The Status of Internationalization of Community Colleges Presented by: Gretchen Carroll, J.D., M.B.A. Professor of Management & Leadership Owens Community College

First The Facts There are 1,195 local community colleges in the United States. According to the American Association of Community Colleges over 80% of these community colleges have integrated international components into course work. 83% of them sponsor activities to promote global awareness among students.

Fast Facts…… Community Colleges make up 42% of all higher education institutions and enroll 40% of students nation wide. With 11.5 million students, credit and non-credit, community colleges play a crucial role in preparing students to become productive members of a global workforce. Close to 100,000 international students attend community colleges, about 39% of all international undergraduate students in the United States.

Furthermore.... Reflecting demand, enrollment in community colleges with international business programs grew from 23% to 60% over the last 5 years. Close to 100,000 international students, 39% of all international students in the United States attend community colleges & contribute 1.87 billion annually to the US economy. International student enrollment at CCs increased by 57.9% from

5,776 community college students studied abroad in 2003/04, less than 1% of all community college students in the US. Community College study abroad generally mirrors study abroad at all institutions. 85% of community college students who do study abroad are in Latin America or Europe. The overwhelming majority of community college study abroad students (73%) are on short-term programs.

73% of community college students that did study abroad, did so for fewer than 8 weeks. The American Association of Community Colleges actively advocates an international role for community colleges in all dimensions of worldwide education and training.Community Colleges There is increasing support that other countries are reflecting a heightened interest in adopting the community college model. (Bologna Agreement)

Six Key Areas of International Involvement Articulated Commitment Academic Offerings Organizational Infrastructure External funding Institutional Investment in Faculty International students and student programs.

Of the community colleges considered to be “highly active” 65% highlighted international education in recruitment literature. 75% had programs for students to study abroad without delaying graduation. 66% administered study abroad programs for undergraduate credit. 92% had an office for international education programs.

Study abroad programs Offered by 1/3 of the community colleges surveyed, but less than 10% administered international field study, internships, or service opportunities. Even in the highly active institutions, only 2% of students study abroad annually.

Investment in Faculty Although faculty involvement is key to internationalization of the curricula and the student experience, the majority of community colleges scored “low” or “zero” on institutional investment in the faculty. General lack of support for faculty and for opportunities to be involved in international education.

Should community colleges be advancing short cycle study abroad and internationalizing campuses and curricula? Absolutely!!!!!!!!!

Why? All of the regional accrediting associations have adopted standards or policies to guide two-year institutions as they move into international education. Many two-year institutions have altered their mission statements to include foreign study for students as a means to develop global perspectives.

Why? American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in their standards and guidelines for business school accreditation encouraged business schools to adopt a systematic acceptance of internationalization in their curriculum. Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) included in their standards, for two year institutions, that students develop a global perspective, and the study of the international environment should be included in the business curriculum.

AACC- ACCT Joint Statement on the Role of Community Colleges in International Education “Community Colleges should develop strategic plans for global awareness and competence that respond to the needs of the community’s learners, businesses and institutions.”

American Association of Community Colleges Policy on International Education “To ensure the survival and well-being of our communities, it is imperative that community colleges develop a globally and multi-culturally competent citizenry. In meeting this challenge, community colleges should provide:” internationalized curricula multicultural activities and programs foreign language programs cultural and ethnic studies

The AACC’s Policy also includes... Study abroad programs Faculty and student exchange programs Professional development Technical assistance to other countries and their business/industries Local/state/national and international forums International student enrollment

Government supported these initiatives with an international education policy To continue to compete successfully in the global economy and to maintain our roles as a world leader, the US needs to ensure that its citizens develop a broad understanding of the world, proficiency in other languages, and knowledge of other cultures. A coherent and coordinated international education strategy (which includes community colleges) will help us meet the twin challenges of preparing our citizens for a global environment while continuing to attract and educate future leaders from abroad.

How does the Government support the initiative? Encouraging students from other countries to study in the United States. Promoting study abroad by U.S. students. Supporting the exchange of teachers, scholars and citizens at all levels of society. Expanding high-quality foreign language learning and knowledge of other cultures. 20% of community colleges have received U.S. government funds to help support international programs.

International Education Must Be Part of the Community College’s Mission.... Why? We’re building a world of learners. Community Colleges are no longer just preparing a workforce, they are developing an active citizenry, prepared to navigate and participate in a global community. Community college enrollments are projected to be over 13 million by 2010, over half of all Americans will begin their education at a community college, as well as increasing numbers of international students. The ‘community’ identified in the mission statement is no longer confined to a limited geographical area as distance education expands the scope and reach of all colleges, and international students migrate to community colleges for a variety of reasons. “The argument for international education programs exists on the human level, in economic terms, and on the civic plane.”

Owens Community College Northwest Ohio’s #1 choice in higher education In Toledo and Findlay, Ohio Serves more than 45,000 students annually Serves more than 200 international students annually from 32 different countries Serves over 350 companies in business and industry partnerships annually and serves over 17,000 individuals in Workforce Development Owens Academic Program Highlights 130 program areas including Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Hospitality Management, Public Service, Skilled Trades, Transportation and Engineering Technology Degree Information Students who attend Owens may complete the first two years of a Baccalaureate degree and transfer these credits to four-year colleges and universities.

Owens Community College Unmatched affordability for domestic and international students. Expert faculty members with experience and advanced degrees in their subject areas. Seamless course transferability Personal attention Small class sizes State-of-the-art facilities

Owens Community College Owens has cultivated transfer agreements with over 20 area four-year colleges and universities. Average class size is just 15 students. Office of International Student Services – inexpensive tuition, language labs, support

The next Atlantis Conference…. Is on the OCC Toledo Campus October 15-16, with post conference activities on the 17 th Please join us!

Future Plans for International Business Education at OCC... Increased focus on getting international students enrolled at Owens and in our business transfer programs. Participate on a College wide committee to send students to study and travel internationally. Attempting to get the program grant funded by the DOE. Consider collaboration with other international education organizations including Youth for Understanding International Exchange, Sister Cities International, and People to People International.

So what is the status of International Business in Community Colleges? After assessing economic trends, marketplace challenges, demographic changes, programming opportunities, and technology developments, 80% of Community Colleges across the country have developed some type of international curricula, 43% offer international community activities, and 49 % have study abroad/exchange opportunities. The world is our new community and it is up to community colleges to educate the workforce, educate the electorate, and educate the people to navigate and participate in a new global community.

Thank you! Questions??????? Contact information: Gretchen K. Carroll, J.D., M.B.A. Professor of Management & Leadership Director of Atlantis Project Owens Community College

References American Association of Community Colleges Green, M.F. & Siaya, L. (2005). Measuring internationalization at community colleges. American Council on Education; Washington, D.C. Open Doors 2005: Report on International Educational Exchange Raby, R. (2009). Community college study abroad: Making study abroad accessible to all students. Tidewater Community College in/casestudies/C-CS4.pdf

References MSU- CIBER