Posted on August 12, 2024

VCC’s International Education releases its five-year Strategic Plan

VCC Downtown campus with sun and reflection


Vancouver Community College (VCC) is pleased to share its International Education Strategic Plan (IESP). The plan is a five-year strategic plan (2024 - 2029) that informs and guides VCC’s local and global engagement in our internationalization efforts. It was developed to meet evolving student and sectoral needs, ensuring a learning and living environment that will serve our community and our province well into the future.

The plan is informed by VCC’s Strategic Innovation Plan and other VCC frameworks including the Campus Plan, Accessibility Plan, Environmental Sustainability Strategy, Mental Health and Well-being Framework and the Indigenization Strategy (forthcoming). 

VCC is an all-access public post-secondary institution providing skills training in high-opportunity fields such as culinary and baking, automotive and transportation trades, nursing, and allied health. We also provide comprehensive educational programs for Canadian newcomers and people with disabilities. The majority of VCC’s programs incorporate experiential and work-integrated learning to prepare graduates for employment, as demonstrated by our high graduate employment rates of 87%. VCC has approximately 3,300 international students.

"Developing our five-year strategic plan around the five key objectives of Indigenous perspectives; equity, diversity, inclusion and access; student success; global experiences and partnerships; and sustainability is not just a commitment to our students and faculty, it's a promise to our entire community,” share Jennifer Gossen, Director, International Education. “These objectives reflect our dedication to creating a more inclusive and connected world. By focusing on these core values, we aim to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in a globalized society."

Thank you to the International Education Department, the IESP Advisory Committee, and internal and external stakeholders for sharing valuable ideas and helping shape this strategic plan. We also thank external consultants Kate Jennings and Sarah Mines, who provided expert training and senior advisory services throughout the development of the IESP.

To read the plan, visit the International Education website.