Introducing the 2018-19 CCI Program Participants

Throughout July and August, the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program welcomed 146 participants from 12 countries to the United States to participate in the program’s 12th year of exchanges. This year, participants come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, and Turkey.

International exchange CCI participants complete academic coursework at U.S. community colleges across the country in select CCI Program fields of study and, when possible, pursue professional certificates. As part of their educational experience, they build technical skills in applied fields, enhance their leadership capabilities, and strengthen their English language proficiency.

While completing academic coursework at their host community colleges, participants also immerse themselves within their host communities through a variety of additional activities. Throughout the year, CCI participants participate in volunteer activities, professional internships, cultural exchange events, and leadership and action planning workshops. These additional opportunities enhance CCI participants’ understanding of their field of study and allow for deeper engagement with U.S. culture.

This year, 10 community college campuses in 8 states across the United States are hosting the CCI Program.

Host colleges include Bunker Hill Community College in Massachusetts, College of DuPage in Illinois, Houston Community College in Texas, Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College in Arizona, Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria and Annandale campuses in Virginia, and Valencia College in Florida.

During the 2018-19 program year, participants will focus on fields of study including agriculture, business management and administration, early childhood education, engineering, information technology, media, public safety, and tourism and hospitality management. The education participants receive at their host colleges will help propel their skills and equip them to act as difference-makers in their home countries. They are also projected to contribute a combined total of 14,600 volunteer hours to their local and neighboring U.S. host communities, making a profound impact within the United States.

Welcome, 2018-19 CCI Program participants! We hope you are excited to dive into your college classes, and the rest of the incredible exchange experiences that await you!