National Conversation on Entry Points: Recommendations and Actions for International Education

Brian Whalen International Education Leadership Fellow, The University at Albany- SUNY, United States

Krishna Bista Professor of Higher Education, Morgan State University, Baltimore, United States

Jing Luan Provost Emeritus, San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley, United States

Abstract

In the current international education discourse, the necessity for a nuanced understanding of student mobility and diverse educational entry points is imperative. In this chapter, we offer actionable items in global student mobility entry points, specifically focusing on the United States' role as a premier destination for over a million international students. We also share the multifaceted nature of educational pathways, ranging from K-12 to postgraduate programs, highlighting the significance of alternative entry points such as community colleges and intensive English programs. The narrative underscores the importance of reimagining educational strategies to accommodate the preferences of Generation Z students, who are navigating through an AI and digitized educational environment. Based on the Association of International Enrollment Managment’s national recommendations approach, we strongly advocate actionable strategies for enhancing global mobility, emphasizing the need for a seamless integration of diverse educational experiences to create coherent pathways for students. This discourse is pivotal for stakeholders in the state of international education to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility in the pursuit of academic and career aspirations.

Keywords: Global student mobility, educational pathways, international students, Generation Z, U.S. education system, entry points

How to cite this chapter: Whalen, B., Bista, K., & Luan, J. (2024). National conversation on entry points: Recommendations and actions for international education. In J. Luan, L. Habte, D. L. Di Maria, & K. Bista (Eds.), Entry points to US education: Accessing the next wave of growth (pp. 333-343). Star Scholars Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/4r0sfm57