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ABSTRACT
In 2020, United States (U.S.) community colleges had to swiftly make changes to educational programs and alter teaching mobilities as a response to COVID-19 that profoundly impacted international education. Yet, the pandemic also created a moment in time that, like other disasters, offered a chance to rethink current practices to create institutions that have the potential to become ultimately stronger, grounded in equity, and more responsive to their communities. This essay reviews the immediate and longer-term impact of COVID-19 on U.S. community college internationalization efforts by focusing on a) international students’ mobility and their economic contribution, b) federal policies and laws, c) on-campus services, d) students’ academic and social experiences, and e) racialized tensions. The essay also identifies lessons and opportunities to support the notion that community colleges can and do have the ability to quickly change responding to community needs by focusing on a) quick adoption of new technology, curriculum, and pedagogy, b) innovative marketing and outreach effort, and c) the critical assessment of current policies and procedures to anticipate changes in the future. The essay concludes with suggestions for international education in community colleges.