Welcome to Moraine Valley, near Chicago

Moraine Valley Community College welcomes international students to our friendly campus. Moraine Valley is an accredited, full-service community college located just 30 minutes from the spectacular city center of Chicago, the third largest city in the U.S. Over 17,000 students and more than 300 international students from 50 countries are enrolled at Moraine Valley, the second largest community college in the state of Illinois. Our comprehensive campus facilities in a green and peaceful suburban setting provides international students with a great environment to focus on academic success, while enjoying close proximity to a major US city and the business, culture, education and recreation opportunities offered in beautiful downtown Chicago. Moraine Valley was founded in 1967 and has a tradition of meeting the diverse needs of students. Moraine Valley is one of the nation’s leading community colleges.

Academic Programs

Moraine Valley offers comprehensive academic programs. The University Transfer Degree Program and Career Degree Programs provide students the opportunity to begin hundreds of careers and academic majors.

• Associate in Arts Degree University Transfer Associate Degree for B.A.
• Associate in Science Degree University Transfer Associate Degree for B.S.
• Associate in Applied Science Career Programs (over 80 areas of study)
• Intensive English Language Program (Beginning through Advanced)

Business, biology, computer science, engineering, finance, fine arts, psychology, pre-med, and all academic majors can begin in the University Transfer Program and be prepared for successful transfer to year three at the university. Career programs include travel business, child care, computer animation, graphic art, restaurant and hotel management and a variety of computer, business and health science areas.

Moraine Valley’s faculty are dedicated to student success. Small class sizes are guaranteed, and are an important advantage for international students, whose first language is not English. Students get personal attention from faculty. Free tutoring, the Academic Skills Center, and other support services help international students succeed.

Intensive English Language Program

If students need to improve English skills, the IELP provides students the bridge to enter degree programs as quickly as possible.

• No TOEFL required; placement test upon arrival
• Three levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced
• English tutoring and language laboratory
• Speech, grammar, writing, and reading
• Direct admission to degree programs

Students in advanced level of the IELP are allowed to take regular academic courses while studying English.

Excellent University Transfer Services

Moraine Valley’s Academic Advising Center assists students with every aspect of university transfer, including helping to decide an academic major, choosing a transfer university, and applying and gaining admission to universities of choice. Each year, the college sponsors a university fair, with over 300 colleges and universities on campus. It’s also easy to visit more than 100 colleges and universities located in the Chicago region.

International Student Services

The International Student Affairs Office staff are sensitive and trained to provide personal attention for international students' special needs. We help students feel comfortable and adjust to the new culture. Our year-round services include:

• Airport Arrival Service
• International Student Orientation Week
• Host Home Program and Housing Assistance
• Academic Advising and Cross Cultural Counseling
• Workshops on Special Topics
• Social, Cultural Activities, Trips, Parties and Events

Location and Facilities

Moraine Valley is located just 20 km from the city center of Chicago, a beautiful big city with a spectacular skyline and miles of public parks along Lake Michigan. The campus is in a suburban area, with 12 buildings and 294-acres of land surrounded by nature. Public buses come directly to the campus. Campus facilities include

• Athletics Fields, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Tennis Courts
• Bookstore and Internet Cafe
• Center for Contemporary Technology
• Counseling, Career Development and Job Resource Center
• Fine and Performing Arts Center, Theatres, Music Rooms
• Full-Service Cafeteria, Gymnasium, Health Fitness Center, Jogging Path
• Library and Tutoring Center

Housing Services

Our International Student Housing Specialist provides personal attention and service for student housing needs. Moraine Valley’s Host Home Program provide a private bedroom and two meals per day, with comfortable living arrangements and an atmosphere that helps students practice and improve English speaking skills. Hundreds of apartments are also available in the local area, and we assist students to make an apartment choice and move in, if that is their preferred living arrangement.

Technology at Moraine Valley

Our highly skilled faculty and IT department make Moraine Valley a leader in computer-related technology. Computer networking, LAN, Internet security, Cisco training and other programs enable students to gain exceptional computer skills. Our classrooms are high tech, and of course, students enjoy wireless internet throughout the campus, and we offer hundreds of computers for student use.

Reasonable Tuition Cost

Students who attend Moraine Valley can save thousands of dollars compared to a typical university during the first two years. The basic minimum expenses are estimated at:

• Tuition and Fees $6,925
• Room and Board $5,400
• Books and Supplies $600
• Transportation $540
• Medical Insurance $975
• Personal Expenses $1,800
• Total $16,240

International Admissions

International students are admitted in August, January and June. To apply, submit the completed international application form available on our website at www.morainevalley.edu/international), financial proof/bank letter, official high school completion document, and $25 application fee.