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International Student Admissions

Join a community
that believes in your success.

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Pacific Oaks College is an accredited, nonprofit institution that has been a leader in the fields of education, social work, business management, and human development for more than 60 years. Offering both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, our core values of respect, diversity, social justice, and inclusion are aligned with every aspect of our curriculum. Our mission is to help you become a culturally intelligent agent of change who can serve diverse communities in your field.

To accomplish this goal, we are offering a Diversity Scholarship to all international students enrolled at our Pasadena and San Jose campuses, as well as an Online Diversity Scholarship for students attending Pacific Oaks College from their home country.

Our approach to education allows you to share your perspective and experiences and learn just as much from your classmates as you will from textbooks. We value the unique perspectives and knowledge you bring as an international student to the classroom. Simultaneously, your education in the United States will be shaped through the experiences of your fellow classmates, many of whom are working professionals and can provide context to the subjects you are studying in your program.

Each Pacific Oaks College campus offers an inclusive learning environment where individuals of all backgrounds are welcome to network, collaborate, and support personal growth.

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Located just 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is a beautiful, vibrant city where students have access to everything they need to thrive academically and socially. The San Gabriel Valley includes the cities of San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Arcadia, and many others and provides an awe-inspiring backdrop to our culturally enriched campus where art galleries, world-class museums, and theaters are close by. With networking opportunities through established Pacific Oaks relationships, students will have the resources to garner experience in their field.

San Jose Campus building with Pacific Oaks logo on exterior

As a city that is heavily influenced by a mix of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures, San Jose is a perfect setting to experience dynamic learning that expands your worldview. Referred to as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose is home to renown tech giants such as Google, Apple, and PayPal, as well as nonprofit organizations like Breakthrough Silicon Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank. With several agency relationships Pacific Oaks has maintained throughout Northern California, students can gain experience working with surrounding communities.


Welcoming Students from Around the World

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Why Choose Pacific Oaks?

Our professors present concepts and theories that they expect all students to discuss from their perspectives. This gives international students the opportunity to hear how theories are applied in American culture and gain better insight into the philosophies and theories taught in our degree programs. Many instructors are current or previous practitioners in their field, enabling them to provide professional insights that can prepare students for their careers after graduation.

Student Resources and Systems for Support

Pacific Oaks College provides a variety of learning support systems to help students excel academically, including experienced faculty members and student advisers who are available for guidance when you need support. Our Learning Center offers writing assistance to help students express themselves in writing to meet the academic standards of U.S. classrooms. Additionally, our library provides assistance in the formatting and citation requirements of U.S. standards in academic writing and research.

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Education Based in Experience

A unique aspect of each of our degree programs is our fieldwork requirements. For our international students, this allows the benefit of observing the application of theory in American businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Our students gain experience in professional settings in local communities while using their knowledge and skills obtained in the classroom. Students also benefit from the exceptional networking opportunity our fieldwork requirements provide with local businesses and organizations.

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The Diversity Scholarship

To support your enrollment, we are providing a Diversity Scholarship to all students who hold an F-1 or J-1 visa. This scholarship can assist you in making your goal of attending college in the United States a reality. We are also providing an Online Diversity Scholarship to give you the option of attending Pacific Oaks College online from your home country.

At the time of admission, the Diversity Scholarship will be granted automatically.

Visit the scholarship page to learn more.


Our Community Culture

Pacific Oaks College student life includes engagement activities that provide learning opportunities aligned to current local and world events, as well as moments of local cultural importance, such as our Anti-Bias Education Series, Globe Talks, and various information sessions and workshops. This provides all students with an opportunity to learn more about the daily life of American students and develop a deeper comprehension of the rich diversity in thinking, beliefs, and backgrounds of our community.

International students at Pacific Oaks College have a unique opportunity to get to know American life and culture throughout their academic journey. Our small class sizes (typically 15-20 students) help international students develop personal friendships and professional networks with their American classmates that can last a lifetime.

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Program Offerings

Whether your goal is to understand human development or how to successfully lead an organization, our programs are designed to help students identify primary factors that contribute to individual growth. With community-oriented fieldwork at the core of each program, you will learn firsthand how your education can be applied in a practical setting.

Pacific Oaks College is able to sponsor students eligible for a J-1 student visa for any of our full-time on-ground programs, as well as students eligible for an F-1 or student visa for the following programs:


Benefits of Living in the U.S.

Living in the United States presents vast opportunities for networking and expanding your cultural perspectives. Our city-based campuses provide excellent connections to major businesses and nonprofit organizations for fieldwork. To prepare for your transition to the U.S., view our list of the estimated expenses for international applicants to ensure you have the account statements you will need.

Pacific Oaks has partnered with the American Homestay Network to provide housing assistance to our international students throughout their attendance. The Homestay experience is one of the best opportunities for international students to learn and adjust to U.S. culture in a safe environment. Most importantly, many students choose Homestay as it provides the opportunity to immerse in an environment where they can enhance their English language skills naturally and quickly. Visit the Homestay Network website to learn more.

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Application Process

Complete Inquiry Form

After you complete our inquiry form, an enrollment counselor will contact you to discuss your future at Pacific Oaks College. We are prepared to answer any questions you may have regarding our programs or the application and visa processes.

Submit Documentation

Review application requirements for your specific program and complete an application.

Enrollment & Next Steps

After submitting the required documentation, you must complete an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.

Upon gaining acceptance to a campus-based program, international students interested in obtaining an F-1 or J-1 student visa will be connected with our international services team regarding next steps for required documentation for requesting a visa.


Student Visa Process

Time for visa processing varies by country. To review instructions and processing times for your visa, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Expand Your Worldview. Contact Us to Learn More.

Begin your enrollment process today by filling out our request for information form. After completion, you will be contacted in the next few days by one of our Enrollment Counselors specially trained in admitting international students.

We look forward to speaking with you!

Pacific Oaks will only use this information for university communications and will not sell or give your personal details to any third party.
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