MCC achieves high rankings in international education

MESA, Arizona – March 22, 2017 – Mesa Community College receives high rankings in the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange published by the Institute of International Education.

MCC is ranked at No. 4 in Arizona, for the number of F1 visa students served in the state (578), surpassed in numbers only by Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

F1 visas are issued to international students attending an academic program or English Language Program at a United States college or university. These students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status.

When compared to other U.S. community colleges, MCC ranks No. 40 nationally for the number of F1 students it serves and No. 16 for the number of students it sends abroad to study.

“Just last month we opened an International Education office at our Red Mountain campus to serve the growing number of F-1 students taking classes there,” said Annique Nestmann, director of international education at MCC. “We are continually expanding international and intercultural programs to provide opportunities for all our students to develop cultural competencies and be successful in today's global workforce.”

In addition, NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, reports MCC F1 visa students contribute $12.7M and support 80 jobs in the college’s congressional district, Arizona district 09; the second highest contribution by F1 students in Arizona.

Open Doors, supported by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit.

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Media Contact Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning.  Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience . Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2017