International Education

Office of International Education

Illinois Valley Community College recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the interdependence of people and nations in today's world. The college therefore provides students with a variety of courses that contribute to an understanding of the relationships between other nations' cultural, economic, and political systems and our own. The college also participates in international study programs where students reside and study in another country for an extended period. The college also invites students from other countries to seek admission to our college.

Resident International Study Program

Illinois Valley Community College is a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs which consists of Illinois community colleges and Illinois state universities. The consortium has semester long study abroad opportunities in Canterbury, England; Salisbury, Austria and summer programs in Australia, France and Costa Rica.  Students at IVCC may participate in resident study abroad programs during fall and spring and summer semesters. The curriculum emphasis is on courses in art, world languages, history, humanities, literature and music with additional subject areas offered as appropriate. All courses may be used to fulfill graduation requirements or as electives for the transfer degree. Illinois Valley Community College offers other residential international study opportunities, work-study and volunteer experiences through its membership in the Council for International Educational Exchange.

Studying abroad offers students a unique opportunity to experience another culture firsthand while earning credit towards a degree.  The programs are affordable, fun and educational.  Qualifications for admission to most international study programs include completion of 15 hours of college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and two letters of reference.

For further information, contact International Education Coordinator, Amanda Bigelow by email at amanda_bigelow@ivcc.edu or Study Abroad Coordinator, Steve Alvin at steve_alvin@ivcc.edu.