International student enrollment at JCC is at a record high this fall with 53 international students representing 25 different nations and six of the seven continents.
JCC welcomed its first students ever from four nations – Italy, the Ivory Coast, the Netherlands, and Thailand for the fall semester. While 50 of the international students are enrolled at the Jamestown Campus, three are enrolled at JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean.
The majority of JCC’s international students are new to the college this semester, countering a national trend which has shown a decline in new international students in the U.S. that began in the 2015-16 academic year.
According to Jennifer Apthorpe, JCC’s international outreach coordinator, the college has enhanced and diversified its strategies to recruit students from around the world and to support them well while enrolled.
“We have created new global partnerships, including support from international alumni, that help prospective students explore and select JCC as a college destination,” Ms. Apthorpe said. “JCC is now part of several web-based platforms designed to help international students identify the best fit among U.S. colleges and universities.
“Above all is the fact that JCC offers a high quality education with a great reputation for transferability,” she added. “We are recognized as a very welcoming environment and that is made possible through college-wide collaboration from faculty and staff regardless of their roles. It’s a true team effort.”
“International students add value to both the college and the community,” said Nelson Garifi, JCC’s executive director of academic innovation. “They provide an opportunity for local students to develop an understanding of different cultures, while recognizing the common traits that all people share.
Emphasizing that global perspectives within a classroom strengthen the learning experience for all students, Garifi noted, “We’re fortunate that our current international students are having great impact by taking on leadership roles in student government and becoming involved in activities ranging from athletics to the arts. International students also have an economic influence on our communities by spending money at local businesses.”
JCC is observing International Education Week November 18-22 with a “Go Global Fair” from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Student Union of the Hamilton Collegiate Center. Community residents, area high school students, and JCC faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend the event during which JCC’s international students will share their culture through music and food. JCC’s study abroad opportunities will be featured also.
For additional information, contact JCC’s global learning office at 716.338.1291.