Male college president stops for impromptu conversation with a student near campus café.

International Students

International Students Information

Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you.

Are you trying to picture yourself as a college student in the USA?  Taft College may be just the place for you!

Are You Ready to Apply? 

Link to International Student Admissions and  Foreign Evaluations Info.

Picture Yourself at Taft College

  • New International Student Athlete
    Welcome and thank you for your interest in Taft College Athletics! Here are some steps to follow as a new International student athlete to make your transition easier.
     

    If you are interested in becoming a new international student athlete, and you have not contacted the Athletic Department before please do that first at 661-763-7829 to get more information about to athletics.  If you already know that you are accepted as a student athlete, complete the following steps.

    You will receive the Acceptance letter from Taft College once everything has been reviewed and approved by the DSO.

    • Pay your Sevis Fee before making an appointment for your F-1 Visa.
    • Receive I-20 form from Taft College.
    • Make your appointment to get your F-1 Visa (This does not apply to Canadian International students). You will go to either the Embassy or Consulate of your home country. (Make sure to take your passport, financial documents, Acceptance letter, and I-20 form).
    • Contact the DSO of the school to let them know of the outcome of your visit to the Embassy or Consulate.

    If you are going to be a student athlete, you will have to make an appointment to speak to the Athletic Advisor. If you are not going to be an athlete, make sure to make an appointment to meet with the counselor of the major you are going to be pursuing.

    • Register for your classes. (All international students must be enrolled in 12+ units. They cannot take less than 12 units and they cannot take no more than one online class.)
    • Pay enrollment fees

    When you arrive at Taft College

    1. Settle into your new home. You will need to unpack your belongings and get acquainted with your dorm room. The dorm rooms are not equipped with sheets (twin size), pillows, blankets, towels, or an alarm clock. You will need to bring these items with you or purchase them when you arrive. (See more information about the dorms on the website.) If you have any questions regarding your dorm room, please contact the dorm supervisor, Angelo Cutrona 661-428-4032.
    2. Fees are due at registration. After the counselor enrolls you in your classes, you will need to go to the Cahier’s Desk to pay for your classes. To obtain the required books you will need to take a copy of class schedule to the bookstore. At Taft College, we have a textbook rental program. Students do not have to purchase all the books; some are available to rent. Students simply pay for a rental fee then turn in the rental books at the end of the semester. Students will have to purchase an ASO sticker to be able to participate in the rental program the cost is $30.00. You can purchase the sticker in the Cashier’s Desk or at the bookstore.
    3. Go to the Counseling/Admissions Department see the DSO. Provide the DSO with the following documents.

    A copy of your Passport and Visa

    A copy of the I-94 form

    If you did not include your Medical insurance in your International packet, provide them with a copy of the card or benefits.

    The DSO will update your I-20 form to reflect continued status after you start your classes and sign it.

    Starting a new school in a new country can be very intimidating. Please let us know if we can offer any assistance. We are all here to help make your stay as pleasant as possible.

  • New Transfer International Student
    If you are going to be a new transfer international student to Taft College. Here are some steps for you to follow to make your transition easier.

     

    • Contact the PDSO/DSO to get more information about the requirements to attend Taft College as an international transfer student.
    • Complete the Admissions Application to obtain a student ID number that you will use on the international application and in Taft College.
    • Complete the on-line orientation.
    • Complete the International Student Application (PDF) and submit all required documents. Including the $100.00 application fee.
    • Complete the Residence Hall Application and submit it along with the $150.00 dorm deposit if you are planning to stay on campus.  If you are not planning to stay on campus you do not have to complete this step.
    • See the International Student Residence Hall Handbook (PDF).
    • Contact the PDSO/DSO to let them know you have completed the steps.
    • Contact your DSO in your current college so they can send the transfer out request for you to Taft College.
    • Request official transcripts to be sent to Taft College.
    • Receive your acceptance letter from Taft College.
    • Make a counseling appointment to speak to a Counselor to help you register for classes.
    • Pay for your classes and get your books
    • Bring in a copy of your passport and visa to the DSO to make a copy and place it in your student record.
  • Guidelines for International Students

    Information for International Students interested in attending Taft College

    Welcome and thank you for your interest in Taft College! Here are some steps to follow as a new International Student to make your transition easier.

     

    You will receive the Acceptance letter from Taft College once everything has been reviewed and approved by the DSO.

    • Pay your Sevis Fee before making an appointment for your F-1 Visa.
    • Receive I-20 form from Taft College.
    • Make your appointment to get your F-1 Visa (This does not apply to Canadian International students). You will go to either the Embassy or Consulate of your home country. (Make sure to take your passport, financial documents, Acceptance letter, and I-20 form).
    • Contact the DSO of the school to let them know of the outcome of your visit to the Embassy or Consulate.

    If you are going to be a student athlete, you will have to make an appointment to speak to the Athletic Advisor. If you are not going to be an athlete, make sure to make an appointment to meet with the counselor of the major you are going to be pursuing.

