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International Diving Students

Updated: Aug 21, 2023


Although CDI is located in the Phoenix, Arizona area, we have long been recognized throughout the U.S. and internationally as a premier school for commercial diving students. With an experienced staff and welcoming environment, CDI is the ideal place for international commercial divers to come and learn. We can help you learn everything you need to know to build a successful diving career, no matter where you are located.


The CDI Experience

CDI is the only US-owned and -operated diving school that offers daily on-site instruction by commercial divers for commercial divers. Located in Goodyear, AZ, we have all the facilities needed to learn and apply key commercial diving skills. Plus, you can enjoy the low cost of living in our area.

Our coursework teaches skills that can be applied in construction, commercial fishing, offshore drilling, marine welding, scientific research, and much more. Whether you have a specific career path in mind or just want to work around the water, the CDI experience will prepare you for a successful future.

Situated on the edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Goodyear offers easy access to entertainment such as baseball, golf, hockey, NASCAR, and more. Whether you are coming from nearby, the other side of the country, or the other side of the world, learning at CDI can be an enjoyable, affordable, and valuable experience.


Reasons to Choose CDI

We know that traveling to the U.S. to learn at CDI can be a big decision for our international students. However, we are confident that you will quickly realize that it is a smart choice for your future. These are some of the reasons to choose us:

  • The faculty is made up of experienced commercial divers. Collectively, we have over 75 years of experience in this field.

  • Our curriculum was designed by experienced divers from different walks of life. Some of our instructors are former Navy Divers, others are commercial divers, and several hold the highest possible certifications in commercial diving. In short, we know what it takes to make a career in diving.

  • We offer lifetime career placement. CDI has excellent placement rates, and we will do whatever we can to help our students find the right jobs for them in the field.

Benefits for International Commercial Divers

International commercial divers often travel to the U.S. to learn and work with some of the best instructors in the world. At CDI, we have some excellent benefits to offer our international students:

  • Flexible Entry Requirements: We don’t require any prior experience to join our program. Our only requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. We work with international students to help them get started with our program.

  • Affordable Housing: Coming to the U.S. to learn can be an expensive undertaking no matter what. Fortunately, CDI is located in an affordable area and offers student housing options.

  • Work/Study Ready: Many of our students work while attending CDI. We celebrate and encourage all of our hard-working students who work to support themselves while in our program. Plus, we have lifetime resources and great relationships with various different employers across the U.S that hire CDI students. You choose what state you want to live in and we find you the best job.

  • Financial Aid: We are approved for financial aid through various programs, including traditional, private aid. If you are a U.S. veteran coming from abroad, we are VA-approved.

Finding International Commercial Diving Jobs

At CDI, we know that students come to us so that they can find reliable careers. The great news for our international students is that commercial diving is in demand all around the world. Construction, offshore drilling, marine construction, fishing, scientific research, and many other fields rely on commercial divers to operate.

We can help you acquire the skills you need to land international commercial diving jobs. Whether you want to return to your home country, find work in the U.S., or go somewhere completely different, the skills you will learn at CDI will be applicable. Where there’s water, there’s work.

Our instructors and administrators are very familiar with careers in commercial diving. We will help you master the hard skills of diving and provide resources and guidance on getting job placements in the industry.


How to Apply

If you are applying as an international diving student, your application process will be similar to U.S. students with the added aspect of requiring a visa. You will need a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete diving physical for admission.

Once you have been admitted, you will need to apply for your visa using Form DS-160, Non-Immigrant Visa Application. This process includes a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which you will need to schedule.

If your visa is approved, you will only need to send us your documentation and tuition to be ready to get started at CDI. You will need to arrange your travel and housing in the U.S. Our staff can provide some guidance and help with making local housing arrangements.


Apply Online Today

CDI is proud to welcome international commercial divers as our students. We will help you master the skills you need to find success as a commercial diver anywhere in the world. Apply online today to get started.

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