Counseling Services
Academic and Personal Counseling
International Education Counselors provide academic and personal counseling for students on an F-1 visa and international students studying in their home country. They are available year-round and can assist students in various formats.
WINTER 2025 In-Person Counseling (Jan. 6 - 9)
The International Counseling Center offers in-person counseling Monday - Thursday. Depending on the number of students waiting, the line may close early.
- Monday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (SMC Closed - January 8)
- Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Zoom Express Counseling for F-1 Visa and Overseas International Students
Express counseling is for quick questions (for example, some prerequisite waivers, unit increase requests, or general transfer questions). Sessions can vary depending on the student's questions and concerns.
Express Counseling is not for educational planning, transcript evaluations, or immigration
questions.
You must have an SMC student ID number and a photo ID available. Before logging into the service, ensure your audio and video work correctly. If you need more than 15 minutes, submit your questions to the International Counselor.
Note: If the waiting room is full, you cannot join at that time. Please check back periodically as the room may reopen.
Meet with an academic counselor to receive assistance with:
- Course planning for continuing students
- Over units (9 in the intersession and/or up to 18 in Spring and Fall)
- Guided Self Placement questions
- Pass/No Pass; Course Repeats
WINTER 2025 Zoom Counseling
Zoom Express Counseling is available during the following times (Pacific Standard Time). We usually see the last student 30 minutes before we close our Zoom Express service.
- Monday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (SMC Closed - January 8)
- Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the F-1 Zoom Express Counseling Waiting Room
Email an International Academic Counselor
Services include:
- Reduced Course Load, Special Consideration, and other forms
- Over units (more than 9 during the intersession and/or more than 18 in Spring and Fall)
- Questions regarding requirements and completion of educational goals
- MyEdPlan review
Counselors will respond within 3 - 5 business days.