About IAC

What makes InterAmerican College (IAC) unique are its students, staff, and faculty. The demographic characteristics of the student body provide a profile of a dynamic and diverse institution that reflects the local community. While numbers cannot explain the heart and soul of a college, they do reflect much about the flesh and bones of the institution. IAC recruits and prepares adults from the local community to provide needed bilingual bicultural services in both education and health care.

STUDENTS

Students define IAC character and spirit. Since we first opened our doors with twelve working adult students in 1998, more than 400 students have attended IAC either full-time or part-time.
Our first undergraduates and credential students are very special to the success of college. They risked their educational future on a new, small college with an unusual mission. Without these risk takers, IAC would not be an Institution of Higher Education. With WASC granting IAC Candidacy Status of Accreditation and with the approval of Financial Aid for our students, the college can provide access to a greater number of students.

The goal of IAC is to provide schools and hospitals with bilingual bicultural personnel. During the first eight years, IAC focused on preparing elementary and high school teachers. With the urgent need for bilingual bicultural teachers, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing granted IAC Initial Accreditation and approved the Liberal Studies program and the multiple and single subject the credential preparation programs. With the dedication of our college instructor to meeting CTC standards in their courses, IAC's students have a high percent passing rate on California Subject Examination Test (CSET). Graduates are quickly employed welcomed in school districts as No Child Left Behind Qualified.

The undergraduate program in Liberal Studies enrolls adult students who are just beginning their college program and others who are transferring in from local community colleges. Since many have worked as para-professionals in classrooms, they declare teaching as their career goal. Others because of economic and personal responsibilities have scheduled their courses over a long period of time. The evening classes and one-month model accommodates their work and family responsibilities. They are able to complete their degree in record time.

A unique segment of the IAC's undergraduates are classified as Pasantes. Pasante is a term used in Latin American universities for students who did not complete their college program. IAC developed a special program under the title of Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies. This provides a fast track for educated immigrants to find work in professional careers. It could be in their own field or in teaching or health care.

Educated immigrants: Other immigrants professionals, who completed their college degree, only need to validate their transcripts. IAC advisors provide them with orientation into the US educational and professional system. They are able to enter professional careers that reflect their academic level.

DIVERSITY

The one characteristic that makes IAC unique among other local colleges is the diversity of our students and faculty. What surprises even the casual visitor is cultural and linguistic diversity in our students. This is partially the result of design and partially the result of changing demographics of Southern California.

FAMILIA

Students, staff and instructors create an environment in which cultural and linguistic diversity is the norm. The IAC familia values those who can effectively communicate in two or more languages. IAC has created a "familia" spirit. As returning adults, IAC students understand the stress of meeting work and family responsibilities while meeting class deadlines and preparing for exams. They are there to help each other, to encourage one another, and to ensure that everyone is respected for their culture and their language proficiency. This spirit reduces the "affective filter" and allows students to learn in a safe and accepting environment.