AACC Position Statement on International Education The United States must remain a leader in the global community of the 21st century to maintain its educational and economic vitality. In the light of the events of September 11, 2001, the citizenry must be prepared to engage in worldwide activities related to education, business, industry and social interaction. To ensure the survival and well-being of our communities, it is imperative that community colleges develop a globally and multiculturally competent citizenry. Community colleges are strategically positioned and experienced to respond to this educational and economic development imperative by educating and training individuals to function successfully in a multicultural and advanced technological environment that crosses all boundaries of education, communications, language and business. Meeting this challenge, community colleges provide: - internationalized curricula;
- multicultural activities and programs;
- language programs;
- cultural and ethnic studies;
- study abroad programs;
- faculty and student exchange programs;
- professional development;
- technical assistance to other countries and their businesses/industries;
- local, state, national and international forums;
- international student enrollment;
- community education forums
and other appropriate education and training programs to ensure a well-trained and technically literate workforce, functioning collaboratively with other countries of the world. Community colleges are in a strong position to meet these international challenges with a widely dispersed national network committed to accessibility and service to the local community. AACC will actively advocate this international role for community colleges and will articulate this mission to the Congress and the administration, federal agencies and other appropriate national and international organizations. Adopted April 1997 and Amended by the Board of Directors November 2001.
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