NOVA schedules seminars to help skilled foreign-educated immigrants

Northern Virginia Community College is hosting two events to help skilled immigrants pursue further education, obtain professional licensing or certification, and find suitable employment in the United States.

Foreign-educated immigrants often struggle to find jobs in the U.S. that match the education and experience obtained previously in their home country. An estimated 2.7 million college-educated immigrants in this country are unemployed or underemployed, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

NOVA is teaming up with World Education Services and the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education to address this problem with the Pathways to Success® seminar, developed by World Education Services through its Global Talent Bridge initiative.

During the seminar, a panel of experts will discuss what it takes to get foreign education recognized in the U.S. They will also introduce important resources and programs that can help immigrants achieve success.

NOVA representatives will describe the College’s programs for immigrant students. NOVA offers a variety of educational and career resources to assist skilled immigrants, including a full range of English as a Second Language courses as well as certificate programs designed for immediate employment or to enhance skills. In addition, the Training Futures program in partnership with Northern Virginia Family Service has helped many immigrant students launch new professional careers.

The seminar will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 2 at NOVA’s Alexandria Campus and repeated 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 3 at NOVA’s Manassas Campus.

The seminars are free and open to all immigrants with foreign credentials. Registration is required at http://www.globaltalentbridge.org/nova or 703-257-6580.

World Education Services (http://www.wes.org) is an accredited non-profit organization with over thirty years’ experience evaluating foreign credentials so they are understood and fully recognized in the U.S. The Global Talent Bridge initiative helps skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in the U.S. and provides technical assistance and resources to organizations that advise highly qualified immigrants.

Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (http://www.cccie.org) is a national network of community colleges and other organizations committed to expanding and strengthening programs for immigrant students at community colleges nationwide. Activities include: raising visibility of immigrant education issues, sharing best practices, and advocacy. Northern Virginia Community College is a member of CCCIE.