MIAMI — A group of international students hailing from various parts of the world has just arrived in South Florida for a year they will never forget.
As part of Miami Dade College’s (MDC) international education exchange program, these pupils will learn all about U.S. democracy, customs, culture, and develop leadership skills they will take back to their home countries.
The program, part of the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Initiative through the U.S. Department of State, will provide — free of charge — an academic year of study for 27 underrepresented, underserved, students from developing countries.
The students will take courses in applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media and tourism and hospitality management.
The syllabus also includes intensive English-language training and supplementary English-language instruction as needed.
This is the fourth consecutive year of MDC’s participation in the program, and the first time it will be offered in two campuses: Kendall and Wolfson.
Upon successful completion of the year of study, participants will earn a certificate of program completion and other
academic certificates if completed during the program period. They will also participate in MDC’s graduation ceremonies, gain a firsthand understanding of American society and develop practical skills that will equip them to participate productively in the future.
The students, ages 19 to 48, are as varied as their countries of origin, from Colombia to the Ivory Coast to Turkey. In addition to coursework, the participants will also travel to iconic U.S. cities such as New York and Washington, D.C. to get a wider taste of American culture.
Miami Dade College students also have the opportunity to travel abroad to some 30 countries and learn about different cultures and customs, while earning credits toward their degree.
The college oversees and handles applications for non-MDC students in France and Costa Rica, as part of the College Consortium for International Studies.
Study Abroad also offers faculty-led curricula in selected areas of study like architecture, science, business, nursing and foreign languages, among others.
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