Welcome to Foothill College, the ideal starting point for your U.S. academic journey. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, Foothill offers international students a friendly and inspiring environment to learn and grow. Join a diverse community and experience a world-class education that combines academic excellence, a vibrant student life, dedicated support services, affordability, and outstanding career opportunities. At Foothill, your dreams of studying in the United States and transferring to a top university can become a reality – your pathway to success starts here!

Academic Excellence

Foothill College is renowned for its academic quality and transfer success. Here, you can complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree and then seamlessly transfer into the third year at virtually any university in the United States​. Each year, thousands of Foothill students advance to prestigious four-year institutions – in 2022 alone, over 2,500 students transferred to top universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford​. This transfer success is no coincidence: Foothill has transfer admission agreements with the University of California (UC) and California State University systems to ensure a smooth transition for eligible students​. Our commitment to academic excellence has earned us top rankings, including being rated the #1 community college in California and among the top in the nation​

• Top-Tier Programs & Faculty – Choose from 84+ degree programs led by passionate, expert faculty​. Foothill offers a diverse array of programs, including some of the Bay Area’s finest STEM and health science programs​. Small class sizes (around 24 students on average​) mean you get personalized attention and one-on-one interactions with professors​, ensuring a supportive and enriching academic experience.

• Honors & Enriched Learning – Challenge yourself in our Honors Institute and learning communities, which provide rigorous coursework and research opportunities. You’ll study in an environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation, guided by faculty who are world-class educators and mentors​.

• Unmatched Transfer Opportunities – Foothill is a recognized leader in transfer success. In fact, Foothill (together with its sister college De Anza) is ranked #1 for acceptances and transfers to UC campuses​. Our dedicated Transfer Center offers workshops and one-on-one counseling to help you navigate the transfer process with ease. With guaranteed transfer agreements in place, many students secure spots at top universities, completing their bachelor’s degrees at institutions such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and more​. Your time at Foothill will fully prepare you for the academic challenges at your transfer institution.

Vibrant Student Life

Life at Foothill College is rich, inclusive, and fun! We pride ourselves on a vibrant campus life that helps you make friends and memories beyond the classroom. With students from over 70 different countries on campus​, every day is a cultural exchange – you’ll learn alongside classmates from all around the world. Our beautiful campus features modern facilities and plenty of activities that create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

• Clubs & Activities – With nearly 70 student-run clubs on campus​, there’s a community for every interest. Whether you want to join the International Students Club, STEM Club, Art & Design, music ensembles, or sports and recreation clubs, you’ll find it here. Can’t find a club you like? You can even start your own! Weekly College Hour events bring students together for music, workshops, and fun, while leadership programs (like the Associated Students of Foothill College, our student government) give you a chance to develop leadership skills and make your voice heard​.

• Cultural Diversity & Celebrations – Foothill’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. We celebrate cultures from around the globe with special events and festivals year-round. Enjoy an annual International Students Night, and take part in heritage month celebrations for Latinx, Native American, Black History, Asian Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ and more​. These events showcase music, dance, food, and traditions from our student community, making campus life vibrant and welcoming for all. You’ll feel at home while sharing your culture and experiencing others’.

• Campus Community & Facilities – As a Foothill student, you’ll be part of a friendly campus community that truly cares. Hang out at our brand-new Campus Center – home to the BIPOC Center, Pride Center, Veterans Center, and Wellness Lounge – where you can relax and find support. Our campus also offers great facilities for your interests: an Observatory for astronomy enthusiasts, a Japanese Cultural Center and Bamboo Garden for tranquil study breaks, and top-notch athletic amenities like an Olympic-size swimming pool and sports fields​. Between classes you can catch college theater performances at our Smithwick Theater or cheer on the Foothill Owls at a game. There’s always something happening on campus, and you’ll always belong in our inclusive community.

Visa & International Student Support

Moving to a new country for college is exciting – and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Foothill College’s International Student Programs (ISP) Office is dedicated to helping international students succeed, from application to graduation. Our experienced staff provides personalized advising and resources to make your transition to life in the U.S. as smooth as possible. We currently serve more than 700 international students from over 70 countries, so we understand your unique needs​. At Foothill, you’ll never feel alone in navigating visas, academics, or campus life.

• F-1 Visa Assistance – Getting your student visa can be complex, but we’ve got you covered. Once you’re admitted, our team will guide you through every step of the F-1 visa application process – from issuing your I-20 form to preparing for your embassy interview​. We provide clear checklists and one-on-one support so you can confidently apply for your visa and make travel arrangements. Our goal is to help you arrive on campus with all your paperwork in order and peace of mind.

• Comprehensive Orientation – Before classes even start, you’ll take part in a mandatory orientation program designed specifically for international students. Through both virtual and in-person orientation events​, we’ll introduce you to campus resources, academic expectations, and American culture. You’ll meet fellow students and staff, learn about everything from health insurance to how to get a local driver’s license, and get answers to all your questions. By the end of orientation, you’ll know your way around and be ready to thrive at Foothill.

• Ongoing Advising & Resources – Throughout your time at Foothill, our dedicated international student advisors are here to help. Need advice on choosing classes or meeting transfer requirements? Our academic counselors (who specialize in working with international students) will help you create an education plan that fits your goals​. Have questions about maintaining your visa status or work authorization? Our immigration advisors will keep you informed of all requirements and deadlines, helping you maintain your F-1 status​. We also offer workshops on topics like U.S. classroom culture, academic success strategies, and career planning for international students.

