International Student Program

Yakima Valley College is a good option for international students interested in a quality education in a safe, affordable environment. Expect to improve your English and accomplish your goals. YVC offers students an opportunity to study in a dynamic learning environment with instructors dedicated to providing high-quality education. The college has student clubs and activities to help with your U.S. experience.

Why International Students come to our Program

​These are some of the reasons students come to YVC’s International Student Program Located in Yakima, Washington in the United States.

  • Smaller class sizes allow easy access to instructors and easy to make friends.
  • Much more affordable cost for school and living expenses.
  • The environment is excellent you are surrounded by clean air and rugged outdoor experiences in the nearby mountains.
  • You will have access to classes in a clean and ​modern building which are outfitted with many technology enhancements including campus Wi-Fi.
  • We provide on-campus secured housing which is very popular with our international students, which makes classes very accessible while living in a culturally diverse community.
How to apply

YVC offers a friendly International Student Program, which gives personal attention from the moment of application all the way through to transfer or graduation. We will do what we can to make the student’s time in the United States enjoyable and rewarding; however, we will challenge students to do the best they can and to succeed.

International Student Profiles

Miho Kaobayashi

Miho Kaobayashi

Country: Japan

View Bio

Nazima Deonairine

Nazima Deonairine

Country: Guyana

​​​​​​Selecting your top college in the USA is a big decision

​​The 10 things every study abroad student should consider when making a decision to attend college in Yakima, Washington, USA.

YVC has a fast and easy application process for international students wishing to attend one college. Having a smaller international student population allows us to respond to our students’ needs quickly and assist them through the application process.

With an annual enrollment of approximately 8,000 students, YVC offers many of the amenities of a larger institution such as intercollegiate athletics program, theatre productions, concerts, lectures, student life events, fitness center, and more. All while providing smaller classroom sizes that allow for one-on-one support from faculty.

No, you can save a lot of time and money, when you finish your first two years of required courses at a community college, like YVC. You are then able to transfer to a college or university and graduate with your bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you can attend one of our several on-site applied bachelor’s programs.

Yes, YVC offers on-campus housing through the Student Residence Center (SRC). The SRC provides a safe living community for students at a competitive price. The residence hall is located on the Yakima Campus and is within a short walking distance to classes, the library, and other campus and recreational facilities.

YVC’s main campus is located in Yakima, Washington and a smaller branch campus located approximately 38 miles southeast in Grandview, Washington. Yakima is located in South Central Washington, 145 miles southeast of Seattle and 190 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon.

Yakima is the largest city in Yakima County with a population of about 92,000. That makes it the 9th largest city in Washington State. For a smaller city, Yakima has all that you would expect from a larger metropolitan area with its own orchestra, theaters, museum, art scene, outdoor events, and large scale annual festivals. The city provides you with exciting authentic cuisine, coffee shops and there is no shortage of shopping. Here you will not get the headaches that come with big city life such as travel and parking problems, congestion, pollution, and inflated cost of living expenses.

With more than forty commercial crops grown here, the Yakima Valley has the largest variety of fresh grown produce in the Pacific Northwest. The Yakima Valley is also home to over 120 wineries and five American Viticulture Areas (AVA’s). We proudly produce over half of Washington State’s wine grapes, and support a huge number of winemakers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Yakima Valley is often described as a semi-arid desert. Yakima regularly boasts about its 300 days of sunshine each year and 4 distinct seasons. Daytime temperatures in the spring are usually in the 60s and 70s, and some rain is likely to fall. Summers are dry with temperatures ranging from the mid 80s to mid 90s during the day, although the thermometer can reach above 100 degrees a few times each year. The fall comes with highs between 50 and 60 degrees, but it can cool off into the 30s and 40s at night. Winter temperatures are usually in the 20s and 30s and snow is common. Overall, Yakima’s climate is mild and mostly dry, with the area averaging only about 8 inches of precipitation each year.

YVC offers small class sizes, with a typical class ranging in size from 10-35 students.  The small class size adds a tremendous amount of value, allowing you to connect with other students and while providing one-on-one time with instructors.

As a small community, Yakima is often described as having a “hometown feel”. Both on campus and off diversity is celebrated and we strive to provide a safe and friendly environment for our international students.

One of the most important factors to consider when reviewing international study abroad programs is the cost. We offer a quality education at a lower cost than many colleges or universities. At YVC you can complete your first two 2 years of required college credits, then apply and transfer to some of the best colleges and universities in the US to complete your degree.​

Taste your way through wine country. Pick up some brewing tips from our hop growers. Ski, mountain bike, and golf, all in the same day. Hand pick your own fruits and vegetables. No matter how you decide to explore the Yakima Valley, you’re bound to find a pleasant mix of perfect weather, delightful craft beverages, farm fresh produce and outdoor adventure. Be careful though; the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave! Learn more: www.visityakima.com.

YVC offers over 55 degrees and 100 certificates for undergraduates including four bachelor of applied science degrees. With our diverse offerings, there is something for everyone.

About Yakima Valley College

Yakima Valley College (YVC) was founded in 1928.  YVC offers international students a friendly, quality education at an affordable price.  International students will be provided with personal attention from faculty and staff from the moment of admissions all the way through transfer or graduation.

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There are many things to consider when selecting your international student program in the United States.​ Discover more about your opportunity to attend a College in the USA today!​

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Why YVC?

The 10 things study abroad student should consider and ask.

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