The Global Learning program at SUNY Jamestown Community College is “facilitating a whole lot more than academics,” according to Rudi Andalora, project manager for Global Learning at SUNY JCC.
“It is my distinct pleasure to get to explore how we can enrich our offerings,” Andalora said. “What’s really cool is that we can build and build on student experience, both while they are studying and in preparation for their next steps. One powerful step we are helping them take is in obtaining work authorization.”
Andalora said that international students rarely have a work authorization process, which includes obtaining a Social Security number, in their home country. Being able to work while in college gives students earning power that improves their ability to travel, purchase food and other necessities beyond what is available on campus.
“It motivates students to keep going and return for their second year,” Andalora said. “Empowering students to work is one of the greatest retention tools we have.”
International students can learn how to conduct a job search, develop a resume, network, and apply for employment. Once they have a job offer, the Global Learning team continues to assist with gathering all needed documents and filling out an online application with the Social Security office for an appointment.
“Sometimes we take two or three students at a time,” Andalora said. “It can take 10 days to get a Social Security card, and then there might be a three-to-four week waiting period while tax forms and background checks are processed.”
Many international students begin their work experience at JCC. Andalora said the campus currently employs 12 international student workers.
“All of this ties in to building a career, or moving on to a university,” Andalora said. “Our students are graduating already equipped with a Social Security number, knowledge about tax forms, and connected to local banks that they can access online from wherever they are.”
Andalora shared that JCC is gaining a reputation internationally for the services it provides, as well as the willingness of the surrounding community to welcome students from around the world.
“What a neat feature that the community is open-minded enough to welcome diversity and everyone is nice,” Andalora said. “Becoming a globalized campus means that local employers might have people applying from all over the world, and to have that as part of your workforce is brilliant. That’s something we can all take pride in.”
Learning abroad was a large part of Andalora’s own college experience. He sees JCC’s program as “a gem in our community.” Andalora’s role has grown in recent months, and he is passionate about evolving the program based on student needs to improve their learning experience.
“SUNY JCC Global Learning has experienced rich growth in the last 15 years,” Andalora said. “We are fortunate that staff working with the program during the pandemic were able to grow the international student enrollment even in those unprecedented circumstances.”
With enrollment growth has come attention to transportation needs once students arrive. Global Learning staff now work in greater depth to help coordinate student travel to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Andalora is also planning more off-campus experiences, and partnering with other clubs to ensure international students gain as much exposure to the area and its culture as possible.
Andalora is thankful for the support JCC provides as the program works toward constantly improving the global experience and outbound Study Abroad programming.
“Our recent leadership have been strong contributors to the global experience at JCC, and I’m thankful for the support in creating a larger, campus-wide mindset,” Andalora said. “It is an honor to be a part of a team that is passionate about earnest growth of the international community on campus, and connecting all students to study abroad opportunities. It’s the reason our school is on the map to becoming an international destination for students eager to earn a degree in the U.S.”