New CLC program gives students global perspective

Starting spring semester, College of Lake County students graduating with strong understanding of their role as a global citizen will find a special "Global Citizenship Milestone" distinction on their transcript, strengthening their credentials for transfer and career programs.

The Global Citizenship Milestone program provides an opportunity for students to engage more deeply in issues related to diversity and global studies.

"CLC wants to help students with a global experience set themselves apart as they apply to jobs or move toward their transfer institutions," said Jacob Cushing, director of the college's Center for International Education.

"Transfer institutions look for students with a strong understanding of our diverse society, and students with this milestone will be able to articulate the importance of being globally minded on their institutional and transfer scholarship applications. Employers want to hire students who have study abroad experience and bring a global perspective to the table."

According to the QS Global Employer Survey Report, six out of 10 employers around the world give extra credit for an international experience, and more than 80 percent said they actively sought graduates who studied abroad.

CLC's dedication to student success is the driving motivation behind this new recognition.

Cushing added, "The college's goal is to help students to foster awareness and mutual respect by seeking to understand our own and other cultures, to live effectively in a global community and to bring multiple perspectives to our campuses and the workforce."

To qualify, students must either complete 12 credit hours of international or multicultural courses, or take six credits of the courses combined with participation in a CLC study-abroad program.

Courses explore cultural, racial/ethnic, political, social and other issues, both within and outside of the U.S., in relation to various histories and contexts of globalization, imperialism and industrialization.

Other contexts include political, economic and social movements, as well as environmental changes across the globe.

For details, including a list of approved international/multicultural courses, visit www.clcillinois.edu-global-citizenship-milestone, or contact Cushing at (847) 543-2733 or jcushing@clcillinois.edu.

For information about the College of Lake County, visit www.clcillinois.edu.

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