INTO University Partnerships announces continued international student growth and academic success at US partner institutions

San Diego, Calif. – November 7, 2013 – INTO University Partnerships today announced successes in key areas at its US partner institutions, including international student enrollment growth, strong academic outcomes and high student satisfaction. INTO’s first two US partners, Oregon State University andUniversity of South Florida, have experienced the greatest gains and are outpacing national averages in international student enrollment growth, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of INTO’s joint venture model.

INTO partners with leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and achieving a globally diverse and integrated campus community. To date, INTO has helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at institutions in the US.

For the Fall 2013 intake, all four of INTO’s US centers exceeded their ambitious enrollment goals. The company’s three most mature partnerships – Oregon State University, University of South Florida, and Colorado State University – experienced double-digit growth (19 percent) from the previous year. Achieving nationality diversity also remains a goal at all of INTO’s joint ventures, with more than 60 countries represented at the four US centers.

INTO’s most recent partnership launched in Fall 2013 at Marshall University. In August, INTO Marshall welcomed its first group of 170 international students from 23 countries, an impressive start for the new program. Last month, INTO and George Mason University announced plans to establish a partnership to expand the university’s global reach and international student enrollment. Once approved, the planned partnership would be INTO’s fifth joint venture in the US.

“The rapid success at our US centers has been incredible. The ambitious universities with whom we’re partnered are committed to comprehensive internationalization as part of their long-term strategy for institutional growth and evolution. What’s more, they understand that ‘internationalization’ is greater than simply recruiting larger numbers of international students. It’s about increasing access to high quality education and improving the experience for international and domestic students alike,” said David Stremba, Managing Director of INTO University Partnerships, North America. 

Success at INTO’s US centers is measured not only by the size and diversity of each year’s incoming academic cohort but also by students’ academic outcomes and satisfaction with their experience. Academic success is central to the mission of each joint venture, a partnership through which each university maintains full control over academic programs. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of students successfully completed Pathway programs at INTO OSU, INTO USF and INTO CSU and qualified to progress to university degree programs; 95 percent of those students eligible to progress ultimately chose to enroll at the host university. The vast majority of students studying at INTO centers in the US in 2012-13 responded to an end of program survey indicating they were highly satisfied or satisfied with their experience.

“The partnership model is transformational and especially powerful in higher education. We are able to mobilize vast amounts of resources in our network as well as that of our university partners to advance institutional goals,” said Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships. “There is a swell in demand from international students for high-quality opportunities to study outside their home countries. Leading universities need to be able to deliver differentiated and best-of-class service for these students. Carefully designed strategic partnerships have proven a successful way for this to be accomplished.”

INTO is committed to improving global access to quality higher education and further increasing international student mobility. As a global education partnering organization that establishes large-scale, long-term, transformational partnerships, INTO assists universities in achieving their comprehensive internationalization goals. For more information about INTO University Partnerships and its partner institutions, please visit www.into-corporate.com.  

About INTO University Partnerships

Universities partner with INTO to advance their ambitious comprehensive internationalization agendas. INTO’s deeply embedded joint ventures create a globally diverse and integrated campus, improve the overall student experience, and increase international students’ access to higher education. Through INTO’s resources and expertise institutions expand their ability to create highly supportive academic environments, establish state-of-the-art learning and living spaces and deliver university-designed programs. Since 2006, INTO has established partnerships with 17 universities in the UK, the US and China. These partnerships have helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at partner institutions in North America, including Oregon State University, the University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University.

More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO on Twitter @INTOnetwork.

Download the full press release (PDF)

For media inquiries:

Anne Jenkins
INTO University Partnerships
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
703.624.6125 

George Mason University and INTO University Partnerships plan to launch comprehensive internationalization initiative

FAIRFAX, Va. – October 21, 2013 – George Mason University and INTO University Partnerships today announced a letter of intent to form a joint venture partnership to increase the university’s international student enrollment and global reach through comprehensive internationalization efforts.

INTO is a private company that partners with leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and achieving a globally diverse and integrated campus community. Once approved by Mason’s Board of Visitors, the INTO Mason partnership will support key aspects of the university’s vision and strategic plan to expand Mason’s role as a global university and enrich the student experience with international perspectives. 

“This is an important new venture for George Mason University,” said President Ángel Cabrera. “Our current Pathway programs have demonstrated to be an excellent source of high quality international students. The partnership with INTO will help us expand those programs and further increase the diversity of international perspectives on our campuses.”

Mason’s decision to partner with INTO comes after several months of discussions, on-campus presentations and town hall meetings as well as visits to two of INTO’s current partner institutions in the United States. The Mason and INTO partnership is based on an alignment of mission, vision and values, shared investment, shared governance, shared risk and shared reward. Mason will retain control of all academic aspects of the partnership and its brand.

