The World Is Their Community

Community colleges have long served as one of the most important, if undervalued, parts of the higher education system in the United States. By offering options for academic advancement and career betterment to diverse, often nontraditional populations, they have been a stepping stone to other educational opportunities for countless students.

With students often attending community college for only two years or to earn credentials for their work, leaders can face an uphill battle in globalizing students’ perspectives.

“One primary challenge we face is the misconception that community colleges do not need international education, viewing it as a luxury rather than a necessity,” notes Alejandra Bueno, executive director of international programs at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) in San Antonio, Texas. (The ACD was the recipient of a Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA in 2024.)

“It’s our responsibility to prepare them as global citizens, whether they go into the work force or go into a four-year institution.” —Voytek Wloch 

Yet, in many ways, international programs fit well with the missions of community colleges, which include preparing students for a world where internationalization will be an important part of their lives.

“It’s our responsibility to prepare them as global citizens, whether they go into the work force or go into a four-year institution,” says Voytek Wloch, senior international officer (SIO) and director of global engagement at the College of Lake County in Illinois, another Simon Award-winning institution.

Finding Alignment and Facing Challenges

Even with institutional support the task