The International Trade Program
North Seattle Community CollegeA Presentation
The International Business Institute for Community College Faculty
MSU June 8, 2009
By Verna Swanljung
“Our students must learn how to take their political, geographical, and cultural contexts into account if they are to inspire, motivate, and lead.”
--Dianne Bevelander, Erasmus University
“If students become active and engaged lifelong learners,
they’ll become better leaders and decision makers.” --T.L. Hill, Temple University
The May 2009 issue of BizEd featured an article entitled “Next-Generation Education.” A number of prominent authors are quoted in the article.
According to the editor of BizEd, these schools and others are re-
writing the rules of business education to make their programs more
Flexible
Diverse
Customized
Community - Focused
Global
Ethics - Based
All of the above can also be applied to an International Business
education.
Flexibility: Classes can be offered in different modalities– On campus (day and evening) and online
Program diversity should reflect the diverse needs of students– Business professionals, small business owners, international students,
worker-retraining students, and first-time students
Individual courses can be customized– Saturday sessions, modular delivery, seminar presentations, small group
discussions, local professionals as classroom speakers
Building a mutually beneficial relationship with the local business community
– We provide knowledge and skills, they provide hands - on experience and internship opportunities
– Shared resources and shared results
Community colleges are increasingly popular in the
United States
because they are arguably the most affordable route to
good
careers. With the cost of higher education soaring,
people are
looking for the most cost - effective way to acquire skills
that will
make them marketable. In addition, today’s community
college students
must be able to compete on a global scale.
Globalizing: Getting Started by Thomas Cardwell; Community College Journal; Washington: Aug/Sep 2006. Vol. 7
Global
According to the American Association of Community
Colleges,
almost one-half of the nation's undergraduates currently
matriculate
at two-year colleges. As community colleges continue to
evolve,
they are increasingly recognizing the importance of a
global
perspective for students and faculty. The world's
increasing
interdependence has created exciting opportunities for
new global
markets.
Global
Globalizing: Getting Started by Thomas Cardwell; Community College Journal; Washington: Aug/Sep 2006. Vol. 7
Globalization is driving economic change. The need for an
educated workforce has never been greater. The majority of new
jobs that will be created by 2014 will require some post-secondary
education. In addition, the demographics of the workforce are
changing.
Without community colleges, millions of students and adult
learners would not be able to access the education they need to
be prepared for further education or the workplace. Community
colleges are a real catalyst for economic development.
Global
American Association of Community Colleges: CC Stats; http://www2.aaccnche.edu/research/home/htm April 2009
The global marketplace has brought with it an increased demand
for knowledgeable individuals who can speak the language of
globalization while bridging the gap that separates nations and
neighborhoods.
The study of International Business and Trade opens the door to
a broader world view and provides a unique opportunity to
appreciate the diverse environment of radically different ideas
and concepts, as well as the interconnectedness and shared
values of today’s global village. The economic challenges of
tomorrow require a fundamental understanding of people,
places, and politics on many levels.
From the Web site: NSCC International Trade Program: http://webshare.northseattle.edu/intltrade/welcome.htm
Global
Ethics-Based
Advances in communication, technology, and transportation
have minimized the world’s borders, creating a new global
economy as more and more countries are attempting to
industrialize and compete internationally. Because of these
trends, more companies are doing business outside their
home countries. These transactions across national
boundaries define global business, a practice that brings
together people from countries that have different cultures,
values, laws, and ethical standards.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L.; Business Ethics: 7th Edition, 2009 Update; Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Ethics-Based
The international businessperson must not only understand
the values, culture, and ethical standards of his or her own
country, but must also be sensitive to those of other
countries. Many ethical complexities and challenges face
businesses that operate internationally. Different
perceptions of corporate ethics, cultural differences, and
cultural relativism demonstrate the need for a global
framework for ethical principles.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L.; Business Ethics: 7th Edition, 2009 Update;Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Competencies to be gained in the International Trade Program
Knowledge of international business practices
Understanding the dynamics of interactivity between government,
business, and education
Understanding of different political and economic systems while
acknowledging economic interdependence
Understanding the impact of other cultures on our lives and
understanding that culture affects behavior and attitude
Global
Department of Education Title VIA: Globalization of the Curriculum Grant; 2000 - 2002
Competencies to be gained in the International Trade Program
Recognize that one’s own culture, religion, and values are not
universally shared
Awareness of diversity, similarities, and interdependencies
Identify historical and current major world events
Read on a regular basis newspapers and magazines covering
international issues
Seek peaceful resolution of differences
Develop a commitment to lifelong, global learning
Global
Department of Education Title VIA: Globalization of the Curriculum Grant; 2000-2002
24 Credits
40 Credits
International Trade ProgramNorth Seattle Community College
Website
http://webshare.northseattle.edu/intltrade/
In today’s economic environment, students must be
prepared to face
international competition.
Not only have many U.S. jobs moved overseas, but also jobs
available
in this country require a higher level of skill than was
necessary
a decade ago.
Educating the workforce and preparing students for this
new global
environment is now one of the primary goals of many
community colleges.
Our colleges are embracing this challenge with innovative
ideas and
remarkable passion.
Grace Chen: http://www.communitycollegereview.com/articles/24
The Future
“I like the dreams of the future better
than the history of the past.”--Thomas Jefferson
The Future
Questions?