Welcome to IEC@DVC (International Education Center at Diablo Valley College)The International Education Center offers intensive English, academic preparation and conditional admission to DVC. IEC is located across the street from DVC and students enjoy the privileges of being DVC students and use of the campus's extensive library, computer resources, media center and athletic facilities. Our Intensive English Program addresses the needs of students who are interested in pursuing studies at an American university or college, learning basic English communication skills, and enjoying life in one of the world's most cosmopolitan and beautiful cities. Members of our faculty are experienced and dedicated ESL instructors. All instructors hold a Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), linguistics or a related field. All faculty members have lived abroad. Our faculty present at local and international professional conferences. Diablo Valley College, a 2-year community college is the number one transfer community college to UC Berkeley! Through the transfer program, students can study in the field of their choice for two years, and then transfer to a number of University of California programs, California State University programs and private universities. DVC offers an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and a number of short-term certificate programs ranging from Hotel & Restaurant Management to Early Childhood Education and Dental Hygiene. LocationThe San Francisco Bay Area: one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world! IEC@DVC is located in Pleasant Hill, a beautiful and safe cosmopolitan suburb, 40 minutes from San Francisco. IEC at the foot of Mount Diablo and a short distance to California's wine country, the beaches in Marin County and the Silicon Valley. IEC's Core Program: Intensive ESL/EAP Program- 6 levels, each level is 8 weeks. We encourage students to begin on an 8- week start date, but we also offer a 4-week start date to accommodate different schedules.
- 24 class hours of instruction per week
- Maximum or 15 students per class. Average class size is 12 students.
- Courses include Reading, Writing, Grammar, Listening and Speaking and elective classes.
- Lecture series brings outside speakers into classes.
- Homework Help after class with dedicated instructors
- Students who successfully complete the 8-week Advanced B course may begin at DVC without a TOEFL score!
- Orientation is held on a Friday. New students are assessed and placed into the proper level. They tour the facilities and receive a DVC student ID. New students begin classes on the following Monday.
Other Programs(For specific dates, prices and language requirements please contact Sally Conover) Summer Academic Bridge ProgramThe Summer Academic Bridge Program offers international students a Bridge to their college education at Diablo Valley College and other universities. This seven-week comprehensive program is designed to encourage success by offering pre-selected academic courses, guided study sessions, lunchtime seminar series and a Lecture Week. International Business Program The Intensive Business Program is offered twice a year: in late Spring and late Fall. Students develops skills to succeed in today's international business environment by taking a 3-unit International Business course accompanied by a Business English course. ActivitiesWe have a full-time Activities Coordinator who is constantly introducing students to new activities in the San Francisco Bay area. We firmly believe that these outside activities are essential in the language learning process. We also bring outside people in to IEC with our Seminar Series. Speakers from the community come 2 times a month to speak about their real-life experiences. After classes, we have an active and fun conversation partner program with American DVC students and Homework Help with our dedicated instructors. HousingWe have a dedicated Housing Coordinator who works closely with host families and students to ensure unforgettable experiences. Host families are carefully selected and monitored for quality. Our Housing Coordinator also assists students in finding apartments or other housing options. There are many apartments across the street from IEC. What Students Say:"I came to DVC because it was a great opportunity to start my studies in the US. The best thing is the treatment that you receive from instructors -and the classes are small." Dennis, Peru "There were times that I felt lost, however people at IEC were helpful whenever I needed help. It's a warm family!" Mei, Taiwan "I loved IEC. The best part was learning how to give presentations. The teachers gave me a lot of courage by saying to me all the good things I was doing. At first I hated to write, but the teachers told me my writing was good and that I shouldn't be afraid." Rosario, Argentina |
