Mar 28, 2024  
2019-20 Catalog 
    
2019-20 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Other Educational Opportunities



Bellevue College offers many educational opportunities distinct from our traditional credit programs. From noncredit Continuing Education courses to college credit opportunities for high school students, BC is truly a community resource with something to offer people from all age groups and backgrounds.

Academic Service Learning

Many classes at BC have a service learning component, in which students do a community service project as part of their class work. The service is integrated with class instruction and focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. It is tied to the learning outcomes for the course. Please check the course schedule or the RISE website for classes that provide service learning opportunities.

Students taking these courses may qualify for the transcript notation for service-learning. This notation demonstrates to transfer institutions and potential employers that the students have taken a course with an experiential component and that you developed skills often seen as valuable for success in colleges and jobs. Check with the service-learning instructor for details on how to qualify for the transcript notation.

Autism Spectrum Navigators

As part of the RISE Learning Institute, the Autism Spectrum Navigators (ASN) program offers cohort career preparation classes to students who identify as autistic, who take these classes alongside their chosen program of study. Students also meet with peer mentors regularly to ensure that they have equal access to student services and academics. Other program elements include parent training and support, faculty and staff training and support, and community engagement and education. Learn more at www.bellevuecollege.edu/autismspectrumnavigators/

Library Media Center

The Library Media Center’s (LMC) goal is to support student learning at Bellevue College. The LMC provides resources to assist students with their research needs. Many resources are available 24/7 via the LMC website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/lmc/. Librarians provide individual assistance and classroom instruction in the use of LMC resources. Help is also available 24/7 via the “Ask a Librarian” chat reference service. The LMC offers silent, quiet, and collaborative study spaces, as well as group study rooms to meet student needs. The LMC is fully equipped with computers and Wi-Fi, including two stations with adaptive technology. The Media Center provides check-out of media equipment and various media production services. All BC students are encouraged to explore the resources and study spaces offered by the LMC.

Center for Career Connections

Center for Career Connections and the Women’s Career Connections Program offer a variety of services to increase students’ success in attaining their educational and career goals. All services are available to both men and women and include assistance with career planning in both traditional and non-traditional careers, job search skills, academic internships, work-study opportunities, scholarship search, resource referrals, and job and internship postings via the Web. The Center offers one-on-one consultations, workshops, orientations and credit classes. Visit bellevuecollege.edu/careers/ for more information.

Career Exploration

Center services help students explore different majors or career choices and plan a career pathway. The Center provides credit and noncredit classes and workshops; emphasis is placed on developing lifelong skills, networking with other students and industry professionals, and facilitating in-depth reflection on career and life goals. Career consultants can provide assistance with career assessments and career pathway planning, connections to industry professionals, and hands-on learning experiences.

Internships

Students can get help to search for an internship that will also earn credit through the Academic Internship Program. The Center has an active web-based job and internship posting system to aid in career or internship search at www.bellevuecollege.edu/internships.

Job Search

The Center is a great resource for job-search assistance for students, alumni and community members. Stop by for help with job search and networking strategies or use CONNECT, the Center’s website page for job and internship postings. To register, visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/careers.

Project Succeed: Career Connections for Veterans & Spouses

This program assists veterans and spouses, active, military, reservist and guard members at the college and in the community with:

  • Transitioning to civilian life
  • Choosing a major and career pathway
  • Planning with job search strategies
  • Representing military skills on a civilian resume
  • Finding internships and jobs
  • Networking with industry professionals and other veterans

Call (425) 564-2279 for more information. 

STEM to Stern Program

Designed specifically for incoming freshman students who plan to pursue a career related to science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Students have the chance to network with STEM professionals and prepare for internship and research opportunities. Students in this program may also be eligible for a STEM Scholars Network Scholarship. Call (425) 564-2279 or check out www.bellevuecollege.edu/stemtostern/.

Work-Study Opportunities

The Center helps students who are eligible for financial aid to find jobs on-campus and in the community. Jobs are posted on our CONNECT site at https://bellevue-csm.symplicity.com/students/.

Continuing Education Programs

Bellevue College is the most comprehensive provider of continuing education courses in Washington State. These non-degree classes and workshops range from professional development and career enhancement to personal enrichment. Courses vary in length from one day to 10 weeks and are located at our North Campus.

BC Continuing Education also offers a number of professional certificate programs in areas that include technology, business and design.

  • Earn a certificate in as few as 6 months
  • No application process
  • Start any time you like
  • Complete at your own pace
  • Day, evening and weekend classes

To receive a current course schedule, call (425) 564-2263 or visit bellevuecollege.edu/ce/.

