Welcome to GWC!

Located in the coastal community of Huntington Beach, in Southern California, Golden West College is part of the California Community College system and was founded in 1965. On 120 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, GWC serves 13,000 students and is considered a medium-size, two-year college. GWC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Celebrating 45 years of academic excellence, GWC offers...

• An Associate in Arts degree
• A University transfer program - Save money on the first two years of your Bachelor's degree. Transfer to the University of California, California State University, and other prestigious four-year universities
• Short-term certificates in over 60 career programs including: Automotive Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Design, Digital Media, and much more.
• A high-tech Tutoring and Writing Center to improve your English skills
• A Safe, friendly, multicultural community - Huntington Beach is ranked among the top 10 safest cities by the City Crime Rankings

International Focus

The International Student Program provides you with a full-service office, individualized counseling and guidance by providing:

• Experienced International Education professionals
• Specialized academic, immigration and personal counseling
• International Student Club and activities
• American Host Family Program
• Free Airport Pick-up

Such expertise and support underscores the College's commitment to international student success.

Admission to GWC

Admissions requirements include:

• completed application
• evidence of financial support to cover all costs for living expenses, tuition, books, and health insurance
• official high school transcripts with certified English translations (All College and ESL transcripts are also required.)
• minimum TOEFL score of 500 (173 CBT/61 IBT) OR evidence of equivalency with prior English coursework OR acceptable score on the GWC placement test. GWC also accepts the Pre-first Grade Level on the STEP test, and a score of 5.0 on the IELTS.
• non-refundable application fee of $30.00
• two recent passport-size photographs

GWC schedules a Fall semester (late August through Mid-December); a Spring semester (late-January through late-May) and a Summer session (early-June through early-August). The deadline for Fall semester: July 15; for Spring semester: December 15; for Summer term: April 25.

What international students are saying about GWC

"When I am involved in the International Student Club, I feel more confident and open-minded. The staff is very close and friendly. They are always pleased to help me to understand when I have a question. I really appreciate that!" ~Thu Pham, Vietnam

"There have been times when I have a burning question, but I don't panic because I always know that the International Student Program staff will have an answer for me." ~Lusayo Munde, Zambia

"My experience at GWC was wonderful. I experienced a diverse student body, impressive faculty, and the academic environment was always friendly and helpful." ~Jefery Kusnadi, Indonesia

"Attending GWC was inexpensive and easy-going with nice homestay at reasonable prices." ~Jiyeoung Jun, South Korea

"I am absolutely satisfied with the ISP services. I thank the staff for all the good work and advice they provide us." ~Sofian Amir Hassen, Tunisia

To request your free viewbook and application, please contact us.