“George Mason has a strong record and reputation of innovation and entrepreneurship and their proximity to Washington, DC puts them in a unique and exciting position to increase their reach and impact globally,” said David Stremba, Managing Director of North America, INTO University Partnerships. “We are excited to welcome Mason to our growing network of leading universities committed to comprehensive internationalization and offering a richer education experience.”

Through INTO’s extensive global recruitment network across 75 countries, the partnership plans to grow the international student population and enroll the first INTO Mason cohort of students in academic year 2014-2015. An INTO partnership transforms a campus through broad engagement of the entire university community by creating opportunities for faculty and staff, enhancing the educational experience for domestic students and improving outcomes for international students.

International students at INTO Mason will benefit from university-designed programs, university-led teaching and supportive university environments while enjoying full access to university campus facilities and services. INTO Mason students will be enrolled as non-degree-seeking students in a Pathway program that will prepare them for the demands of studying at the university. Upon successful completion of the Pathway program, having achieved language proficiency and meeting other admissions criteria, students will matriculate as degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students.

Mason becomes the fifth U.S. institution to partner with INTO, joining Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University. Since 2006, INTO has successfully launched partnerships with 17 universities around the world. Each INTO partnership is individually planned through a collaborative process and designed to address the specific goals and objectives of the institution. 

“This is just the beginning and we have much groundwork to be completed over the next year,” Cabrera said. “Several working groups have been established, including over 100 Mason faculty, staff and students, who will work with INTO representatives to design the partnership arrangement. We will continue to host town hall meetings to update our community on our progress and address questions.”

About George Mason University

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University—Where Innovation Is Tradition.

For more information about George Mason University, please visit www.gmu.edu.

About INTO University Partnerships

Universities partner with INTO to advance their ambitious comprehensive internationalization agendas. INTO’s deeply embedded joint ventures create a globally diverse and integrated campus, improve the overall student experience, and increase international students’ access to higher education. Through INTO’s resources and expertise institutions expand their ability to create highly supportive academic environments, establish state-of-the-art learning and living spaces and deliver university-designed programs. Since 2006, INTO has established partnerships with 17 universities in the UK, the US and China. These partnerships have helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at partner institutions in North America, including Oregon State University, the University of South Florida, Colorado State University andMarshall University. More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO on Twitter @INTOnetwork.

Download the full press release (PDF)

INTO Oregon State University receives five-year accreditation for Academic and General English

CORVALLIS, OR (August 27, 2013) – INTO Oregon State University (INTO OSU) and INTO University Partnerships (INTO) today announced the Academic English and General English Program at INTO OSU received a five-year accreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). The endorsement is an indication of the quality and strength of INTO OSU’s English language program. Half of universities that apply for accreditation receive the five-year term, which will last until August 2018 for OSU and is the maximum length of time a program can be certified by the accrediting agency.

The accreditation marks a change in policy for CEA, which did not recognize public-private partnerships, like the one between INTO and Oregon State University when INTO OSU was established. The policy was modified in 2011 in response to the changing English as a Second Language landscape and involvement from INTO to include public-private partnerships. 

“OSU and INTO OSU are establishing a new way to deliver language programs on campus as part of advancing a comprehensive internationalization agenda. Many innovations in higher education are met with resistance at first so this adjustment in policy from CEA is a great step in opening up the model for how private companies and public institutions can partner,” said David Stremba, Managing Director, North America at INTO University Partnerships. 

After CEA modified its policy, INTO OSU re-started the process of having its English programs accredited. The accreditation process began with staff members from INTO OSU attending a training held by CEA in March 2011. Then in February 2013 the team submitted a nearly 300-page report outlining how INTO OSU met the established requirements of all 11 areas defined by the standards: Administrative and Fiscal; Curriculum; Facilities, Equipment and Supplies; Faculty; Length and Structure of Programs; Mission; Program Development, Planning and Review; Recruitment; Student Achievement; and Student Services. Two months later, in April 2013, CEA completed a site visit to INTO OSU and the Center team was able to respond to the site visit report with their own document to address any comments. 

“The CEA accreditation confirms what we already know - that INTO OSU’s Academic English and General English programs meet the highest standards set by the U.S Higher Education ESL community. It’s the culmination of a two year process which has been driven by staff throughout INTO OSU and OSU and we are happy with the outcome of that dedication and hard work,” said Bob Gilmour, Director of Academic Programs at INTO OSU. 

English language training programs at institutions of higher education in the U.S. must either be accredited by the regional or national accrediting body that accredits programs at the university, or must have their own accreditation. For students considering INTO OSU, the certification is a guarantee of assurance that the English Language Programs at the Center have met the highest benchmark standards set by the United States English as a Second Language community and the U.S. Secretary of Education.

