San Mateo colleges in Silicon Valley offer students a strong base for career opportunities, particularly in tech-related fields, due to their location within the heart of the tech industry. The region's thriving job market, coupled with the colleges' focus on relevant programs, provides graduates with access to internships, networking, and potential employment in major companies like Google, Apple, Salesforce, and more. 

Tech Industry Focus:
Silicon Valley is a global hub for technology, with a high concentration of tech companies and a strong demand for skilled workers in areas like software development and computer science. 
College Programs:
San Mateo colleges, including Skyline College and College of San Mateo, offer programs that align with Silicon Valley's industry needs, including computer science, engineering, and business. 
Networking and Internships:
Students can leverage their location to secure internships and networking opportunities with local companies, building valuable experience and connections. 
Job Market:
The tech industry in Silicon Valley is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, creating a competitive but rewarding job market for graduates. 
Specific Examples:
Skyline College offers programs like International Trade and various Biotech and Engineering transfer programs. 
College of San Mateo has a strong focus on preparing students for careers in the tech industry, including a new Jobspeaker platform for students and employers to connect. 

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Students who are under 18 years old without a high school diploma can still apply if they meet one of these requirements:

Students who wish to enter our colleges by completing the Cambridge O Levels or the IGCSE must successfully complete at least 5 courses with grades of C/4 or better. We will not accept students who take these as independent or private candidates. We must see the examination results before we can admit students, but we will accept preliminary results. Once the official results are available the student must submit those to the International Program Office at respective colleges. 

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum qualifying score on the iBT TOEFL is 56 (iBT is Internet-based TOEFL). A minimum qualifying score on the paper TOEFL is 480, with no sectional scores below 48
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: A minimum qualifying level of Band 5.5.
• Duolingo English Test: A minimum qualifying level of DET 85.