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Institute of
International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
7th Floor
New York, NY 10017
USA
Tel: +1 (212) 984 5367
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IIENetworker University Presidents Interview Series |
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A Conversation with President Stephen M. Curtis, Community College of Philadelphia
 By Shannon Bishop
IIENetwork interviewed Community College of Philadelphia President Stephen M. Curtis in July 2007 to provide readers with a perspective on how senior administrators at community colleges interpret the importance of internationalization and the role of the university in promoting it. Dr. Curtis has led the Community College of Philadelphia since 1999. He participated in the delegation of 12 university presidents that visited China, Japan, and Korea in November 2006, led by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Dina Habib Powell.
IIENetworker: You recently participated in Secretary Spellings’ Delegation to Promote U.S. Higher Education in Asia. What was your motivation to participate and what were your impressions of the trip?
President Curtis: The faculty at my institution have been leaders in international education at community colleges. Their efforts have led to the expansion of the international studies curriculum, the growth of global education values across curricula, the development of an international focus on professional development activities, and a commitment to international student recruitment, as well as a strong study abroad program. I have sought to support the efforts of my faculty, not only within our college community, but nationally and abroad. I was pleased, therefore, to join other president colleagues in Secretary Spellings’ delegation to East Asia.
At each of our Asian stops, it was clear that a U.S. education was highly valued by students abroad. Our academic counterparts in China, Korea, and Japan have a strong reciprocal interest in bringing U.S. students into their educational settings. I was struck by the intense commitment to education. (For Korea’s national high school exams, air traffic is rerouted around test sites, vehicular traffic is reduced, and shops may even close!) I noted a devotion to English language acquisition that is not matched by the United States’ efforts for the attainment of a second language. My final observation settled on the multiple paths that exist in the United States higher education system. We design multiple pathways for students of all ages and experiences that are less rigid than those we encountered in many countries abroad.
IIENetworker: As a Community college president, what do you see as the value of a Community College for international students?
President Curtis: Community colleges offer a supportive environment, lower tuition than four-year institutions and programs to help students transfer to baccalaureate institutions. Often, community colleges feature smaller class sizes than our sister four-year institutions, allowing students the opportunity for more personalized attention from faculty.
Many international students come to the Community College of Philadelphia because of the benefits of Philadelphia’s culture, history, and diversity, as well as its rich educational opportunities. The College promotes several benefits and advantages: affordability; proximity to New York City and Washington, D.C.; dual admission agreements with area institutions (Cabrini College, Chestnut Hill College, Cheyney University, Drexel University, Eastern University, La Salle University, Peirce College, Temple University); affordability of Philadelphia compared to other major East Coast cities; and the diversity of our student population.
Community colleges increase the opportunity for both international students and Philadelphia residents to learn about other cultures and promote tolerance. The College also provides international students with the opportunity to learn about the United States firsthand and to attend college with individuals from all over the world.
IIENetworker: What steps does your university take to support international students?
President Curtis: Our International Student Services (ISS) office provides many resources for international students who are in F-1 nonimmigrant status. For our more than 200 students from more than 35 countries, we offer individual advising and services in the following areas:
• Immigration matters, such as obtaining F-1 student visas, maintaining full-time enrollment, transferring administration of SEVIS I-20 record between schools and traveling outside of the United States.
• Filing annual tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
• Employment restrictions and options and obtaining work authorization.
• Information about medical insurance coverage.
• Adjustment to Community College of Philadelphia
and to life in Philadelphia and the United States
• Letters for verification of your F-1 status for various purposes, such as obtaining a Pennsylvania state driver’s license or identification cards.
• Counselor assistance for ESL and international students with course and program planning.
ISS also offers the following programs, activities and resources:
• Group arrival and orientation meetings to introduce you to the College and ISS.
• Assistance with initial arrival steps, such as opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license or state identification card, registering for classes and any other necessary information.
• Social activities, such as dinner conversation outings, International Student Organization activities and trips to sights of interest.
Experienced instructors, tutors and academic advisors in the College’s ESL program will help students improve their ability to speak, read and write English and help them with everyday tasks, as well as prepare them for academic opportunities. This program helps enhance language skills through listening and speaking courses. While working on their English skills, students can take credit courses based on their academic needs and English proficiency.
IIENetworker: What do you see as the main challenges in the internationalization of Community colleges? How?
President Curtis: The transition of international students into the college and community is a challenge. It can be overcome, but it is something that students face. The ability of a commuter institution to deal with logistical issues, such as transportation and housing, can also be difficult for community colleges. International students having difficulty obtaining student visas to the United States, whether this is true or just a misconception, has probably hindered the growth of international student populations. There is also increasing competition from other countries who also wish to attract international students. Lastly, many community colleges are not able to fund large recruitment efforts.
IIENetworker: Have any international/cultural experiences shaped your career? How?
President Curtis: As a college administrator, I have always been associated with study abroad programs and international studies. I have valued the experiences of students and faculty, and I have seen the significant effect of those experiences on our students and how it has helped prepare them for their role in the global world. More recently in my career, my visit to East Asia reinforced the value of differences that exist among nations, but also revealed the many common interests of students across the world: a focused commitment on the part of students to access education; a keen interest in experiencing the languages and cultures of other countries; and the multiple paths and opportunities through which individuals can achieve potential through education.
At a Glance: Community College of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Total enrollment: 37,000
Number of international students: 200
Shannon Bishop is Program Manager at the Institute of International Education.
This interview was originally published in the July 2007 issue of the EducaionUSA Connections journal.
Photos Captions:
Community College of Philadelphia President, Stephen M. Curtis
International Students at Community College of Philadelphia
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