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MCCC considers educational globalization

MCCC may be opening its doors to international partnership.

Vice President of Student and Information Services Randy Daniels recently spoke at an international seminar hosted at Ningbo Polytechnic near Shanghai, China, which resulted in a possible collaboration between MCCC and a Chinese institution.

The seminar offered strategies on international development for higher vocational institutions, with a diverse group of speakers and attendants from Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Daniels presented on the globalization of community colleges.

Colleague and professor Dr. Bin Ning invited Daniels to the seminar while he was working on a doctorate degree at the University of Toledo.

“I think I was at the right place at the right time, so to speak, to have the opportunity,” Daniels said.

Daniels and Ning, accompanied by another colleague from the University of Toledo, Sunday Griffith, traveled to Shanghai together and even had dinner with the Executive President of Ningbo Polytechnic, Su Zhigang.

At the conference, Daniels also met employees from the Ningbo City College of Vocational Technology and later visited their college.

Members of Ningbo City College are visiting the U.S. this fall and may now be stopping at MCCC before returning home. An official invitation has been sent and Daniels remains in contact with some of the employees.

“The details of the visiting delegation have not been confirmed,” Daniels said. “It may be the President of Ningbo City College of Vocational Technology and a few of his colleagues.”

If a partnership is established, Daniels said he thinks it would be great for students or faculty from both colleges to experience life and education in another country.

“I think it would be beneficial for our students to go there and learn about the Chinese culture and the differences in the world in education and business, and then for their students to do the same,” Daniels said.

Daniels said although his exposure to students and classroom activities was limited, he was impressed by what he saw.

“I can say that the final portfolio projects completed by the design and marketing students at Ningbo City College were outstanding,” Daniels said.

“It would be great to arrange a study abroad project for some of our business and art/design students.”

Daniels said when he returned home he was asked what it was like visiting China with the major differences in politics.

“It really didn’t seem all that different to me,” Daniels said. “It was a very unique experience and very enjoyable.”

If the plans and paperwork go through, members of Ningbo City College will be visiting this September.

“I am hoping the visit will result in a collaboration that will benefit faculty and students at both institutions,” Daniels said.