Menlo College Receives U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support International Education Posted on December 12, 2023January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College, in partnership with Foothill College, has been awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its “Menlo College and Foothill College Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs” project under the Title VI Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Languages (UISFL) program. The U.S. Department of Education will fund 50 percent of the cost of the project through an award of $525,867, with Menlo and Foothill contributing matching expenditures. The project director is Erik Bakke, Menlo College Executive Director for International Student Services. Ka’Ilihiwa Kāne ’20 in Rome, Italy in the Spring of 2019 Funds for the project will be used by Menlo College and Foothill College in a collaboration to promote international studies, study abroad, and foreign language study. Project objectives include: creating transfer pathways from Foothill College to the Menlo College B.S. in Business degree; expanding access to Menlo’s Study Abroad and Academic Global Immersion Programs; and engaging Menlo students in foreign language study at Foothill College. Lucrezia Povero ’20 in Japan in the Fall of 2018 The project aims to increase the participation in international education programs by students at Menlo College and Foothill College who have traditionally been underrepresented and face barriers to participation in those programs. “With generous support from the U.S. Department of Education, Menlo and Foothill will build on their institutional strengths so that more students will have access to these important international and intercultural educational opportunities that are often out of reach financially,” said Angela Schmiede, Vice President for Student Success & Strategic Planning at Menlo College. Kurt Hueg, Associate Vice President of Instruction at Foothill College said: “Foothill is thrilled to partner with Menlo College in expanding opportunities to students in study abroad, foreign language and international education, and in strengthening a transfer pathway for students seeking degrees in Business Administration and International Business. We are grateful for this grant to enable us to create exciting new opportunities for students.” About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution. About Foothill College Foothill College, a public community college, is part of the Foothill–De Anza Community College District. Founded in 1957, it is located in Los Altos Hills, California. Foothill’s vision includes educating “…students from diverse backgrounds that represent the demographics of the Bay Area, with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented populations.” The college is consistently ranked as one of the top community colleges in the nation, and offers associate degrees and certificates, career education, and preparation for transfer to a four-year university. Foothill also offers a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene and will soon offer a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
2022-23 Year in Review: Immersion Programs Provide Students with More Possibilities Posted on June 26, 2023January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe A college’s measure of success extends beyond academic performance alone. Menlo College recognizes the significance of motivating students to foster their personal growth. The College’s immersion programs enhance students’ creativity and broaden their perspectives, while diminishing prejudice. By focusing on expanding worldviews, Menlo College aims to empower students to thrive. Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Third Cohort of Academic Global Immersion Program Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui led the third cohort of Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program this winter. Seventeen students took a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in January 2023 and earned course credit. AGI exposes students to global companies and environs, with the vision of preparing them for future leadership roles. Students bridge between classroom learning and “the real-world” by engaging with global executives. A college’s measure of success extends beyond academic performance alone. Menlo College recognizes the significance of motivating students to foster their personal growth. The College’s immersion programs enhance students’ creativity and broaden their perspectives, while diminishing prejudice. By focusing on expanding worldviews, Menlo College aims to empower students to thrive. Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Third Cohort of Academic Global Immersion Program Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui led the third cohort of Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program this winter. Seventeen students took a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in January 2023 and earned course credit. AGI exposes students to global companies and environs, with the vision of preparing them for future leadership roles. Students bridge between classroom learning and “the real-world” by engaging with global executives. “I learned much about the local business culture, the corporate landscape and business trends affecting the developing economy. Through this valuable experience and the developed skillset, the AGI facilitates me to thrive efficiently in a global and cosmopolitan setting.” – Paul Breuer ‘25, wrote on LinkedIn. Learn more about the AGI program Immersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New Course Menlo College launched a new Silicon Valley Immersion (SVI) course this year with the purpose of preparing students for leadership in the tech world capital. Taught by Dean Sidaoui, SVI offered students the opportunity to learn from business practitioners and visit prominent companies in Silicon Valley. The course first ran in the Fall 2022 semester and included visits to Google, Zoom, Colliers, and Crowdz, and featured various industry guest speakers. Learn more about the SVI program Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Menlo College also continued to build pathways for students to increase flexibility in their studies. Starting in the Fall of 2022, Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) jointly introduced a short-term exchange program, designed for a semester or year of immersive study abroad, and the 3+1 dual-degree program, enabling students to earn diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College after four years. Moreover, in Spring 2023, Menlo College commenced exchange and 2+2 transfer programs with Al Ain University (AAU) in the United Arab Emirates, opening up even more exciting opportunities for students. The short-term exchange program