Study Abroad: MCCCD will now Sponsor J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) will now officially sponsor J-1 visa programs allowing international students to attend colleges in the USA. In addition, the opportunity focuses on expanding the curriculum and US cultural perspective across the globe. 

A batch of 16 students from 10 countries is being sponsored by the state Department’s Educational and Cultural Bureau. The students will arrive in mid-July. The MCC will start administering new scholarship programs in August. However, the sponsorship is renewed every two years as long as MCCCD meets the program’s requirements.

The J-1 Visa programs promote cultural exchange between international countries and the United States. Moreover, around 550 international students on F-1 Visas and 15 J-1 visas host by the MCCCD every year. 

Every year, MCCCD hosts an average of 550 international students on F-1 Visas and 15 J-1 Visa students from 80 different countries. Earlier, Maricopa Community Colleges administered, organized and hosted a few short-term exchange programs involving 33 countries. 

Acting vice-chancellor, Bettine Celis says, “We are excited for this opportunity to bring international students and scholars to our 10 campuses and communities. He says, “International education holds great importance for Maricopa Community Colleges.” Additionally, he said, “We look forward to providing our students and faculty with a new level of uncharted experiences.”

More About J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program

The main aim of the program is to promote cultural exchange between international countries and the USA. The program allows students, professors, and scholars from around the globe to experience American culture. 

Furthermore, this will also help them understand different perspectives of communities from around the world while sharing their uniqueness. 

The MCCCD International & Intercultural Education Office Program Manager, Jen Sydow, says, “By hosting and involving international students, scholars and visitors in various learning processes, we are achieving our global engagement mission by enhancing our students’ and community members’ international perspective and cross-cultural understanding.” 

As per the U.S. Department of State, annually,  300,000 foreign visitors from 200 countries and territories experience U.S. society and culture and engage with Americans. This is possible through the J-1 program. However, 54% are women and girls and 86% of exchange visitors are 30 years old or younger. 

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