International Students

The college is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. International students may enroll in college credit programs, the International High School Completion program, the Bridge Pathway program, the Intensive English/University Preparation (UP) program, the Learning English in Action Program (LEAP), or the International Business Professions (IBP) program. International students on F-1 visas are required to complete a minimum of 12 quarter college credits or at least 18 to 20 clock hours of attendance a week for the Intensive English program each quarter.  As a condition of participating in the international student programs, F-1 visa holders on Bellevue College’s I-20 are required to join the BC Foundation arranged medical insurance plan every quarter, including approved vacation and first time Reduced Course Load (RCL) term. Mandatory medical insurance is a requirement imposed by the BC Foundation in the International Shared Funding Agreement. F-1 students who become ineligible for the College’s insurance plan will need to secure other coverage and submit proof of coverage to the Office of International Education Immediately.

How to Apply:

A brand-new, online, international application system becomes available in late August 2018. International applicants must first create a login and password at https://international.bellevuecollege.edu and submit their application, required documents, and payments. 

■ All acceptance packets that need to be delivered to an address outside of the U.S. will be required to pay for the respective express mail fee via eShipGlobal site and submit or upload the complete mailing label to OIE.

College Credit Programs

International students are admitted to the college credit programs upon meeting the following requirements: 

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Proof of English-language proficiency as defined by the Office of International Education.

■ Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school.

■ Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Students 16 and 17 years of age who seek direct admission to the college credit program must also submit the Limited Power of Attorney to Make Health Care Decisions for My Minor Child form, the Attorney in Fact form, and proof of high school graduation or equivalency. Underage applicants without proof of high school graduation may apply to BC under the International High School Completion (IHSC) program.

International High School Completion (IHSC) Program

Academically motivated F-1 students, who are 16 and 17-years old and have not yet earned a high school diploma, are admitted to BC to take courses that count for both high school diploma and a transfer associate degree at the same time. Students without proof of English language proficiency may be admitted to the Intensive English Program first before they can enter the IHSC program.

Eligibility:

■ Be 16 years old or older before the first day of the quarter

■ Be on a valid F-1 status to study full-time

■ Have successfully completed the U.S. equivalent of 10th grade

■ Not have already received a high school diploma or equivalent in student’s home country or in the US

Requirements:

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Official transcripts including the 9th grade professionally translated into English.

■ Proof of English-language proficiency as defined by the Office of International Education. IHSC applicants may start from the Intensive English Program if they have not met the required English language proficiency.

■ Students 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the Limited Power of Attorney to Make Health Care Decisions for My Minor Child form and the Attorney in Fact form.

Bridge Pathway Program

The Bridge Pathway is a quarter-long college preparation program that emphasizes on development of college-level writing skills, critical thinking, and taking personal responsibility for learning. There are two paths based on the students’ writing assessment: 

Path 1 (15-credits):

  • Combination of a 10-credit Academic Preparation and a 5-credit English 93 
  • A recommendation from the Integrated Skills 5 instructor or placement result of the Writeplacer exam

Path 2 (18-credits):

  • Combination of a 10-credit Academic Preparation, a 5-credit English 93, and a 3-credit English support course

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Proof of English-language proficiency as defined by the Office of International Education.

■ Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school.

■ Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application.

■ Students 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the Limited Power of Attorney to Make Health Care Decisions for My Minor Child form and the Attorney in Fact form.

Intensive English/University Preparation

Intensive English Language/University Preparation (UP) is an academic-focused program that brings students up to proficient levels in reading, writing, listening and speaking, preparing students to enter the College-level program at BC.

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school.

■ Certificate of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of submission.

■ Students 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the Limited Power of Attorney to Make Health Care Decisions for My Minor Child form and the Attorney in Fact form.

Learning English in Action Program (LEAP)

LEAP is open to all non-native English speakers and offers students an active, exciting opportunity to gain real-world English-language skills and authentic cultural experience. Students will explore aspects of life and culture in the United States as well as important themes such as the environment, society, business, media, and technology in the local community and greater Seattle area.

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school.

■ Certificate of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of submission.

■ Students 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the Limited Power of Attorney to Make Health Care Decisions for My Minor Child form and the Attorney in Fact form.

■ Proof of English language proficiency as defined by the Office of International Education.

International Business Professions (IBP) Program

The International Business Professions (IBP) is a full-time, 12 months program that begins in the fall and spring each year.  Students design their own study and career plan that aligns with their interests by taking a wide range of college-level subjects and practical English support courses for one academic year to prepare them for an internship in their field of study.

Eligibility:

  • Students must be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old.
  • Students must meet the required English-language proficiency at the time of application. 
  • Students must be in good academic and immigration standing throughout the program to be able to apply for the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in their final term.
  • Students in Japan must apply to the IBP Program through the authorized agency at https://www.iccworld.co.jp/ibp/university/bellevue/

 

■ Completed and signed Bellevue College international student application with the non-refundable application fee.

■ Photocopy of the applicant’s passport photo page including expiration date.

■ Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school.

■ Certificate of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of submission.

■ Proof of high school completion (i.e. diploma and/or transcript).

■ Proof of English language proficiency as defined by the Office of International Education.

 

Bellevue College admits international students four times a year in the fall, winter, spring, and summer, except for the IBP program which admits fall and spring only. For more details, please go to https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/international/.

 

The Office of International Education & Global Initiatives (OIEGI)

The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (OIEGI) leads BC’s internationalization efforts. With its two arms, the Office of International Education (OIE) and the Office of Global Initiatives (GI), it actively promotes global and intercultural understanding, as well as enriches the academic and cultural environment at BC by creating and maintaining programs that encourage the exchange of cultures and ideas.

 

The Office of International Education (OIE) provides primary support for students on non-immigrant visas who plan to enroll in college-credit classes, International High School Completion (IHSC), International Business Professions (IBP), Intensive English/University Preparation (UP), non-credit Community ESL, and short-term customized programs. In addition to advising and guiding international students in the clarification of their educational and career goals, OIE helps develop individualized educational plans. OIE services include international marketing and recruitment, admissions, advising (academic, immigration, and cultural), class registration, health insurance matters, activities, and housing referrals. OIE acts as a liaison between BC international students, faculty, administrators, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For more information, call (425) 564-3185 or visit us in B144 on the main campus.

 

The Office of Global Initiatives (GI) works to instill a global perspective in our students by exposing them to other countries, cultures and languages through study abroad opportunities; Furthermore, it creates avenues and crafts opportunities for international faculty and staff development and internationalization of curriculum and fosters partnership building with institutions of higher education around the world. GI is also home to the J1 Exchange Visitor Program. The office works with College’s departments and divisions and assists them with the process of hosting J-1 exchange visitors. This program provides opportunities for foreign visitors to experience United States society and culture and engage with Americans. 

English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (within the Arts and Humanities Division) offers credit classes and noncredit training to non-native speakers of English, including international students, through the following departments and programs:

University Preparation/Intensive English as a Second Language

This 20 hour per week intensive English program prepares international students and non-native speakers to successfully enter the College-level program at BC. Both full-time and part-time studies are available. Full-time study in the program qualifies students for an F-1 student visa.

Bridge Program

Bridge Pathway is a quarterly long program college preparation program that emphasizes on development college level writing skills, critical thinking, and taking personal responsibility for learning. Students must meet the international admissions requirements including the English proficiency level defined by OIE to enter this program. There are two paths based on the student’s writing assessment:

Path 1 (15-credits):

  • Combination of a 10-credit Academic Preparation (AP) and a 5-credit English 93 
  • A recommendation from the Integrated Skills 5 instructor or placement result of the Writeplacer exam

Path 2 (18-credits):

  • Combination of a 10-credit AP, a 5-credit English 93, and a 3-credit English supplemental course

The International Business Professions (IBP) Program

The International Business Professions (IBP) is a full-time, 12 months program starts in fall and spring.  Students design their own study and career plan that aligns with their interests by taking a wide range of college-level subjects, practical English support courses for one academic year to prepare them for an internship in their field of interest. Students must meet the international admissions requirements including the English proficiency level defined by OIE to enter this program.

Learning English in Action Program (LEAP)

LEAP is open to all non-native English speakers and offers students an active, exciting opportunity to gain real-world English-language skills and authentic cultural experience. Students will explore aspects of life and culture in the United States as well as important themes such as the environment, society, business, media, and technology in the local community and greater Seattle area. LEAP provides opportunities for students to interact and collaborate with others from all over the world, volunteer, learn leadership and team-building skills, create projects about topics that inspire them and explore beautiful Bellevue, Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Community Programs

These programs offer a wide variety of English as a second language courses to adults at beginning through advanced levels each quarter. Classes are non-credits, non-graded continuing education format.

Short-Term Customized Programs

Bellevue College works with partner schools or licensed agencies to develop and deliver a short-term customized program for students wishing to enhance their general English skills and experience rich, diverse northwest culture firsthand.

 

Parent Education & Early Learning

Parent Education classes consist of child-centered early learning classes and adult-centered lectures and discussion groups. There are classes for parent and infants, toddlers and preschool, and elementary age children ranging from one-day-a-week to four-day preschools. Classes are located in cities throughout the BC district as well as on our main campus. Initial registration for each school year (September-June) begins in January with continuous registration until classes fill. Please call (425) 564-2365 or visit bellevuecollege.edu/parented for program information and to register.

Bellevue College Kids Summer Camp is for children three to five years old. It is held on the BC campus, with each one-week session offering stimulating and fun activities to keep the kids busy and learning. Registration begins each year in late March. For a flyer and registration information, call (425) 564-2365 or visit bellevuecollege.edu/parented