Internationalization
Why We Exist
Multiculturalism, diversity, international perspectives and global citizenship are a reality in the world today. The development of an international or global consciousness is a fundamental aspect of any modern education. Students, graduates, employees and the College itself must possess an enhanced global awareness in order to succeed in this increasingly integrated world.
Who We Are
The Internationalization Project Team was established in 2016 as an outcome of the College’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020, which directed the College to “implement an internationalization plan so that students better understand the world around them.” Assembled in summer 2016, the Project Team is composed of College employees from across the four College regions.
What We’ve Done
From 2016 through 2018, the Project Team undertook a work plan that 1) established a set of goals and parameters for the work, 2) explored initiatives at other institutions across Canada, 3) developed a series of questions for use in consultation sessions, 4) formulated different approaches to consultation, 5) carried out consultations in a variety of forms (focus groups, town halls, open engagement tables and surveys) across campuses and within the community, and 6) prepared several drafts of an Okanagan College Internationalization Plan, based on the information gained through research and consultations.
Internationalization plan
A draft Plan was reviewed with the Okanagan College Leadership Team and the Okanagan College Board of Governors in 2018. Recommendations for amendments were made. The Board of Governors was presented with a revised draft Internationalization Plan at their March 2019 meeting. In June 2019, further feedback was welcomed from the Okanagan College community and in June 2019, both the Leadership Team and the Board of Governors approved the Okanagan College Internationalization Plan as presented.