And, not all of LC’s international students are in Alberta. The college delivers its business administration program via instructorfacilitated DVDs at Estar University in Qiangdou, China. The Chinese faculty came to Lethbridge College to meet with local instructors to understand Western teaching methods; the LC faculty deliver the final examination to ensure academic integrity. These Chinese students perform as well or better than our on-campus learners. If they meet TOEFL requirements, they will have access to all of the transfer and articulation opportunities that our local learners enjoy.

Lethbridge College has an emergency loan program for learners who find themselves in financial difficulty; the default rate is incredibly low as students (both local and international) truly appreciate the support. Global students from homelands experiencing political challenges often find themselves unable to contact family. LC’s safety net helps them weather the financial storm as they are waiting to reconnect with loved ones. This past holiday season, LC hosted a dinner for all international learners. The evening’s entertainment included offerings from many cultures and a broad menu of different types of foods.

The power of diversity cannot be underestimated. Studies have shown that the ability to hold two different (and competing) constructs in one’s mind builds the capability to think critically. In a global marketplace, recognizing and valuing the tremendous opportunity to learn from others “not like me” is incredibly compelling and an important asset of a postsecondary education at Lethbridge College.

— Dr. Tracy Edwards is president and CEO of Lethbridge College. The forum is sponsored in partnership with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) at The University of Texas at Austin.