College awarded $175k grant to fund international education
North Harris College has been awarded a two-year $178,775 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program proposal, “Educating for a Global Community.” The proposal addresses the need to assist North Harris College to become a world-class community college where students, faculty, staff and administrators gain international knowledge and experience through educational and scholarly activities and community and global partnerships. This mission is particularly urgent because of the rapid globalization of the Houston economy and society.

“The college’s commitment to this venture is evidenced by the creation of the North Harris College Center for International Education and Languages (CIEL) and its plan to build an associate of arts concentration in International Studies,” says Anne Albarelli, director for NHC’s CIEL. “This initiative will begin with a group of selected faculty working to enhance a number of targeted courses, developing instructional components that introduce students to the international context of their coursework. Within two years, students will have the option of selecting a sequence of coursework that provides a solid perspective on international issues, and at the same time meet current associate of arts degree requirements.”

According to Albarelli, this option will be particularly attractive for students who wish to pursue bachelor’s level studies in international relations, international business, or foreign language study. But potentially all NHC students will benefit from the availability of this coursework, achieving a broader perspective on international issues.

Significant progress has already been made. Faculty members of the core curriculum received approval from the North Harris Montgomery Community College District’s Executive Council and Board of Trustees to add a multicultural requirement to the core requirements for the associate of arts and the associate of science degrees. Partnerships and affiliations with various international universities, consortia and associations have been established, and the institution is actively pursuing several study abroad and faculty exchange programs.

Funding of this proposal will provide support for faculty fellowships and workshops, curriculum development, expansion of the modern language program, and resource acquisition. Expected results include a coherent International Studies program, leading to an associate of arts degree, which fully articulates with the bachelor’s level programs in International Studies at local universities. Other outcomes might include a diploma in Mexican Studies; instruction in Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Japanese and an infrastructure that promotes increased access to international exchange opportunities for both students and faculty.

For more information about the North Harris College Center for International Education and Languages, call 281-618-5701.
North Harris College is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. Registration is now in progress for summer and fall 2002. For more information about the college, call 281-618-5400 or send e-mail to: [email protected]

North Harris Montgomery Community College District, the fourth largest community college in Texas, comprises North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, seven satellite centers and The University Center. Cy-Fair College, the district’s fifth comprehensive college, will open in 2003.