In the fall, INTO OSU anticipates having roughly 1,400 students enrolled in English language and Pathway programs. INTO OSU students who are enrolled in the Pathway programs are performing as well or better than directly admitted international students; for example as of December 2012 (the latest data available) undergraduate Pathway students achieved a GPA .2 points greater than international students who were directly admitted. 

Learn more about the INTO OSU Center »

Download the full press release (PDF) »

About INTO University Partnerships

Universities partner with INTO to advance their ambitious comprehensive internationalization agendas. INTO’s deeply embedded joint ventures create a globally diverse and integrated campus, improve the overall student experience, and increase international students’ access to higher education. Through INTO’s resources and expertise institutions expand their ability to create highly supportive academic environments, establish state-of-the-art learning and living spaces and deliver university-designed programs. Since 2006, INTO has established partnerships with 17 universities in the UK, the US and China. These partnerships have helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at partner institutions in North America, including Oregon State University, the University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University.

More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO on Twitter@INTOnetwork.

Two INTO university partners earn recognition for excellence in comprehensive internationalization

INTO University Partnerships announced today that two of its university partners,University of South Florida (USF) and Colorado State University (CSU) were selected for NAFSA’s 2013 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. The universities are being recognized for their dedication to building globally diverse and engaged campuses through strategic international and intercultural initiatives. 

“We are thrilled that University of South Florida and Colorado State University are receiving this recognition from NAFSA. These institutions are trailblazers within international education and embody the excellence for which all of higher education should strive,” said David Stremba, INTO’s Managing Director for North America. “Through our partnership with CSU and USF, it’s been clear the leaders at these universities understand the transformative power that comprehensive internationalization has on campuses and communities.”

The universities both sought partnerships with INTO in order to meet theirinstitutional internationalization goals, including increased global diversity in undergraduate and graduate enrollments, expanded research opportunities, an elevated profile for the institution worldwide, and increased global knowledge, skills, and perspectives for all students on campus. The University of South Florida started its INTO partnership in January 2010 and Colorado State University launched its joint venture with INTO in February 2012.

“Two years ago we recognized the need to take an all-encompassing approach to campus internationalization that goes beyond simply increasing student enrollment. The very active partnership with INTO has allowed us to increaseinternational student enrollment and develop a better overall student experience.  At the same time, the INTO partnership has also freed up CSU to concentrate on improving global opportunities for faculty, focusing on research, and establishing partners worldwide,” said James A. Cooney, Vice Provost of International Affairs at Colorado State University. “We are excited about the progress we’ve made and the national recognition from NAFSA. With an invested partner like INTO, we know we will be able to continue to cultivate international engagement at CSU and in the state of Colorado.”

"It's a tremendous honor to receive the Simon Award and have USF's achievements in creating a globally-integrated environment recognized. We have built our international programs around tenets that fuel the comprehensive internationalization of the university such as expanded services and activities, globally-minded academic programs and centers, and innovative international research," said Ralph Wilcox, Provost at the University of South Florida. "Since joining with INTO, we have significantly advanced these international endeavors. INTO has proven to be a partner that is invested in USF's core mission to give students a world-class education and create global citizens. Through our partnership, we will continue to build the type of creative and forward-thinking international programs that mirror USF's DNA." 

The Simon award is named for the late Senator Paul Simon of Illinois and administered by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world’s largest non-profit association dedicated to international education. NAFSA bestows the award on universities for recognition of outstanding and innovative achievements in campus internationalization.

Universities like Colorado State University and University of South Florida partner with INTO to transform their campuses and communities through comprehensive internationalization. Since 2006, INTO has successfully launched 17 joint ventures with a range of leading universities in the United Kingdom, North America and China. U.S. partners include Oregon State University, University of South Florida,Colorado State University, and Marshall University.  

Download PDF of press release »

Young leaders of the Commonwealth meet to address global challenges

INTO CSCLeaders for Students is a series of conferences that will take place in Commonwealth cities across the world with a growing number every year. The conferences will bring together young Commonwealth talent studying in those cities to tackle a significant challenge of our day and build powerful networks for the future.

Over four days participants will experience dramatic contrasts as they discuss the challenge, moving from Constitution Hill, the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa (hearing from Lindiwe Maseko, Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature), to Alexandra Township (learning from the leadership challenges faced by current and past residents) and then the affluent Sandton district (investigating the challenge from the perspective of large multi-national businesses).

The final day will be held at University of the Witwatersrand where participants will present their ideas in a "Dragon's Den" to senior leaders from the business and community sectors and universities of Johannesburg.

Professor Loyiso Nongxa, Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of the Witwatersrand said "I'm delighted that the first INTO CSCLeaders for Students event is happening in Johannesburg. This flagship event will give students from Africa a fantastic opportunity to connect and to engage with a global network of leaders from across the Commonwealth."

