In the Fight to Attract More International Students, Some Community and Technical Colleges Are Finding Support in an Unlikely Place

Across the United States, community and technical colleges have been facing one of their toughest challenges in years — a drop in enrollment following the global pandemic. Yet, as international borders reopen and interest in U.S. education grows, many schools are seeing signs of recovery.

For some, the key to this rebound lies in how effectively they support international students through complex administrative hurdles — especially when it comes to having foreign degrees or certifications recognized.

Navigating a Complicated Process

When international students apply to U.S. institutions, they often face a maze of documentation, verification, and evaluation requirements. Degrees earned abroad must be assessed to determine their U.S. equivalency — a process that can be both technical and time-sensitive.

That’s where organizations specializing in foreign credential evaluations come in. These agencies act as intermediaries, helping ensure that academic achievements from around the world are accurately represented in the U.S. education system.

A “Secret Weapon” for Student Success

Some colleges refer to these partnerships as a “secret weapon” in their international outreach. One such organization, Career Consulting International (CCI), has worked with schools and students for over two decades to streamline the credential evaluation process.

Linda S. Fontenot, CEO of Parisian Spa Institute, describes the experience as transformative for her institution’s international applicants. “The evaluators are highly trained and professional in many fields of study and languages,” she said, adding that their consistent support “makes all the difference in our students’ ability to enroll without delays.”

Joe Calareso, an administrator at Acupuncture Massage College, shared a similar sentiment. “They understand our deadlines and work with us,” he noted. “When students apply directly, they get guidance and support every step of the way. That makes the enrollment experience seamless.”

The Human Side of Evaluation

Behind these services is Sheila Danzig, the chief evaluator at CCI. As the daughter of immigrants, she understands firsthand the challenges newcomers face when navigating U.S. systems.

“I grew up seeing how language and cultural differences could impact opportunity,” Danzig reflected. “My goal has always been to help students get the fair consideration they deserve for the education they’ve already worked hard to achieve.”

Over more than twenty years, Danzig and her team have helped thousands of students and professionals move forward with their educational and immigration goals, earning recognition within the field of academic evaluation for their commitment to accuracy and individualized attention.

Building Bridges Through Education

As international education continues to evolve, partnerships between schools and credential evaluators have become increasingly vital. For many students, the process of recognition — often unseen behind the scenes — can be the deciding factor between pursuing a dream in the U.S. or giving up due to administrative barriers.

By simplifying that process, organizations like CCI help ensure that global talent doesn’t get lost in translation. Their work highlights an often-overlooked truth: the path to higher education in America isn’t just about acceptance letters — it’s also about access, understanding, and the power of recognition.