International General Information

Big Bend Community College (BBCC) welcomes applications for admission from international students who wish to pursue a quality educational experience in the United States. Below you will find important information about applying to BBCC.

You are required to have a minimum of $22,551 US dollars for one academic year (September to June). If you are admitted to the Commercial Pilot Program you will be required to have approximately an additional $19,000.00 for one academic year. We do not have financial aid available to first-year international students in the form of scholarships, grants or loans. Returning second-year international students may apply for some scholarships based on the specific scholarship requirements.

You must submit the following documents in English to the BBCC Admissions Office:

1. A completed State of Washington Community College Admission form.
2. A legible copy of government-issued photo identification or passport.
3. An official copy of your high school and/or college academic records. (International students must complete high school equivalent before admittance to BBCC.)
4. An official copy of your English test results:
   1. TOEFL minimum score of 48 (internet test – a minimum of 12 on each section of the exam) or 450 (paper test), OR
   2. A minimum IELTS score of 4 on every band.
5. A completed Declaration and Certification of Finances form, with required documents.

All documents must be received at least 60 days prior to the beginning of classes. Test scores and official school records or documents must be original paper forms or certified copies and must be mailed to:

Admissions Office
Big Bend Community College
7662 Chanute Street NE
Moses Lake WA 98837 USA

After the above requirements have been met, we will issue your I-20. Once the I-20 is received, you must apply for your student visa at the United States Embassy or Consulate closest to your home. Your passport, bank statement or sponsorship papers and proof of payment of the SEVIS fee (I-901) of $200.00 will be required. Students may go to the following website for more information regarding the SEVIS fee: www.ice.gov/sevis. A $50 tuition deposit is due as soon as you receive your F-1 student visa. Tuition and fees are due after you register.

If you are currently attending another school in the U.S on an F-1 visa, you will be accepted as a transfer student if you meet our qualifications. You will receive an admission letter, which should be submitted to the International Student office at your current school. If you are eligible to transfer, that school will transfer your SEVIS records to Big Bend Community College. We will then issue a new I-20, showing your transfer to BBCC.

You must live in a Big Bend Community College dormitory during your first quarter of attendance. Please complete and return the application and contract form found on the Residence Halls webpage. with the required deposit as soon as you receive your I-20 form. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Vice President of Student Services.

When you arrive at BBCC, you should report to the Admissions office in the 1400 Building to receive your I-20 showing actual attendance. You must make an appointment to meet with our International Student advisor as soon as possible. You will be required to take placement tests in mathematics and English. International students may be required to enroll in developmental English or mathematics courses until they are prepared for college-level courses. Big Bend Community College does not offer ESL classes for international students. You must be prepared to succeed in college-level courses given in American English.

International students are encouraged to have medical insurance. Insurance information is available from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Big Bend Community College is in Grant County.

For additional information about International Programs at BBCC, please email kerrif@bigbend.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Big Bend Community College is a regionally accredited, two-year public community college in Washington State, offering:

• Academic Degree Programs
  • Associate in Arts & Science Transfer Degrees
  • Associate in Science Transfer Degrees
• Professional Technical Programs
  • Associate in Applied Science Degrees

Whatever your educational or career goals may be, BBCC can assist you in realizing success. Each year BBCC serves more than 5,000 students in academic, professional/technical, continuing education courses, and basic skills training.

BBCC has a direct transfer agreement with Washington state colleges and universities. BBCC hosts representatives from several four-year institutions on its campus.

BBCC works closely with local business and industry to align curriculum to current industry needs and trains students for advancement in the workplace.

During the college experience, BBCC provides new student orientation, personal academic advising, tutoring, transfer assistance, counseling, student activities, residence hall activities, and much more.

To see all of the programs and degrees at Big Bend, see the Programs & Degrees page.

Estimate of Student Expenses for Academic Year  2020-21

See Dates of Instruction here. Other expenses if required:  Aviation Flight Lab Fees; Mechanics tools; $200 damage deposit for residence room.  These figures are subject to change and are estimates only.  (Tuition is based on 12 credits per quarter.)  Your expenses will vary, depending on individual choices for meals, living expenses, and books.  Travel costs are not included.  You are strongly encouraged to purchase medical insurance.  These figures are intended to be a realistic estimate of total costs.  The amount shown above in the admissions information is the minimum required for admission.

Spend time supporting the BBCC athletic teams! BBCC sponsors five intercollegiate sports: volleyball, basketball and softball for women, and basketball and baseball for men.

Moses Lake Museum and Art Center: www.mlrec.com/museum.html

Moses Lake Aquatic Center: www.mlrec.com/aquatic_center.html

Soap Lake, WA (30 minutes): http://www.soaplakeforlocals.com/

Gorge in George Amphitheatre, WA (30 minutes): http://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/

Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA (2 hours): www.leavenworth.org

Grand Coulee Dam and laser light show (2 hours): http://www.grandcouleedam.org/

Spokane, WA, 2nd largest city in state (1.5 hours): www.visitspokane.com

Seattle, WA, largest city in state (3 hours): www.seattle.gov/html/visitor