Message from the President: Fresh off the Heels of the 12th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference in London

Panel at the CIEE Global Internship Conference in London

July 10, 2024

As the president of BMCC, I am thrilled to share with you the invaluable experiences and opportunities that await you through study abroad and study away programs.

I am a firm believer in the transformative power of international education and experiential learning. Studying abroad or away is not just about earning credits in a different country or location—it’s about immersing yourself in a new culture, gaining a global perspective, and expanding your horizons in ways you may have never thought possible. It’s about embracing new challenges and experiences that will shape you as a person and as a student.

Whether you choose to go across the globe, participate in a service-learning program closer to home, take part in a study abroad program for 10 days, or a full academic semester, the benefits are immeasurable.

From language immersion programs to internship experiences, the possibilities are endless. You will develop valuable skills such as adaptability, cultural competency, and independence. You will make lifelong connections with people from different backgrounds and build a network that spans the globe. Most importantly, you will grow individually and professionally in ways that will set you apart in an increasingly interconnected world.

By stepping outside of your comfort zones, you can improve your communication and problem-solving abilities, and increase your cultural competency. These experiences not only enrich your lives personally but also make you more competitive in today’s globalized job market and the data supports this.

It is estimated that 39 million jobs in the United States are tied to international trade. The National Association of Colleges and Employers  2024 Job Outlook Survey finds problem-solving, teamwork, and flexibility/adaptability among the top skills employers are looking for this year—all skills that students can develop while abroad or away. Recent studies also show a positive correlation between students who study abroad and higher grade point average and degree completion rates, including among first generation college students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

For faculty members, participating in study abroad programs provide a deeper understanding of various cultures and educational systems. It also allows you to collaborate with international colleagues, exchange ideas, and bring fresh perspectives to your own classrooms, thereby enhancing the overall student experience.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Professors Pavel, Harizi, Anderson, VP Craig and others, BMCC currently offers Study Abroad Argentina, Study Abroad Brazil, Study Abroad China, Study Abroad Costa Rica, Study Abroad Dominican Republic, Study Abroad France, Study Abroad Greece, Study Abroad India, Study Abroad Italy, Study Abroad Mexico, Study Abroad Montreal/Quebec, Study Abroad Peru and Study Abroad Spain.

BMCC’s partnership with CIEE has dramatically increased the opportunities and experiences that are available. The BMCC Global Scholars program will serve 1,000 students over four years via international internships, international service programs, and faculty-led honors programs for exceptional students.

Recently, BMCC participated in the 12th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference in London and I had the distinct honor of being a panel speaker.

Attendees at the CIEE Global Internship Conference in London

The conference themed “Collaborating to Shape Future Talent” was a true testament to the power of global collaboration and innovation. With think tanks and industry leaders from around the world coming together to share insights, best practices, and success stories, it was a melting pot of ideas and inspiration. Throughout the conference, speakers delved into the importance of creating meaningful and impactful internship experiences for students. Speakers shared valuable strategies for enhancing internship programs, fostering diversity and inclusion, and equipping interns with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Moreover, the conference served as a platform for networking and building connections across borders. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, forge new partnerships, and explore ways to collaborate on a global scale.

Attendees learned firsthand the transformational impact that studying abroad and studying away can have on individuals.

Our partnership with CIEE offers a wide range of programs in various countries, allowing you to immerse yourself in different cultures and broaden your horizons.

By promoting diversity, inclusivity, and global citizenship, we are not only preparing you to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world but also fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and understanding that transcends borders and boundaries. The partnership between CIEE and BMCC is not just a collaboration between two institutions—it is a gateway to a world of possibilities, a catalyst for positive change, and a testament to the transformative power of education.

Together, we aim to help shape the future, inspire minds, and empower the next generation of leaders to make a difference, both here at home and around the world.

I urge each and every one of you to consider embarking on this exciting and enriching journey.

Sincerely,

Dr. Anthony E. Munroe