This study examines the impact of international programs on students at a peripheral college in northern Israel with an equal Israeli Arab-Jewish student population. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 students (5 Israeli Arabs, 5 Jewish) who participated in international programs. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: (1) English as a gateway to global academia; (2) Developing future-ready skills; (3) Fostering intercultural connections; and (4) Building academic resilience. Findings indicate that these programs enhance academic skills, particularly English proficiency and critical thinking, while promoting intercultural understanding and social cohesion in this unique peripheral college setting. This study highlights the value of international programs in diverse, peripheral college settings, offering insights for developing inclusive internationalization strategies in higher education, with implications for educational policy and practice in multicultural contexts.
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