In the minds of many, “study abroad” and “international students” are only for big universities. In reality, Spokane Colleges students have the opportunity to enhance their study of culture, language, and history by studying in destinations like Berlin, Tokyo, Paris, and Costa Rica. In addition, more than 150 international students are enrolled across Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College, many of whom are taking their first big step toward a new career or completing a bachelor’s degree as a transfer student.
International Education Week in November is a chance every year to focus on all these programs and the richness of experience and opportunity they offer both the Spokane Colleges community and the entire Inland Northwest.
The week opened with activities including a global-themed HeartMath meditation and an International Expo featuring food, fashion, and traditions from around the world. Students, faculty, and staff also gathered for a Lunch Meet & Greet where international students shared their stories, students explored study abroad options, and collaborated on a community world-map puzzle—an event created to help students build friendships and a sense of belonging.
A highlight of the week was the International Student Voices & Global Education Insights Panel, where students spoke candidly about their experiences studying in the United States. Many reflected on the challenge of building a social network in a new culture. One international student noted that making friends requires “breaking out of your comfort zone and trying to talk to people.” Another student emphasized the importance of campus involvement, sharing that “the safest place to make friends is on campus… join the clubs, come to the meetings, engage in those spaces.”
Students also discussed the realities of adjusting to a new culture. One student described how communication styles differ, explaining that “we all have different cultures, and the way we speak in our cultures is different . . . learning intercultural communication helped me understand body language and cues.”
Many international students choose Spokane Colleges for affordability. Nearly half of international students cited value and lower tuition as a reason for starting at Spokane Colleges rather than at a four-year university, even if a bachelor’s degree (or beyond) is their ultimate goal.
However, handling financial challenges is a common theme for many international students nonetheless. At the panel, students described the impact of factors like fluctuating exchange rates and the difficulty of finding scholarships as particular challenges they face that domestic students likely do not.
In spite of the challenges, in a recent survey of international students, 100% “completely agreed” or “agreed” that the colleges’ Global Education Office provides high-quality support to international students.
On the other side of the coin, Spokane Colleges offers a range of study abroad programs through the Washington State Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA) as well as faculty-led opportunities developed on each campus. Current destinations include Germany, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland, and Paris. Programs vary by quarter and discipline, and many are structured to connect directly with subjects including language, cultural studies, global issues, and the humanities. For many participants direct exposure to the history, daily life, and social dynamics of different regions add unique depth to their classroom studies.
The benefits of studying abroad often emerge through those day-to-day experiences: navigating public transit, communicating across cultures, or observing how other societies approach education and community life. Spokane Colleges supports students through the logistics of studying abroad by helping them determine how courses completed overseas apply to their academic plans. Financial aid may be used for many programs, and students can apply for national scholarships such as the Gilman Award, which offers additional assistance for eligible applicants. Together, these structures make it possible for community college students to participate in international learning experiences that broaden their understanding of the world and its varied cultures.
Together, the week’s events and student perspectives illustrate what International Education Week is all about: celebrating global learning, expanding cultural understanding, and supporting every student—whether they are arriving from abroad or preparing to study abroad. Spokane Colleges remains committed to creating an environment where international education thrives, where diverse experiences enrich the campus community, and where all students can see the world reflected in their education.