By Dr. Hala M. Abou Arraj, University Registrar at Idaho State University, AACRAO Vice President for International Education - Board of Directors
Globalization has brought people and institutions closer, allowing them to share expertise and institutional policies and procedures. AACRAO is at the forefront of this information exchange, providing essential guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of global credit evaluation. AACRAO commits to fostering a more inclusive and effective global educational environment, demonstrated by its creation of new communities, internationally recognized Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) resources, and training and workshops through the International Institute. All of this is in keeping with AACRAO’s strategic goals and values.
Understanding International Credit Evaluation
As globalization intensifies, the necessity for accurate and equitable international credit evaluation has become more prominent. This process is essential for institutions and students, bridging educational systems from diverse regions. AACRAO provides critical guidance and standards through its International Education Standards Council (IESC) that help institutions interpret international academic credentials.
International credit evaluation involves assessing educational credentials worldwide to ensure that students’ prior learning experiences translate accurately when they transfer across borders. AACRAO's expert guidance in this area helps institutions establish fair equivalencies so that students do not face undue barriers when pursuing further education or employment opportunities abroad.
The Role of New Communities in AACRAO
To address the evolving needs in international education, AACRAO has introduced two new communities: International Activities and International Institutions.
International Activities
The International Activities community focuses on the challenges and opportunities related to supporting international students. It includes professionals who manage services that assist international students in their academic and personal journeys. The community aims to improve the student experience by sharing strategies and solutions for common issues international learners face. This community facilitates discussions on effective strategies for addressing the unique needs of international students.
International Institutions
The International Institutions community focuses on the challenges and opportunities related to supporting international higher education members outside the United States. The community aims to connect members across institutions and provide them with a safe haven to share their experiences and issues. It is an excellent platform for sharing ideas and networking.
EDGE: Enhancing Global Education
EDGE, an acronym for the Electronic Database for Global Education, is an AACRAO resource designed to advance the global education landscape. For more than 15 years, this program has been the leading US resource for evaluating foreign educational credentials. The information in EDGE is data-driven and extensively researched.
The International Institute: A Hub for Global Educational Excellence
The AACRAO International Institute is a cornerstone of AACRAO’s efforts to enhance global educational standards. This institute serves as a central hub for international education research and delivers workshops and sessions on international education topics. Through an applied approach to international comparative education, participants will have the tools to evaluate authentic international credentials from the countries covered, as well as others that follow a similar system.