Dr. David Andrus, Political Science Professor

"I have taken the opportunity to work with ISP to better understand the entirety of programs and student opportunities run out of that office. I appreciate the collaboration that has resulted in improved alignment of curricular ISP matters. In 2018, ISP invited me to travel to Beifang University, China to lecture at its law school. While there, I had numerous meetings with students, as well as regional and local judges and attorneys that work within their legal system. These interactions, to my satisfaction, enabled me the opportunity to discuss principles of western jurisprudence, to include liberty and equality under the law within the American system; this within a Chinese system dominated by state control. While traveling to China is not without controversy, I believe this is a successful example of public diplomacy. My experiences in China have been extraordinarily beneficial to my role as a professor of political science while lecturing COC students on matters of international relations, global politics and foreign policy."

Professor Christina Chung, Business -

"Our International Services and Programs provides faculty with opportunities:

• To connect with students from around the world;
• To teach on an international platform; and
• To network with faculty and exchange ideas."

Sarah Ehrsam, Head Athletic Trainer, COC Athletics -

"What a privilege it was to represent COC in Sweden! From start to finish, Dr J and her ISP team thoroughly prepared and supported me for success on this recruiting trip. As one of the few, if not only, US based representative of a US based institution, the Swedish students were so impressed that our college was so passionate about recruiting them that they sent one of their own employees instead of using an agency. It was a true joy to tell students of the resources and opportunities we could offer them here at College of the Canyons. I am forever grateful to have been able to represent COC in Sweden at the SACO fair."

Dean James Glapa-Grossklag, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning -

"Thanks to ISP's outreach, I'm able to share the good work that COC does around the world. For example, in Taiwan I've spoken with students, parents, professors, media, and local officials about all the things that make COC and Santa Clarita ideal destinations for Taiwanese students. Thanks to ISP's English Language Program, I'm confident that international students are prepared to succeed in the classroom as well as in the workplace. For example, the Library and TLC know that international students will be capable part-time employees."

Professor Gary Collis, Business -

"ISP arranged for me to join a Fulbright-sponsored delegation of educators to Taiwan through which we witnessed that country's growing use of English in its college classrooms across all disciplines. I love that ISP strives, through a wonderful assortment of fascinating programs and learning opportunities, to prepare COC educators and students for success in a world that gets smaller each day. Nothing opens a mind faster than first-hand exposure to new people and different cultures!"

Professor Jason Oliver, Architecture -

"Collaborating with ISP on a variety of academic projects over the last several years has been particularly enriching to our Architecture students and faculty for professional development. With ISP's help, we've engaged with colleges and universities both in the Western Hemisphere as well as Europe, most recently participating in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition with La Escuela de Ingeniería de ITCA-FEPADE located in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. ISP staff were critical in helping to facilitate the bi-lingual engagement for students from our program with ITCA architecture faculty and students which gave everyone a unique opportunity to compare and contrast industry practices and cultural norms taught at College of the Canyons with to those found in other parts of the world."

Professor Larry Alvarez, Administration of Justice -

"Dr. Jia-Yi has built an amazing team to include Dr. Tim Honadel, John Garzon, Esq., and Ms. Maritza Munzon. This team is one of the most attentive teams on Campus. Their attention to detail, efficiency, and professionalism serve as a model for the rest of the Campus to follow.

ISP promotes international partnerships and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

The benefits of the programs supported by ISP are endless but most notably include.

• • • • • • • • Exposure to other cultures, customs, and people.
              • The experience of trying something new.
              • Offers a more global perspective.
              • Forming new lifelong friendships.
              • Opportunities for international networking.
              • The ability to compare and contrast varying social, political, economic, religious, and legal systems.
              • Breaks down divisive national barriers and stereotypes.
              • Personal and professional growth.
              • Fosters a sense of teamwork and belonging by sharing experiences with others on Campus.
              • Strengthens ties to College, improves morale, and serves to re-energize the traveler.
              • Enables faculty to bring experiences back to the classroom over the long term. Thus, enriching the classroom experience for students.
              • Travel is contagious and inspires others to do so.

My experiences with ISP, including travelling to China in 2019, have been nothing but positive and rewarding."

Dr. Brent Riffel, History -

"Working with ISP has been a deeply enriching professional experience. I have grown as a colleague through our many meetings to plan how we can better support students and foster a diverse and inclusive educational environment. Participating in an overseas partnership building trip afforded me the chance to make meaningful connections with international institutions, and my summer teaching abroad in Rome was a transformative experience, enabling me to try new approaches to teaching while immersing myself in a unique culture. Overall, my work with the ISP team has not only enhanced my professional skill set but has also deepened my appreciation for the value of open access education, providing me with a renewed sense of purpose here at College of the Canyons."

Dr. Saburo Matsumoto, Mathematics -

"I enjoy building new partnerships with colleges and universities overseas. Students' lives are changed through these efforts. I am excited that our own COC students can take part in affordable exchange programs to broaden their worldview. I am grateful for ISP's support for my curriculum-internationalizing (EPIC) fellowship at Stanford University."

Professor Charlie Johnson, Mathematics -

"Working with ISP over the last few years has been rewarding. I have enjoyed working with an incredible group of globally minded individuals. The highlight of my work was teaching in Rome at John Cabot University in the summer of 2023."