Welcome to College of the Desert and the Intensive English Academy!

Study in Beautiful Palm Springs

Located next to the famous resort town of Palm Springs, California, College of the Desert (COD) is a great place to live and study. Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, COD is only a short drive from Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland and the beautiful California beaches. Palm Springs offers students a safe environment in which to live and study.

College of the Desert is a fully accredited community college that was founded in 1958 and offers:

• Strong transfer rates to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems!
• Low TOEFL: only 32 (iBT) or 400 (paper) required for admission
• Low cost! Save money with low tuition and living expenses!
• Study English at our Intensive English Academy! Enjoy 30 hours per week of English training.
• Easy admission! Only one application is needed for English and college level study!
• Extensive services for students! Provided by International Student Office
• An ideal location for students who want a comfortable environment and easy access to the major cities and attractions in Southern California.

Transfer Opportunities

College of the Desert prepares students for successful transfer to public and private universities throughout the United States. Our counselor will help you reach your transfer goals through individualized counseling, group workshops and application assistance.

Students can choose from over 85 degree and certificate programs including Business Administration, Computer Science, Digital Design, Hotel/Restaurant Management, Early Childhood Education and many other programs in both the liberal arts and sciences.

Intensive English Academy

The Intensive English Academy (IEA) is perfect for students who are looking to improve their English before beginning college level study or students who just want to learn English in our beautiful Palm Springs location! The IEA offers 30 hours per week of instruction in English for a period of 16 weeks. 8 week programs are also available for those with only a limited time to study in America. Classes focus on grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and are TOEFL-prep based. Classes are offered from the beginning to advanced level.

Student Services

International students will find extensive services at College of the Desert and the Intensive English Academy, including academic advising, tutoring center, computer centers, transfer center, career center, health center, student activities & clubs, athletics, dining hall, bookstore and library.

Experienced staff at International Student Office offer additional services including:

• University Transfer Assistance
• Academic Counseling
• Monthly social activities
• American Host Family program
• Free airport pick up service
• Immigration Advising
• Tutoring services
• …and more!

Applying for Admissions

Application to COD and the IEA is easy! Simply submit the International Student Application and required documents listed below:

• Proof of high school graduation
• Evidence of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses
• Application fee of US $30.00
• Housing Application
• COD requires a 32 (iBT) or 400 (paper) TOEFL, 3.5 IELTS or Pre-2 Grade on the STEP test
• IEA: TOEFL is not required

Submit the required documents by the deadlines for your program:

College of the Desert: Offers two entry dates per year and deadlines are: Fall semester - July 15; Spring semester - December 15

Intensive English Academy: Offers five entry dates per year and deadlines are: Rolling admission

What Students Say About COD and the IEA:

I would recommend COD to other international students because I felt that the international student program at COD was very supportive and helpful for the student who is not used to living in the United States. - Sumire, Japan

Instructors at COD are competent academically and pedagogically. Their lectures are presented in a constructive and interesting way to address the subject. Yongcheng, China

Palm Desert is a really friendly place and all the people are really helpful and nice at COD. I really like variety of many classes at COD and the choice between day classes and night classes. - Joanna, Poland

I can tell you that I had my best time in my life studying at COD. I was able to meet people from all over the world. - Klaus, Austria

We hope to see you at College of the Desert and the Intensive English Academy!