Attending Community College after 40

[Anonymous]

We came from Europe to live here for 5 years, for my husbands work.
I am 41 and have two kids in elementary school.

I received a brochure from Northern Virginia Community College, and I thought it might be a good idea to do Environmental Science.
My background: I used to work as a consultant on corporate-community projects, on issues related to environment, community impact, etc. I have a degree in Economics and then I did a masters on Corporate Social Responsibility. But I find that I lack some science background, so I thought this course would help me.

I know very little about colleges here.
My questions:
- Is this a good college?
- I would be attending the Annandale campus - any references, good or bad?
- anybody heard of the Environmental Science course?
- what demographics am I likely to find, will I be the oldest? Are there many other people?
- Apparently I won't be able to benefit from the Virginia state tuition fees. I am trying to find out how much should I expect to pay, but if anybody has any ideas?

I am not native English, but English is now my first language, I have done a masters degree in English and worked in English for 20 years. Most of my friends are English speakers. I think I have a nearly-native level, with an accent when I speak. Am I trying to convince them to skip the prerequisite of an English course (ENG111), how likely is it that they agree?

Thank you for reading and for constructive comments.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Please forget my question about the fees. I found the answer. http://www.nvcc.edu/schedule/crs2144/tuition/tuitionandfees.html

[Anonymous]

Hi. I have friends from Europe. You are quite educated. Community college classes will be dumbed down and frankly will be beneath you. not trying to make community college grads feel bad.... It's fine if it is just for fun, but I'd spend your time researching and reading other publications if you are serious about it.
If you want a career in the field I would take classes at a university. in the us, community college is not a place to train or learn about environmental science to prepare for a career. I hope that makes sense. my sister actually works in the field.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP.
Even if I am educated int he general sense, I feel I know nothing about the topic ...
I think if I try to go to a university there will be some science prerequisites that I won't have.

In any case are you able to recommend a university nearby, in NoVa?

[Anonymous]

I have done plenty of classes at NOVA as an adult over 30. Basic intro classes are just that- basic intro classes. They are cost effective and give you the credits you need. You can also do courses online. The other students were not a problem but the instructors were a pain. They are used to dealing with young kids not mature working adults so they were inflexible on policies and that drove me nuts.

You can also take classes over at George Mason University. You can audit or take a few classes for credit. It's more expensive but definitely a different experience.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP ... will look at George Mason.

[Anonymous]

I was 42 when I started at NOVA. Finished the two years then transferred to George Mason. I loved being an older student and did well. Most of the students seemed to be students with English as their second language. I learned a lot. It's much cheaper than even GMU. I took classes at both the Annandale and Loudoun campuses. I highly recommend it. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP, many people on these boards look down on those who attend community college. Ignore them. NVCC has a good reputation. Good luck to you!