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?