Orientation and Guidance Program
International students participate in one week orientation course on the Foothill campus before the start of the students' first quarter. During this course, each student gets to know the international programs staff, who conduct a comprehensive orientation covering issues ranging from personal adjustment to registration for Foothill classes. Many times, friendships develop during this week that provide students with support during their entire time at Foothill. Attendance is required.
In the first quarter, you will also enroll in a counseling course required of all students at Foothill College. The counseling staff will provide basic information about Foothill services and programs, and requirements for associate and bachelor’s degrees, general-education and specific majors. Orientation topics may also include time-management techniques, study skills, selecting a major, and other college success factors.
During orientation you also will be tested for English and Math proficiency in order to properly place you in the appropriate classes. New students must be on the campus at least 3-4 weeks prior to the start of classes to attend a mandatory orientation that includes placement testing, counseling, and registration in classes.
Housing
Foothill College does not have on-campus dormitories. Many students live independently in nearby apartments. The International Programs office provides students with a list of local apartments at orientation. Foothill College also works with International Student Placements (ISP), which places international students in Host Families. Homestay placements are made following a screening process of potential hosts. If you are interested in more information or an application, please go to the ISP website at: www.isphomestays.com or contact ISP, Jean Ikeda, at email: info@isphomestays.com, telephone: 650-947-8879, or fax: 650-969-9857.
Airport Transportation
Airport pickup transportation can also be arranged by ISP Homestays.
English as a Second Language Program
Please see our section on ESL classes.
Tutorial Center
A peer tutorial program offers individual tutoring for all courses taught on the campus. The Tutorial Center provides individual learning assistance for Foothill College students. Student tutors are available for a large number of subjects, and all tutors are faculty recommended and trained. Most services are free of charge, but please check with individual programs.
Math Center
Foothill also has a separate Math Center. It is an inviting and comfortable place for students to learn mathematics. Center staff provide a nurturing environment designed to help students who are either working on assigned homework or asking questions about unfamiliar math concepts. The Math Center helps students develop a better understanding of mathematics through one-on-one tutoring with instructional associates and faculty. We encourage students to be independent and work on their assignments as much as possible by themselves or with other students before requesting staff assistance. This enables students to have a better idea of exactly which elements of an assignment are the most confusing.
Health Services
Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory and will be collected quarterly with the student's registration. A health center is located on campus and is open to all international students for medical consultations and help.
Transfer Center
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college, the Transfer Center can help with transfer information, university applications, and essay writing. The center offers workshops throughout the year.
Throughout the year, the center hosts representatives from the nine University of California campuses, the 22 California State University campuses, and numerous private colleges and universities. The resource library includes current catalogs for U.S. universities.
Additional Campus Facilities
Students have access to a 350-terminal Computer Lab using Tandem TXP Nonstop, IBM, Silicon Graphics, Convergent, Sun, and Macintosh systems. Other special facilities include the Business Office Technology Center, the Sabre Travel Career Lab, Language/Academic Skills, and computer-assisted tutorial labs for writing, math, and science. Special sports facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, five gymnasiums, a football stadium, parcourse, Nautilus fitness center, Athletic Treatment Center, and an all-weather track. Two theatres, Appreciation Hall, and music studios accommodate dramatic, dance, and musical performances. The library is fully automated, featuring on-line access to its 90,000 volumes and 500 journal subscriptions.