    • Register for your classes. (All international students must be enrolled in 12+ units. They cannot take less than 12 units and they cannot take no more than one online class.)
    • Pay enrollment fees

    When you arrive at Taft College

    1. Settle into your new home. You will need to unpack your belongings and get acquainted with your dorm room. The dorm rooms are not equipped with sheets (twin size), pillows, blankets, towels or an alarm clock. You will need to bring these items with you or purchase them when you arrive. (See more information about the dorms on the website.) If you have any questions regarding your dorm room, please contact the dorm supervisor, Angelo Cutrona (661) 428-4032.
    2. Fees are due at registration. After the counselor enrolls you in your classes, you will need to go to the Cahier’s Desk to pay for your classes. To obtain the required books you will need to take a copy of class schedule to the bookstore. At Taft College, we have a textbook rental program. Students do not have to purchase all the books; some are available to rent. Students simply pay for a rental fee then turn in the rental books at the end of the semester. Students will have to purchase an ASO sticker to be able to participate in the rental program the cost is $30.00. You can purchase the sticker in the Cashier’s Desk or at the bookstore.
    3. Go to the Counseling/Admissions Department see the DSO. Provide the DSO with the following documents.

    A copy of your Passport and Visa

    A copy of the I-94 form

    If you did not include your Medical insurance in your International packet, provide them with a copy of the card or benefits.

    The DSO will update your I-20 form to reflect continued status after you start your classes and sign it.

    Starting a new school in a new country can be very intimidating. Please let us know if we can offer any assistance. We are all here to help make your stay as pleasant as possible.

About Us

Taft College, a two-year community college, is nestled among rolling hills at the southern edge of the oil and agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley. Although one of the smallest campuses in the California Community College System, Taft College has diverse academic programs and a low fee structure that attracts students from many states and nations. Fully accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities, the college offers quality education, small class size, individual attention, outstanding staff, fine facilities, and a warm friendly atmosphere.

Our Community

The friendly community of Taft is small (population 20,000) but is located north of Los Angeles and just 40 minutes away from Bakersfield (population 375,000) which has a state university (California State University, Bakersfield). California beaches, mountains, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area are within a 2 hour drive. A transit system allows students easy access to bus, train, and airplane services.

Facilities

The campus includes a library, learning resource center, cafeteria, counseling center, dental hygiene clinic, child care center, and science, technical arts, vocational education, and administration buildings. Other facilities include residence halls, gymnasium, tennis courts, Associated Students Organization club house, and athletic fields.

Academics

Taft College, a two-year community college, offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science local and transfer degrees , occupational certificate programs, and preparation for transfer to four year universities.

Activities

A number of student clubs, including a scholastic honor society, are available for students. Student government, a campus newspaper, talent shows, art and photography exhibits, a song and poetry day, and athletic programs provide other outlets for students’ expression.

School Year

The college operates on a semester calendar, with the fall semester beginning in August and ending in mid-December. A month long recess precedes the spring semester which begins in January and ends in May. Summer classes are also available.

Housing

On campus housing is available on a first come, first served basis. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units and are required to participate in the food service program. The residence halls have 24-hour supervision. An application and further information is available upon request.

Fees

Application Deadline – International students should file a completed application by June 1st of each academic year. A non-refundable application fee of $100 must be included with application. For details see the International Application - Download International Application (PDF).

Next Steps

All items must be received on or before June 1st for admission into the fall term or November 1st for admission into the spring term. Download International Application (PDF).

Requirements needed to be considered for admission as an international student:

  1. A fully completed International Student (F-1 Visa) Application for Admissions with the appropriate application processing fee. Application fee is non-refundable.
  2. Completed Financial Assurance Form (included in international application) proving financial support. Applicants must be able to demonstrate access to the necessary funds to pay academic and living expenses for the duration of their studies.
  3. Official Transcripts from all secondary schools, colleges or universities attended. The transcript must be a certified English translation and must indicate academic achievement at the equivalent of at least a United States high school education (12th grade). COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY transcript evaluations need to be “Detailed or Comprehensive” by NACES® (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE® (Association of International Credential Evaluators) and include the following items: Course-by-Course Descriptions, General Statement, Grade Point Average, Lower and/or Upper Division Courses. Read the foreign evaluation information.
  4. Applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency-student must have a: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination score of 450 Written Based Test (WBT) or better; a score of 133 or better is required on the Computer Based Test (CBT); a score of 45 on the is needed on Internet Based Test (IBT).
  5. All international students whose native language is not English must be enrolled continuously in an English course until completing English 1500. International students who present English placement scores that make them eligible to enroll in English 1500 may be exempt from the continuous English course enrollment requirement.
  6. All international students must file annually a proof of freedom of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis. This must be done within four weeks of the student’s date of enrollment. Any expense incurred in obtaining this proof will be borne by the student.
  7. Each international student applicant accepted for admission will be required to show proof of health and accident insurance or purchase health and accident insurance coverage for a minimum of one year. This insurance can be purchased at the time of registration.
  8. Complete information regarding the residence halls and food service will be sent upon receipt of each application for admission if needed. The cost of the residence halls and food service is listed under the fee schedule. Download the residence hall handbook (PDF).
  9. A non-resident tuition fee will be charged for all international students enrolled. This fee is in addition to the regular enrollment fee.

Additional Information

Take a few minutes to read the information under the heading, Picture Yourself at Taft College, at the top of this page. The three bulleted selections open up to reveal a lot of in-depth information for international student applicants.

For additional information, refer to the International Student Admissions webpage.

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