An Untapped Resource: Introducing the Special Section on Community College/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Education Abroad

Abstract

Current research counters the deficit narrative by capturing student and faculty education abroad leaders’ perspectives, which collectively show how the open access philosophy of the community college supports and enables new educational opportunities (Whatley & Raby, 2020). Research also shows the varied learning outcomes available through community college/TVET education abroad that are geared towards adult learners (Wood & Raby, 2022). Still other research debunks the deficit narrative by detailing institutional networks that support various forms of internationalization (Smith, 2019). New research confirms that access to study abroad at community colleges supports all students, especially those who have been historically marginalized (Barone, 2021). In this way, community college education abroad research findings align with and lead a focus on social justice (Viggiano, 2019) and on diversity, equity, and inclusion (Whatley & Raby, 2020). The five articles in this special section add to the expansive body of community college education abroad literature.