers each student an opportunity to ask questions and be noticed in the classroom. If you don t understand a subject, faculty and staff are very easy to contact and always willing to work things out with you. Also, if you need extra help, Indian Hills Community College has a tutoring and success center to help you better understand a concept.
Mei Ling Wong Hong Kong The main reason that I came here is because of agriculture, and the Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship program provides a seamless transfer option, which will help me transfer to a four-year university. IHCC offers a more affordable tuition, and they also give different kinds of scholarships to students who apply and qualify. I also like the countryside view in Centerville. The small town helped me to adapt easily. Bhaskar Guharay Nicaragua I really enjoy the Culinary Arts program at Indian Hills Community College. The director is committed to helping the program grow and succeed. In general, the staff and faculty are open and always willing to answer your questions with you. This past summer, I was able to travel to Spain for a culinary class with other Indian Hills students. I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life thus far, and it has helped 9 me realize that I want to complete an internship in Spain.
Community College & Transfer Program A community college has a general teaching model applied to students who have already graduated from high school or have an equivalent degree. During the first two years at Indian Hills Community College you will explore your interests on a schedule that works for you. Our smaller classes give the students more accessibility on getting assistance from their instructors whenever they need it. Also, by attending a community college you have the opportunity to earn transferable college credits while taking the time to select a four-year institution that is perfect for you if you plan to pursue a bachelor s degree. List of partnership institutions: AIB College of Business Ashford University Buena Vista University California State University Northridge Central College Clarke University Drake University Graceland University Iowa State University Iowa Wesleyan College Missouri State University Missouri Western State University Northwestern College Northwest Missouri State University Palmer College of Chiropractic Simpson College Southern Illinois University Truman State University University of Iowa University of Nebraska at Kearney University of Northern Iowa Upper Iowa University Waldorf College William Penn University Wichita State University 10 www.indianhills.edu/transferagreements
Student Services On-Campus Safety & Security At IHCC, the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff is a top priority. In addition to support from local law enforcement authorities, the Ottumwa campus has its own oncampus security, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Further, we have incorporated outdoor lighting and high-quality security locks as part of our ongoing efforts toward preventing crime, rather than just reacting to it. Weekly Shuttle Service A weekly shuttle is provided from the Indian Hills Community College campus to various locations within the community for international students who may need to purchase items during the school week. This is a free service provided by the International Affairs Office. Some locations may include: Supermarkets Banks Hospital Post Office Retail Stores Shopping Mall If the weekly shuttle service is not convenient for your schedule, Ottumwa has public transportation options as well. Prince Will Muh Njuh Sweden I have had the opportunity of being a student employee since my second term here at Indian Hills - working in the cafeteria and most recently working as a student driver. It has absolutely been fun being of service to most of the students around campus. This job opportunity has not only helped me make new friends, it has helped me learn to appreciate and enjoy different cultures. www.indianhills.edu/emergency 11
Get Involved! Intercollegiate Athletics Indian Hills Community College offers men and women the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate competition through a wide variety of sports. The Indian Hills teams are members of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association. Indian Hills teams annually contend for regional and national championships. The college has some of the finest athletic facilities of any two-year school in the Midwest. IHCC has nine athletic teams: Men: Basketball Golf Soccer Cross Country Baseball Women: Softball Volleyball Cross Country Soccer Intramurals Programs in intramural sports are planned around student interests to provide maximum opportunity for participation. Indian Hills provides a diverse set of indoor and outdoor recreational sports, played year round to enrich the physical, social, and educational growth of students, attracting students of all skill levels. Current Intramural Sports include: Flag Football (September) Dodgeball (October) Volleyball (November) Basketball (January) Free Throw/3 Point Contest (March) Ping Pong (March) Racquetball (March) Softball (March) Disc Golf (April) 12 www.indianhills.edu/athletics
Student Activities You ll find many student activities at Indian Hills. Each month, the Student Senate schedules events like game shows, hypnotists and musical groups. The college sponsors over 40 clubs and organizations, many of them in individual academic programs, that provide opportunities for student involvement and leadership. Scholarships may be available to club members. Many of our students take time to volunteer in campus and community projects. Go to www.indianhills.edu/studentclubs to find out more about these organizations. Get Involved with the Multicultural Club! The Multicultural Club is for all students who want to learn about other cultures, make new friends, and expand their global horizons. The club also participates in numerous events during the year that may include: Holi Festival of Colors America s Palooza Dance Party International Luncheon Oktoberfest Carnival Multicultural showcase And many more! www.indianhills.edu/studentclubs 13
