This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is proud to announce its official sponsorship of the highly regarded U.S. Department of State J-1 non-immigrant Visa Exchange Visitor Program. This program will allow international students, scholars, and professors to attend college in the United States gaining valuable experience in their field of study.
MCCCD hopes to expand opportunities for curriculum globalization across its ten colleges, further develop faculty professional development, and participate in other international exchanges through the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program.
“We are excited for this opportunity to bring international students and scholars to our ten campuses and communities,” said Bettina Celis, MCCCD Acting Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic and Student Affairs. “International education holds great importance for Maricopa Community Colleges, and we look forward to providing our students and faculty with a new level of uncharted experiences.”
The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program promotes cultural exchange between international countries and the United States. The program fosters mutual understanding by allowing students, scholars, professors, and other exchange visitors to experience American culture while sharing their unique perspectives with local communities.
“This is an incredible opportunity for MCCCD,” said Jen Sydow, MCCCD International & Intercultural Education Office Program Manager. “By hosting and involving international students, scholars, and visitors in various learning processes, we are achieving our global engagement mission by enhancing our students' and community members' international perspective and cross-cultural understanding.”
Through a collaborative effort, a Maricopa Community Colleges team prepared the application for the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program. This sponsorship will be renewed every two years as long as MCCCD meets the program's requirements. Annually, MCCCD hosts an average of 550 international students on F-1 Visas and 15 J-1 Visa students from 80 countries. In the past, Maricopa Community Colleges have organized, administered, and hosted a number of short-term exchange programs involving 33 countries.
According to the U.S. Department of State, each year, the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program provides opportunities for approximately 300,000 foreign visitors from 200 countries and territories per year to experience U.S. society and culture and engage with Americans. Furthermore, 86% of exchange visitors are 30 years old or younger, and 54% are women and girls.
For more information about Maricopa Community Colleges International and Intercultural Educational Programs, visit www.maricopa.edu/students/international-intercultural-education.