The International High School Completion (IHSC) Program allows international students who are motivated and mature to enroll at Whatcom Community College and earn both a Washington State high school diploma and an associate (university transfer) degree at the same time. IHSC program students save time and money by completing two programs at once.

How does the International High School Completion Program work?

There are two requirements for completing the Washington high school diploma:

• Students will develop a High School & Beyond Plan with an international student advisor after they attend the presentation, Getting Your High School Diploma.
• Students will complete required classes with guidance from an international student advisor.  A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for English 101 and a college-level math and science class.

How long does it take to complete the IHSC program?

An associate degree is completed with 90 credits, which most students complete in two years.

• 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 associate degree and high school diploma require almost the same exact classes.
• Most students can complete an associate degree and a high school diploma in about two years and three months;  one additional quarter (three months) from completing only the associate degree
• Students who do not have college-level English will need ESL classes before starting the IHSC program 

What are the requirements to be admitted?

Students must:

• be 16 years old or older upon the start of studies.
• be an international student (entering the US on a student visa).
• have completed at least 10^th grade (or equivalent in home country or at a US high school.)  
• have a 3.0 cumulative GPA (or equivalent in home country or at a US high school.)
• have not already received a high school diploma or equivalent in their home country or in the US.

Who enrolls in IHSC?

• Students who want to begin their college study in the US before graduating from high school.
• Hard-working, mature students who are academically and emotionally prepared for college.

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.