Investing In Your Future Estimated Costs Below is a chart that shows the costs of a 9-month academic year (3 terms) at Indian Hills Community College. Please note that all costs below are estimated. Tuition (30 credit hours) $7,200 Room & Board* (Double standard dorm room with 12 meals per week) $5,460 Books/Supplies $800 Mandatory Health Insurance $870 TOTAL** $14,330 For students who plan to apply/attend the Centerville campus, please add $450 to the total amount above (for a total of $14,780) due to cost of meal plan options (18 meals per week is only available option). *Room & Board does not include fees for staying in the dormitories during established college breaks (Winter Break, Spring Break, Early Summer Break, and Late Summer Break). **All costs are estimated. Tuition is charged on a per credit hour basis, and tuition rates are determined by the IHCC Board of Trustees each Summer. Note that some specific academic programs require year-round enrollment (enrollment during the Summer term) and/or additional fees for the program will be required. The costs for these programs are not reflected in the amount above. For any questions, please contact the International Affairs Office. Scholarships Indian Hills Foundation Scholarships IHCC Foundation Scholarships are awarded by the Indian Hills Community College Foundation to eligible students based upon their academic qualifications and other demonstrated qualities and needs. Over 500 scholarships are awarded each year, ranging from $600 to full tuition for a single year. For more specific information regarding Foundation Scholarships, please visit www.indianhills.edu/foundationscholarships. On-Campus Employment There are many job opportunities available to students on campus. International students holding an F1 visa may work on campus. Please note that F1 students are not eligible for workstudy positions and cannot work off-campus. Rafael Summo Brazil I ve had the opportunity of being a student employee since my second term here at Indian Hills working in the gymnasium, cafeteria, and most recently as a Student Intern in the International Affairs Office. These job opportunities have given me many friends, as well as helped me to develop my English skills. 14 www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents
Apply Now! Application Process Indian Hills Community College has two easy ways to apply; by email & via mail. For your convenience our application is offered in three different languages English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Visit our website at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents. Four Annual Admission Dates Indian Hills Community College operates on a quarter system (four terms in a 12-month year). With our four annual admissions dates throughout the year, this allows students the flexibility that they need in starting a great education. Fall Term: Winter Term: Spring Term: Summer Term: August November February May Admissions Checklist International Student Application for Admissions Financial letter from bank (must provide an official letter written in English showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars for one year of study at Indian Hills Community College) Copy of your passport Final high school transcript (official document in original language and translated into English) Must be a high school graduate All Health Sciences applicants must also submit: Official ACT or SAT or COMPASS scores High School Equivalency Diploma or accredited evaluation of high school transcript (for a list of approved agencies, see www.indianhills.edu/foreigntranscripts) International Affairs Office Trustee Hall 525 Grandview Avenue Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 - USA Email: internationals@indianhills.edu Phone: 641-683-5755 or 800-726-2585, ext. 5755 Fax: 641-683-5274 Indian Hills - Internationally Connected IndianHillsCC 15
Undergraduate Programs Arts and Sciences Accounting Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Art and Design Athletic Coaching Athletic Training Biology Business Chemistry Counseling Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Education - Elementary Education - Physical Education - Secondary Education Engineering English/Literature Entrepreneurship Forestry Graphic Design Health History Mass Media/Journalism Mathematics Music Natural Resources Photography Physics Political Science Pre-Professional - Pre-Chiropractic - Pre-Dentistry - Pre-Law - Pre-Medicine - Pre-Mortuary Science - Pre-Optometry - Pre-Osteopathy - Pre-Pharmacy (one year) - Pre-Pharmacy (two year) - Pre-Veterinary Psychology Public Relations/Organizational Communication Real Estate Social Work Spanish/French Sport and Fitness Management Theater Undecided Advanced Technologies Accounting Assistant Administrative Assistant Automotive Collision Technology Auto Technology Aviation Maintenance Technology Aviation Pilot Training Avionics Electronic Technician Business Specialist - Accounting Business Specialist - Office Management Commercial Driver Training Computer Accounting Computer Networks and Security Computer Software Development Construction Management Construction Technology Construction Trades Diesel Power Technology Digital Forensics Electrical and Renewable Energy Technology Electronic Engineering Technology Electronic Technician Geospatial Technology Grounds Equipment Technician Industrial Maintenance Technology Industrial Maintenance Landscape and Turfgrass Technology Laser/Electro-Optics Technology Machine Technology Robotics/Automation Technology Social and Digital Media Communications Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Welding Technology Health Sciences Child Care Technician Clinical Laboratory Assistant Dental Assisting Early Childhood Associate Medical Laboratory Technology Nursing: Associate Degree Nursing Nursing: Practical Nursing Occupational Therapy Assistant Paramedic Pharmacy Technology Phlebotomy Technician Physical Therapist Assistant Radiologic Technology Surgical Technology Therapeutic Massage Denotes year-round programs (Summer term enrollment required) 16 Apply Now! www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents