The International Trade Program
North Seattle Community College
A Presentation
The International Business Institute
for Community College Faculty
MSU
June 8, 2009
By Verna Swanljung
The May 2009 issue of BizEd featured an article entitled
“Next-Generation Education.” A number of prominent
authors are quoted in the article.
“Our students must learn how to take their political,
geographical, and cultural contexts into account if they
are to inspire, motivate, and lead.”
--Dianne Bevelander, Erasmus University
“If students become active and engaged lifelong learners,
they’ll become better leaders and decision makers.”
--T.L. Hill, Temple University
According to the editor of BizEd, these schools and others are rewriting the rules of business education to make their programs more
Flexible
Diverse
Customized
Community - Focused
Global
Ethics - Based
All of the above can also be applied to an International Business
education.
Flexibility: Classes can be offered in different modalities
– On campus (day and evening) and online
Program diversity should reflect the diverse needs of students
– Business professionals, small business owners, international students,
worker-retraining students, and first-time students
Individual courses can be customized
– Saturday sessions, modular delivery, seminar presentations, small group
discussions, local professionals as classroom speakers
Building a mutually beneficial relationship with the local business
community
– We provide knowledge and skills, they provide hands - on experience and
internship opportunities
– Shared resources and shared results
Global
Community colleges are increasingly popular in the United States
because they are arguably the most affordable route to good
careers. With the cost of higher education soaring, people are
looking for the most cost - effective way to acquire skills that will
make them marketable. In addition, today’s community college students
must be able to compete on a global scale.
Globalizing: Getting Started by Thomas Cardwell; Community College Journal;
Washington: Aug/Sep 2006. Vol. 7
Global
According to the American Association of Community Colleges,
almost one-half of the nation's undergraduates currently matriculate
at two-year colleges. As community colleges continue to evolve,
they are increasingly recognizing the importance of a global
perspective for students and faculty. The world's increasing
interdependence has created exciting opportunities for new global
markets.
Globalizing: Getting Started by Thomas Cardwell; Community College Journal;
Washington: Aug/Sep 2006. Vol. 7
Global
Globalization is driving economic change. The need for an educated
workforce has never been greater. The majority of new jobs that will be
created by 2014 will require some post-secondary education. In addition,
the demographics of the workforce are changing.
Without community colleges, millions of students and adult learners would
not be able to access the education they need to be prepared for further
education or the workplace. Community colleges are a real catalyst for
economic development.
American Association of Community Colleges: CC Stats; http://www2.aaccnche.edu/research/home/htm
April 2009
Global
The global marketplace has brought with it an increased demand for
knowledgeable individuals who can speak the language of globalization while
bridging the gap that separates nations and neighborhoods.
The study of International Business and Trade opens the door to a broader
world view and provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the diverse
environment of radically different ideas and concepts, as well as the
interconnectedness and shared values of today’s global village. The
economic challenges of tomorrow require a fundamental understanding of
people, places, and politics on many levels.
From the Web site: NSCC International Trade Program:
http://webshare.northseattle.edu/intltrade/welcome.htm
Ethics-Based
Advances in communication, technology, and transportation have
minimized the world’s borders, creating a new global economy as more
and more countries are attempting to industrialize and compete
internationally. Because of these trends, more companies are doing
business outside their home countries. These transactions across
national boundaries define global business, a practice that brings
together people from countries that have different cultures, values,
laws, and ethical standards.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L.; Business Ethics: 7th Edition, 2009 Update;
Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Ethics-Based
The international businessperson must not only understand
the values, culture, and ethical standards of his or her own country, but
must also be sensitive to those of other countries. Many ethical
complexities and challenges face businesses that operate internationally.
Different perceptions of corporate ethics, cultural differences, and
cultural relativism demonstrate the need for a global framework for
ethical principles.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L.; Business Ethics: 7th Edition, 2009 Update;
Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Global
Competencies to be gained in the International Trade Program
Knowledge of international business practices
Understanding the dynamics of interactivity between government,
business, and education
Understanding of different political and economic systems while
acknowledging economic interdependence
Understanding the impact of other cultures on our lives and
understanding that culture affects behavior and attitude
Department of Education Title VIA: Globalization of the Curriculum Grant; 2000 - 2002

Global
Competencies to be gained in the International Trade Program
Recognize that one’s own culture, religion, and values are not
universally shared
Awareness of diversity, similarities, and interdependencies
Identify historical and current major world events
Read on a regular basis newspapers and magazines covering
international issues
Seek peaceful resolution of differences
Develop a commitment to lifelong, global learning
Department of Education Title VIA: Globalization of the Curriculum Grant; 2000-2002
24 Credits
40 Credits
International Trade Program
North Seattle Community College
Website
http://webshare.northseattle.edu/intltrade/
The Future
In today’s economic environment, students must be prepared to face
international competition.
Not only have many U.S. jobs moved overseas, but also jobs available
in this country require a higher level of skill than was necessary
a decade ago.
Educating the workforce and preparing students for this new global
environment is now one of the primary goals of many community colleges.
Our colleges are embracing this challenge with innovative ideas and
remarkable passion.
Grace Chen: http://www.communitycollegereview.com/articles/24
The Future
“I like the dreams of the future better
than the history of the past.”
--Thomas Jefferson
Questions?