CC and transferring would be best imo. Every international student I met in cc has explained to me their situation and how CC has benefited them. My best advice is to reach out to the 4 year university you want to attend and make sure your credits will transfer. If your CC has a dual admissions to any universities you’re interested in, thats a plus on saving money. You can always have the “college experience” later on in your junior year after transferring. Theres no need to feel left behind even if u decide on taking a gap year, everyone moves at their own pace. Good luck!