• Housing & Personal Support – We want you to feel at home here. While Foothill does not have on-campus dorms, we assist students with finding comfortable housing nearby. You can choose from homestay programs (living with an American host family) or get help locating apartments and roommates. Our ISP office can even arrange airport pickup services to welcome you when you land in California​. From setting up a bank account to getting a local SIM card, we’ll guide you through those early tasks so you can settle in smoothly. Whenever you need help or just someone to talk to, the International Office door is always open – consider us your “home base” while you’re studying abroad.

Affordability & Scholarships

Getting a high-quality education in the U.S. doesn’t have to break the bank. Foothill College offers excellent value, making it a smart financial choice for international students. You’ll receive an education on par with universities at a fraction of the cost. In fact, by starting at Foothill, you can cut the cost of studying in the U.S. by half or more​ compared to going directly into a four-year university. We’re a public community college, which means our tuition is much lower than most universities, helping you and your family save tens of thousands of dollars while still getting an outstanding education.

• Lower Tuition Costs – Tuition for international students at Foothill is highly affordable. For one academic year (three quarters), tuition and fees come to roughly $10,000 – far less than what you’d pay at a UC or private university for the same coursework. By completing two years at Foothill, you’ll fulfill the same freshman/sophomore requirements that universities offer, but at 50% or more cost savings​. That means you can invest your savings in your last two years at a university, or even in graduate school down the line.

• Scholarship Opportunities – We’re committed to rewarding student achievement. While federal financial aid isn’t available to F-1 visa holders, Foothill College offers campus scholarships for continuing international students. In your second year at Foothill, you’ll be eligible to apply for scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000 based on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement​. Many of our international students earn these awards to help fund their studies. Additionally, when you transfer to a four-year university, your strong academic record at Foothill can make you competitive for university scholarships​ – some of our alumni receive substantial aid or merit scholarships upon transfer thanks to the foundation they built here.

• On-Campus Work – International students can also work on campus up to 19 hours per week during the academic quarter​. This is a great way to earn extra money for personal expenses and gain work experience in a supportive setting. You might find jobs in the library, tutoring centers, computer labs, or administrative offices. Our Career Services and International Office can help you find available on-campus positions once you arrive. (Note: F-1 students can work on campus without any extra work authorization beyond your Foothill F-1 status). While you shouldn’t rely on a campus job to cover tuition, it can certainly help with day-to-day expenses and build your resume.

Studying at Foothill is not only affordable but also a wise investment in your future. You’ll graduate from Foothill with a respected degree or transfer credits, much less debt, and a strong academic record that opens doors to top universities.

Career Opportunities & Pathways

Foothill College goes beyond academics to ensure you are career-ready in today’s global economy. Our goal is to help you not just earn a degree, but also develop the skills and connections you need for future success. Located in the innovation hub of Silicon Valley, Foothill offers unparalleled exposure to industry leaders. In fact, our campus is just minutes away from tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, Tesla, and Netflix​. Whether you’re interested in technology, business, health care, or any other field, studying here will put you at the center of cutting-edge opportunities. Here’s how Foothill supports your career development:

• Internships & Practical Experience – Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it in the real world! Foothill’s Internship Program connects students with a wide range of internship opportunities. You can access paid and unpaid internships in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, fine arts, and more​. These internships often take place at local companies (small startups to major corporations) and research institutions, giving you invaluable experience and professional networking. You can even earn academic credit for your internship work through Foothill’s programs​. Interning while you study helps you build your resume and gain a competitive edge for university applications or future job searches.

• Career Services & Job Placement – Foothill’s Career Services Center is dedicated to helping you plan your career and find job opportunities. From day one, you’ll have access to career counselors who can assist with resume writing, interview practice, and career planning workshops​. We host regular career fairs and networking events where you can meet potential employers. Plus, our online job portal, Foothill College Handshake, makes it easy to search for part-time jobs, on-campus employment, and even full-time positions as you near graduation. In fact, the primary purpose of Foothill’s Handshake system is to facilitate internships and job placements for our students and alumni​. You’ll have a wealth of resources at your fingertips to land a great job or internship during your studies and beyond.

• University & Industry Partnerships – As a Foothill student, you benefit from our strong relationships with both universities and industry. Our instructors often invite guest speakers from local industries and organize field trips to companies in Silicon Valley. The college’s reputation means transfer universities and employers actively recruit our students. Foothill’s Workforce Development programs and Career Technical Education courses are designed in collaboration with industry advisors, ensuring you learn current, in-demand skills​. Whether your goal is to start working after earning a two-year degree or to transfer and then begin a career, we’ll help you map out a path to achieve it. By the time you leave Foothill, you’ll have not only a stellar education but also the practical experiences and professional network to hit the ground running in your career.

Take the First Step Toward Your Future

Your journey to an exceptional education and a successful future starts at Foothill College. We invite students from all over the world to become part of our Foothill family. Here, you’ll find academic excellence, supportive mentors, lifelong friends, and opportunities beyond your imagination. Let us help you achieve your dreams in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley.

Ready to join us? Foothill College is excited to welcome you. Take the first step today by reaching out to our International Student Programs Office or starting your application. Come experience the Foothill advantage for yourself – we can’t wait to see what you will accomplish!