The Center for International Education and Languages [CIEL] fosters global competency through language study and international education and training programs. Its mission is to provide dynamic, innovative, and interactive programs that facilitate each participant's success in the culturally diverse world. By offering outlets for cross-cultural experiences and training through courses, workshops, interpreting, translating and testing services, CIEL affords effective cross-cultural communication programs in support of the community's global needs. The principal activities of CIEL in support of its mission are to:

International Students

1. Provide services for students from abroad related to a) retention, b) recruitment, and c) admission.
2. Foster English as a Second Language (ESL) program to support international students.

Faculty and Staff

1. Promote faculty going abroad to do research and teach.
2. Assist colleges and departments in attracting visiting faculty from overseas.
3. Facilitate professional development among faculty through pairing theme-based courses (e.g. language and history) and providing workshops, and other support for faculty desiring to incorporate international themes, and/or cultural sensitivity into their curriculum.

Instructional Programs

1. Encourage modern language studies as well as international education courses, curricula and degrees in every division and department where there is a faculty interest.
2. Develop workforce education courses to prepare bilingual professionals.
3. Support campus-wide speakers and activities related to international affairs.

Outreach

1. Assist community institutions in dealing with international education issues and problems.
2. Establish, expand, and monitor partnerships with foreign institutions so as to expand benefits for the NHC community.
3. Establish partnerships with international affairs organizations within the north Houston region to promote the above objectives.
4. Invite speakers from the business community to give lectures on campus and visit classrooms.