International students who are motivated and mature can enroll at Whatcom Community College and earn both a Washington State high school diploma and an associate (university transfer) degree.  Students save time and money by completing two programs at once.

There are two options for international students to earn a high school diploma at WCC:

International High School Completion (IHSC)Program

Students are awarded a diploma after completion of specific course and non-course requirements.

Automatic high school diploma Students are awarded a high school diploma upon completion of an associate degree.

Pros—More transfer options to Midwest and East Coast universities.

Cons—Additional coursework and non-course requirements

Must be 16 at the start of the program.

Pros—No additional coursework or requirements.

Cons—Reduces possible transfer options.

How does the International High School Completion Program work?

  • Students request an international high school credit evaluation upon admission.
  • Students attend the high school diploma advising presentation.
  • Students complete remaining course requirements, including a ‘C’ or higher in English 101 and a college-level math class.
  • Students complete a High School & Beyond Plan with an international student advisor.

What are the requirements to be admitted?

Students should:

  • Be an international student.
  • Be 16 years old and have completed ninth grade at program start date.
  • Be strong academically—preference given to students with a 3.0 GPA or equivalent in home-country or at a U.S. high school.
  • Not have received a high school diploma or equivalent in their home-country or in the U.S.

What factors affect the completion of the IHSC diploma?

  • For non-native English speakers, a high school diploma is completed with 100 credits. Native English speakers take an additional 10 credits of World Languages.

The timeline may vary based on the following considerations:

  • Students who do not assess at college-level English or mathematics will need additional courses for completion. 
  • International high school credit evaluation.  Students will save time and money by having their international high school credits evaluated.  Upon admission to the program:
    • Contact AA Evaluation Services for international transcript evaluation.
    • Email official transcripts (in English) and other documents as needed to the evaluator.
    • Pay $100 for the evaluation.
    • After the transcript is evaluated, WCC’s graduation office will process the evaluated transcripts and give final approval for credit transfer. Credit will be given for high school completion only. Transfer-in high school credit cannot be used for associate degree completion.

Where will I live if I’m part of the program?

  • Students who are under 16 years old are required to live in a homestay
  • Students who are 17 years old are required to live in Cedar Hall
  • Students who are 18 years old or older are allowed to live in a homestay, Cedar Hall or find independent housing. 

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Students who complete an associate degree automatically receive a Washington State high school diploma. The IHSC Program is not required.