Global Connections & Engagement

Palm Beach State College’s Office of International Education fosters meaningful opportunities for students to explore the world, exchange ideas, and engage with diverse cultures. Through Global Connections & Engagement, students and faculty can participate in experiences that expand global awareness, enhance academic learning, and build international networks.

Jump to:  National Model United Nations  |  International & Global Student Clubs  |  Collaborative Online International Learning  |  Partnerships

 

At PBSC, Global Connections & Engagement prepares students to succeed in an interconnected world by encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and cultural understanding.

Opportunities include:

  • National Model United Nations (NMUN): Develop skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and global policy.
  • NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo: Connect with international educators and gain insights into global education trends.
  • Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Engage in virtual exchanges with students and faculty from partner institutions around the world.
  • University Partnerships: Collaborate with global institutions to support learning, research, and cultural exchange.
  • International & Global Student Clubs: Join student-led organizations that celebrate diversity and foster intercultural dialogue.

National Model United Nations

The unyanymouse Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

International & Global Student Clubs

PBSC offers a variety of student-led clubs and organizations that celebrate cultural diversity and foster global connections on campus. These clubs provide a space for students from all backgrounds to share their heritage, explore new perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers from around the world.

Through club activities, cultural events, and community service projects, students can:

  • Build friendships and networks across cultures
  • Develop leadership and organizational skills
  • Participate in international-themed events, workshops, and discussions
  • Promote intercultural understanding and global awareness

Joining an international or global student club at PBSC is a great way to connect with the campus community, expand your worldview, and actively participate in shaping a culturally rich and inclusive environment.

NAFSA Association of International Educators

The NAFSA Association of International Educators is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange. International educators from all corners of the world will gather to attend sessions developed by peers from international education leaders and changemakers across the globe. Connect with fellow attendees and build a network essential to your professional success.

Collaborative Online International Learning

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), is an innovative teaching and learning approach that brings global perspectives into the classroom through online collaboration.

COIL fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness by connecting students and faculty from different countries to work together on joint projects, assignments, and discussions. Students engage in meaningful, virtual exchanges with peers from partner institutions, allowing them to share diverse perspectives, challenge their thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of global issues.

COIL courses are structured to combine online instruction with collaborative activities, where students from different cultural backgrounds work together on common goals. These interactions are facilitated by faculty members who co-teach and guide students through the process, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience.

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COIL by the Numbers

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  • Global Reach: COIL has connected over 500 institutions in 60 countries, involving more than 25,000 students worldwide.
  • Diverse Disciplines: COIL projects span a wide range of disciplines, including business, health sciences, social sciences, humanities, and STEM fields.
  • Increased Engagement: Studies have shown that students participating in COIL report a 30% increase in engagement and interest in their courses, as well as improved cultural awareness and communication skills.

Benefits for PBSC Students

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  • Enhanced Cultural Competence:  COIL offers PBSC students a unique opportunity to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, helping them develop critical cultural competencies that are essential in today’s globalized world.
  • Global Networking:  By participating in the program, students build international connections and networks that can benefit them personally and professionally. These relationships often extend beyond the course, leading to future collaborations and career opportunities.
  • Real-World Skills Development:  Projects require students to work on complex, real-world problems in collaboration with international peers. This experience helps students hone essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication across cultural and linguistic differences.
  • Accessible Global Education:  COIL allows students to gain global perspectives without the need to travel, making international learning accessible to all PBSC students, regardless of their financial or personal circumstances.
  • Preparation for the Global Workforce:  In an increasingly interconnected world, employers value candidates who have experience working in multicultural environments. COIL provides PBSC students with a competitive edge by equipping them with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a global workforce.

University Partnerships

PBSC is dedicated to providing students with global experiences through our University Partnerships. These partnerships offer immersive study abroad programs that go beyond traditional offerings. 

While our standard study abroad programs allow students to explore various destinations, PBSC’s University Partnerships focus on a more in-depth cultural immersion. Students are primarily situated in one location, where they can fully immerse themselves in the local culture, history, and academic environment.

Why Choose a University Partnership Program?
Students participating in these programs have the unique opportunity to live and study in a specific region, allowing them to engage deeply with the local community, traditions, and way of life. This deep dive into a single culture provides a richer understanding of the area than a more generalized study abroad experience.

Collaborating with peers and faculty from partner universities overseas fosters an environment of mutual learning and exchange, where students gain new perspectives and develop life-long connections.

University Partnerships often include specialized coursework and projects tailored to the cultural and academic context of the host country. These programs complement PBSC’s educational offerings, providing students with unique opportunities to study subjects in ways influenced by the cultural setting.