allows students to have their courses recognized at their home institution, while the 2+2 transfer program provides students from AAU with the opportunity to transfer to Menlo College and receive a diploma after four years. These initiatives expand Menlo College’s global reach and empower students to have diverse educational experiences while broadening their cultural horizons. Learn more about study abroad! Career Connect Day Empowers Students with Career Insights and Networking Opportunities Menlo College’s Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023 proved to be a resounding success as students gained valuable insights and forged connections for their future careers. The event, organized by the Office of Internships and Career Services, attracted more than 300 students and 13 alumni. The morning breakout sessions featured expert panelists, including Menlo College alumni, who shared their experiences in leading fields like psychology, nonprofit organizations, sports, sustainability, and the use of the Meaningful Work Kit. The event also included a Career Fair, where students explored internships and full-time opportunities across various industries. This year’s Career Connect Day featured two keynote speakers. Jeremy Schifeling, LinkedIn’s former Education leader and one of the founders of The Job Insiders, spoke in the morning session, emphasizing the power of personal branding and network connections. In the afternoon, Michael Watson, head of Global Customer Evangelism at Eightfold.ai, discussed navigating the job market in the era of artificial intelligence. The Office of Internships and Career Services at Menlo College continues to play a vital role in helping students succeed. Initiatives such as Career Connect Day and the flagship student internship program have contributed to nearly 80 percent of 2022 Menlo College graduates finding employment or pursuing graduate programs within six months of graduation. By offering unique opportunities for career exploration, practical knowledge, and networking, Menlo College equips its students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the job market and lead in business and beyond. Ready to apply? Click here. About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy. Read More: Not Your Average Rankings: Job Placement and Personal Growth Lead to Newest Top College Rankings Menlo College Receives the 2019 Outstanding College Work Experience and Internship Program Award Empowering Student Voices: A Q&A with Dean Melissa Michelson
Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Posted on December 13, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is pleased to announce new, flexible international study abroad programs, a dual-degree program, and a transfer program with other institutions! Starting in the fall of 2022, a short-term exchange (one semester to a year) and dual degree program developed by Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) was officially launched. The upcoming exchange and 2+2 programs with Al Ain University (AAU) will begin in Spring 2023. AAU is an AACSB accredited institution – a recognition afforded to only 5% of the world’s business schools. France: Study Abroad Semester(s) or Earn Two Degrees in Four Years! Through the agreement reached with CEFAM, students are eligible to either participate in a short-term exchange or the 3+1 dual-degree program: Short-Term Exchange: The semester abroad program is built for students who are seeking a study abroad experience lasting one semester to a year. Students are also required to take a language course. 3+1 Dual-Degree Business Program: The 3+1 program is a transfer program tailored for students seeking to earn two degrees. After three years of study at the college of origin, students can transfer to the other for one academic year of study with a scholarship. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College. Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! United Arab Emirates: Study Abroad or Easily Transfer In addition to France, students can also easily choose to go to or from the United Arab Emirates. Menlo College and AAU recently signed a cooperation agreement for short-term exchanges and a 2+2 transfer program: Short-Term Exchange: After completing the first academic year, students of both sides can choose a semester or a year of exchange study and have their courses recognized at their home institution. 2+2 Transfer Business Program: The 2+2 program is a transfer program tailored for students from AAU. After completing two years of study, students can transfer to Menlo College. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive a diploma from Menlo College. Did you know that in 2022-23, international students make up 22% of the student population at Menlo? Why Study Abroad? Menlo student Alexander Santillan ’25, who recently completed a semester in Japan, shared: “My advice is to meet as many local students as possible. It is amazing to see their perspective and how they see the same issue differently and how they see the US from the outside. I can’t stress enough how much it has opened my perspective and opportunities here in Japan. I hope others can do the same and experience a new student life.” “We see students’ strong desire to increase the flexibility of their studies, as well as their curiosity for global exploration,” said Chief Academic Officer, VP of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. “These programs are designed to provide them with a variety of options as well as further enhance Menlo’s nationwide lead in campus diversity.” Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! Broadening Students’ Worldviews Through International Exchange Programs Henry Miller once wrote in his book Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch (1957): “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The experience of studying abroad has various benefits and meanings for everyone, but the purpose is alike in all important essentials, the differences being of a minor nature: for something new, no matter for new people, new environment, or new life. Menlo College has a mission to educate students for the 21st century, part of which includes cultivating in students a rich worldview. By encouraging the new generation to judge the world objectively, Menlo supports them by involving them in an environment filled with cultural differences. Students develop a broad vision to pursue innovative approaches to solving the world’s problems. As part of the effort for students to experience and celebrate diversified cultures, Menlo College has reached new agreements with CEFAM and AAU. Read more: Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramImmersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New CourseMenlo College and Silicon Valley Japan University Partnership About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
