Bringing the World to 4CD
International education programs transform the lives of global and U.S. students
4CD has long served a diverse community, including students who journey from outside the U.S. to attend our three colleges. Today, over 700 international students from more than 60 countries attend our colleges. In fact, we have “second-generation” international students whose parents also studied with us.
Attending 4CD colleges is life-changing for these students, and their presence benefits us all. Not many of our U.S. students have the opportunity to study abroad, but by interacting with international peers, they can build intercultural awareness and friendships.
The early days of international education
From the perspective of our 75-year history, formal international education and recruitment programs are relatively new. DVC was the first to start a formal program, with CCC and LMC later following suit. Each college had its own international student admission requirements, procedures and timelines, along with different partner agency agreements.
The relocation of International Education, including the centralization of international student recruitment, to the District Office began in late 2015. At that time, 4CD created the position of Dean of International Education, which is held by Steven Hales. The process of establishing one agreement template, together with uniform international admissions policies, has been necessary to more effectively market and recruit for our colleges.
How international students find their way to us
While most 4CD students come from communities near our colleges, the path for international students is very different. Many international students find us through agencies in their home countries. Those agencies help students learn about college options, apply, and navigate the visa process. Today, 4CD has approximately 150 agency partners with agencies around the globe, and some have been our partners for more than two decades.
4CD also works directly with contractors in Indonesia, China, Northeast Asia, Brazil, India and Thailand, and Europe and the Middle East, giving us an “on-the-ground” presence.
More recently, 4CD created a new brand for our family of three colleges: The Colleges of Contra Costa has a dedicated website, social media channels, marketing materials – and even a pennant. “Besides shining a light on all three colleges, the new brand makes promotion easier and simpler,” explains Steven.
However, centralizing international education isn’t only about marketing and recruitment. 4CD is also centralizing international admissions work and investing in technology that allows us to automate more steps. That will free up the colleges to focus more on student services, new programs, and the student experience.
Looking to the future
Given the competition, 4CD must stay agile. The admissions offer is just the first step – afterwards, the students must navigate the visa process. Exchange rates and the political climate can also affect whether a student ultimately enrolls.
That makes relationships more important than ever. “We recently started the first 4CD alumni associations, first in Japan and expanding to Indonesia,” says Steven. “Those alumni will support our efforts by connecting with prospective students and sharing their experiences with us.”
As our world becomes ever more interconnected, we’re excited for the future of international education at 4CD – and we appreciate the support of all in providing students with an excellent education and a welcoming community.
- Home
- Press Release
- Welcome to 4CD’s 75th anniversary!
- Mojdeh Mehdizadeh - Coming Full Circle
- Bringing the World to 4CD
- Celebrating the Women of 4CD
- John Marquez’s 55+ Years of Building a Stronger 4CD
- 75th Anniversary Boards
- Sharing Memories - Contra Costa Community College District 1948–2008, a collection of stories edited by Bill Harlan
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