About Valencia College and About Orlando
About Valencia College
Valencia was named the best two-year college in the United States as the winner of the 2012 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. It has one of the highest graduation rates in the country and provides guaranteed transfer to a four-year Florida state university, including the University of Central Florida.
Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, complete a career program, or simply improve your English, Valencia has the solution for you. With over 100 degree programs to choose from, and an Intensive English Program, Valencia will provide you with an excellent educational experience. Our international student services team will support your needs with advising, workshops, programming opportunities, and a chance to meet new friends.
- Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Top rated honors program - James and Dayle L. Seneff Honors College
- Small class sizes and dedicated faculty
- Comprehensive Intensive English Program - accepts all levels of English
- Affordable tuition - 40% less than at a state university
- Academic support, including libraries, labs, writing center and tutoring
- Dedicated international student advisors and counselors
- More than 60 nations represented within Valencia's student body
About Orlando, Florida USA
Ever changing and growing, Orlando possesses many diverse features that seamlessly mesh in one ideal destination. Theme parks and first-rate tourist attractions stand alongside a wide array of cultural venues, promising something for everyone. Orlando is known as "The City Beautiful." Lush landscaping and pristine natural areas are accompanied by more than 300 lakes and rivers, wildlife-filled preserves and parks, and well-manicured public spaces and gardens. Dining options are plentiful as well, and restaurants range from casual to upscale, economical to pricey, and fast food to gourmet.
Location
Orange County is the region's most populous county and includes the city of Orlando as well as 12 other incorporated cities. The county sits in the approximate center of the state, midway between Jacksonville and Miami. The St. Petersburg-Tampa area on the Gulf of Mexico and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Ocean are easy drives. Two of the state's major highways, Interstate 4 (east-west) and the Florida Turnpike (north-south), intersect just outside Orlando.
Education and Business
Orange County is home to the second largest university in the nation (one of the top research universities), one of the top ten research parks in the country, one of only two National Entrepreneur Centers, a world-class international airport, and an all new Medical City which includes the UCF College of Medicine that opened in 2009. Metro Orlando has become a hub for corporate divisions, association and U.S. operations headquarters, and has a strong international presence. In addition to Mitsubishi and Siemens divisions, there are over 120 other foreign-based companies in Orlando.
Demographics
The greater Orlando area has a population of just over two million residents. Two-thirds of our residents are under the age of 44, and nearly one- third have obtained a college degree. People from all backgrounds and walks of life call Orlando home.
Weather
The weather in Orlando can be cold in the winter (low 30 degrees) to hot in the summer (high 95 degrees). The coldest months are usually December through February, but temperatures average about 50 degrees. Humidity can still be high in the winter months, but rainfall is at a minimum. The summer brings lots of rain, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Weather can be very unpredictable during the summer, so always carry an umbrella! Ironically, you should also always carry a sweater or jacket because classrooms can be very cold due to the air conditioning.
June through December is the official hurricane season, but September is the peak time for hurricanes in Florida. While they do not hit every year, you should be aware that there is always the possibility of a hurricane and know how to prepare.
Another thing to keep in mind is allergy season. Pollen counts can get very high in Orlando, so watch the Allergy Alerts if needed.