A College That Cares
Valencia College won the 2012 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the best two-year college in the United States. We were named the best because we provide a quality education and help students reach their goals. We have one of the highest graduation rates in the country and provide guaranteed transfer to a state university.
Valencia College is a more affordable place to start your U.S. education. We provide the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, but our tuition costs 40 percent less than a state university’s. We also have great professors and advisors, small class sizes, and plenty of support resources to help you succeed.
With more than 175 countries represented on our campuses, Valencia College welcomes students from all over the world. And, wherever you come from, we’ll help you have a successful U.S. college experience.
Valencia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Steven Sobel, International Education Week 2018 - "We Are One"
Life in Orlando
Year-round sunshine, local theme parks, and nearby beaches have made Orlando a leading vacation destination. But more importantly, it’s a great place to live and study. Here’s why:
- Orlando is culturally diverse, with a high immigrant population. In 2008, Forbes magazine named Orlando #5 in a list of “America’s newest immigrant capitals.”
- Orlando is rising as a national leader in healthcare and biotechnology with the rapidly growing Medical City, which includes the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, MD Anderson Orlando Cancer Research Institute, Nemours Children’s Hospital and the University of Florida Research Center.
- Downtown Orlando features unique art venues and a thriving music scene. Also, Orlando is an internationally renowned shopping and dining destination, with more than 5,000 restaurants.
- For sports fans, Orlando is home to the UCF Knights college football team, the Orlando Magic basketball team, the Orlando City soccer team and baseball spring training for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.
- The weather in Central Florida is mild, with an average annual temperature of 72.4F/22.4Cdegrees.
- Metro Orlando is one of the nation’s fastest-growing high-tech regions and has long been recognized as a leading center for modeling, simulation, and training, with more than 100 companies in that area, including Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
- Known as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is home to lush landscaping and pristine natural areas, including more than 300 lakes and rivers.
We Support International Students
At Valencia College, we value our international students and strive to create an environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. In addition to being assigned to an advisor who can help you every step of the way throughout your college career, you can also take advantage of our other services.
Support Services
- International advisors to assist with the admission process, immigration, academic and personal advising for F-1 and J-1 students.
- Orientation session exclusively for international students.
- Academic support, including libraries, labs, writing center and tutoring.
- Free Wi-Fi, computer labs, email account, and IT support.
- DirectConnect to UCF – a program that provides guaranteed admission and a smooth transition to the University of Central Florida.
Make the Most of Your College Experience
From academics to getting involved on campus, Valencia College provides plenty of opportunities to maximize your time here.
International Education Week - Food and Dance Festival 2017
Top Degree Programs
Valencia College offers more than 60 programs of study. The most popular programs among our international students are those in business, engineering, and arts and entertainment. These programs provide hands-on experience and are taught by industry professionals.
Honors College
The James M. and Dayle L. Seneff Honors College provides a challenging and in-depth course of study, as well as an emphasis on learning outside of the classroom. Choose from three different tracks: Interdisciplinary Studies, Leadership or Undergraduate Research.
Campus Events and Activities
From film festivals to music and dance concerts, plays, guest speakers and cultural events like the Brazilian Film Festival and International Education Week, there’s always something happening on Valencia College campuses. The biggest student event is Spirit Day, a festival held each fall. A long-standing tradition, this fun-filled event features music, food, games, and contests.
Steven Sobel, International Education Week 2018 - "We Are One"
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are plenty of ways to get involved on campus and meet new people at Valencia College. There are more than 60 student groups, clubs, and organizations, including clubs for movie, book, art and animal lovers, career interest groups, student government, Valencia Volunteers and intramural sports.
Student Clubs and Organizations with a Global Perspective
- Amnesty International
- Caribbean Student Association
- Muslim Student Association
- Valencia International Club
- Model United Nations
- American Arab Culture Club
- Haitian Student Association
- Valencia Intercultural Student Association
- Latin American Student Organization
- Peace and Justice Society
Programs taught in:
- English