Global Intentions Local Results: How Colleges Can Create International Communities

Comments:
This book is an in-depth look at the influence of campus internationalization on local communities. Case studies at three small colleges in three small communities in Pennsylvania illustrate how colleges faced challenges to bring the world to their communities.

Is there an influence on the local community stemming from efforts to internationalize the campus? And if so, what is the nature and extent of that influence? What does that influence inform us about higher education and the relationship between colleges and communities?

Using a qualitative case study approach, including 68 one-on-one interviews with campus and community leaders, Dr. Kiehl explores the issues. Techniques from disciplines ranging from education to history and political science to sociology are used to arrive at some surprising conclusions. Throughout, the words of college and community members tell their own stories.

Results should be of interest to higher education administrators, especially those involved in international programs and in community outreach. There will be interest too among leaders in a variety of community organizations. Given the importance placed on higher education internationalization by the federal government, the finding will interest policy makers and specialists . The book makes several recommendations for colleges regarding internationalization and local communities and points to further suggestions for research.