Comparative Low Cost
In the U.S., many students study for two years at a community college before transferring to a four-year college, saving significant money on tuition. Many students choose Gadsden State Community College because of its competitive pricing.
On-site Residence Hall
In addition to apartments near campus, students have the option to stay in an on-campus dormitory, Fowler Residence Hall, located just a short walk from the International Office and Alabama Language Institute classes, cafeteria and gym. Fowler Residence Hall features semi-private suites with one shared bath. It has space for 108 students, men and women. Fowler Hall is representative of a diverse community of residents, including students from over 20 foreign countries and athletes from around the country. Visit Fowler Hall here.
Dedicated Staff
The International Programs Office at Gadsden State Community College strives to provide opportunities to help students thrive in an intercultural environment, discover their world and form meaningful relationships. Our services are aimed at helping students succeed in an academic environment, as well as informing, advising and guiding them through a variety of immigration-related issues. The International Office staff is available to help students with paperwork, visa issues, and registration. The staff is also trained to assist students in solving logistical problems, such as finding transportation or housing and seeking appropriate medical care in the Gadsden area. Staff members are available to help students settle in when they arrive in Gadsden, including helping with airport arrivals and moving into Fowler Residence Hall.
Flexibility and Options for Non-traditional Students
If your visa does not require you to take a full course load to stay in status, you can take classes at your own pace. Because of this flexibility, Gadsden State is a good option for non-traditional students, such as older students who wish to balance school with family or career obligations.
Transfer Agreements
Gadsden State Community College does not have to be a student's final destination. GSCC offers admissions agreements with public colleges that allow qualified students to transfer their credits toward earning a bachelor's degree at a 4-year college.
Students without Borders
Students without Borders is the International Student Club that brings international students together with American students, faculty, and staff to promote international and intercultural understanding. Students without Borders was created to encourage and promote goodwill among international students, to increase awareness and appreciation of other cultures, and to provide an opportunity to develop lifelong friendships. Students without Borders recognizes, honors and learns from students who come from many countries. Activities and events include guest presenters, educational trips, leadership opportunities and social activities. Students volunteer to share their language and culture at club meetings, local civic organizations and area schools. Visit Students Without Borders here.
As the oldest English Language Institute in the Southeast U.S., the Alabama Language Institute (ALI) has a tradition of helping students improve their English in order to meet their individual goals. Whether you plan to attend college at Gadsden State Community College, apply to a 4-year university or expand your career opportunities, we are here to help you!
Experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructors
Our instructors have more than 75 years of combined teaching experience and all have earned Master’s Degrees in the field of ESL Teaching/TESOL. They have all traveled, lived and worked abroad in various international settings. While English is their first language, they all have spent time learning other languages, so they are familiar with the language-learning process from the student’s point of view.
Technology in the Classroom
Each of our ALI classrooms are equipped with a large ClearTouch screen, which allows easy access to the internet for images, video and learning apps. Having WiFi in the classroom makes learning English more interactive and fun for our students. Students also have access to our Language Lab, which houses computers equipped with language learning software.
Personalized Attention
The Alabama Language Institute offers smaller class sizes than larger schools, meaning students can find more personal attention and one-on-one time with instructors. This can be a benefit for students who like to learn at their own pace and ask plenty of questions as they go. ALI instructors are available to meet individually with students during the week, as needed. Our instructors also meet with students to advise them on classes and make sure they are on track to meet their individual goals.
English Immersion Activities
Alabama Language Institute classes meet from Monday – Thursday, and Fridays are open for cultural activities, such as barbecue cookouts, game nights and field trips. We encourage our students to take advantage of these opportunities to practice their English, interact with Americans, and learn about the culture of the local area. Some examples of trips and events include: U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama; CNN, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. We plan one major field trip each semester: Washington, D.C. (Fall) and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida (Spring).
Alabama Language Institute Goals
- To help students gain a functional command of English in order to prepare for a successful academic experience in a U.S. college or university
- To help students obtain an adequate score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- To help students improve English language skills for professionals in the workplace
- To provide a nurturing environment conducive to learning and where students can reach their full potential
- To internationalize the larger institution and promote cultural diversity of Gadsden State
- To encourage students, as citizens of the world, to respect and appreciate countries and cultures different from their own; therefore, they play a role in promoting peace and understanding in the world
Beautiful Community
International students take courses on campuses located in Gadsden, Ala., a city with a population over 35,000 people. Gadsden is located in northeast Alabama and is easily accessible to other major cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, Chattanooga and Atlanta. It is within driving distance of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains as well as the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
The area offers extensive recreational facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds and golf courses. Water skiing, boating and other water sports are enjoyed during the summer months.
Student Activities
Gadsden State’s international students participate in field trips to local areas of interest and are encouraged to attend plays, concerts, community events and athletic games. The College offers a variety of clubs, organizations, volunteer service opportunities and extracurricular activities. Each year, the Office of International Programs and Students Without Borders host the International Festival, which features a variety of cultural exhibits and performances. Visit student clubs and organizations here.