INTO University Partnerships Ltd are sponsors of the INTO CSCLeaders for Students conference in Johannesburg and Oxford. "INTO University Partnerships are proud to be sponsoring what will be a series of truly inspiring conferences aimed at supporting young leaders from across the world" said Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships. "Through innovative partnerships with leading universities, INTO aims to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student and staff success and transforming lives."

Students at the Johannesburg event will pass on their accumulated thoughts and ideas to participants on the next INTO CSCLeaders for Students event in Oxford, UK taking place December 3 - 6. The Oxford event will culminate in a presentation by the students to participants as they start the main CSCLeaders conference taking place in the UK in March 2013.

CSCLeaders is a renewal of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences, delivered by a partnership between the leadership development organisation Common Purpose Charitable Trust and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences (UK Fund).

Starting in March 2013, CSCLeaders will be a Commonwealth-wide conference run every year for 100 exceptional leaders drawn from all sectors and backgrounds, who operate at a senior and strategic level in their organisation and/or society.

- ends -

Notes for editors

About CSCLeaders

CSCLeaders will assemble 100 of the most exceptional individuals from across the Commonwealth to tackle challenges that businesses, governments and society face today and build the global relationships needed by the leaders of tomorrow. It is a two-part conference run every year, starting in March 2013 in London and Oxford (with study tours to different UK cities in between) with the second part in two different Commonwealth cities - Mumbai or Johannesburg - in June.

Each year a challenge will be set for the participants, one which will address a fundamental issue of today. Implementing their ideas will give participants a focus for their continuing links and publishing their insights each year will, we hope, help to frame or reframe a major issue in the world.

The first of the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conferences took place in 1956. In 2011, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences (UK Fund) went into partnership with Common Purpose, the international leadership development organisation, to develop CSCLeaders - a renewal of these groundbreaking Study Conferences for the Commonwealth of the 21st century.

A new and crucial part of the renewal of the Commonwealth Study Conferences will be the creation of CSCLeaders for Students. Leading up to the main conference each year will be a series of student conferences held in major Commonwealth cities where significant numbers of students from across the Commonwealth are studying. They will address the same annual challenge as the main conference, but locally, handing on their accumulated thoughts and ideas from city to city throughout the year before culminating in the presentation of their findings to the established leaders at the start of their conference. This will provide a sustainable way to reach and engage with large numbers of younger leaders across the Commonwealth.

www.cscleaders.org/

Twitter: #CSCLeaders

About Common Purpose

Common Purpose is an independent international leadership development organisation. We run courses that give people from the private, public and not-for-profit sector the inspiration, skills and connections to become better leaders both at work and in society.

Common Purpose helps people, organisations, cities and regions to succeed, by broadening the horizons of their leaders and developing their ability to work together and lead complex change.

Common Purpose was founded by Julia Middleton in 1989 and currently delivers leadership development opportunities in over 46 cities across 18 countries, including: Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, MENA, South Africa, Turkey and the UK.

www.commonpurpose.org

For further information please contact:

Isabella Betkowski Communications and Alumni Manager Common Purpose

• Telephone: +44 (0)20 7608 8122 (direct)
• Mobile: +44 (0)7958 560 943 (including out of hours)
• Email: isabella.betkowski@commonpurpose.org

Marshall and INTO University Partnerships agreement will bring students from across the world to Huntington

Marshall and INTO have been developing the partnership for the past two years to build on Marshall's growing international reputation and to bring greater awareness of global cultures to West Virginia's college students and communities.

INTO is a private company that forms innovative joint venture partnerships with leading universities to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and transforming lives. Students benefit from university-designed programs, university-led teaching, and supportive university environments while enjoying full access to university campus facilities, resources and services. Since 2006, the company has successfully launched partnerships with 17 universities in the United Kingdom, United States and Asia.

"Today we celebrate the start of an innovative program that truly will internationalize Marshall University and our greater Huntington community," said Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, president of Marshall. "Our plan is very progressive and, in many ways, pioneering, because of its potential global influence on our students, our university and our state.

"We are very excited about the outstanding learning and growth experiences we can offer the many international students who will choose to come to West Virginia each year and enroll at Marshall. Perhaps as significant are the diverse learning and cultural enrichment opportunities their involvement at Marshall will create for the thousands of Marshall University students from across our state and nation. This initiative literally will create a multicultural, global village on our Huntington campus."

Marshall becomes the fourth U.S. university to sign on with INTO, following Oregon State University, University of South Florida and Colorado State University.

Marshall currently has an international population of about 400 students from 60 countries. The Center for International Programs was established in 1993 and provides a variety of international programs and support services, including study abroad, cooperative international research, community outreach, the English as a Second Language Institute and immigration assistance for students and employees. The university's annual International Festival is one of the most popular university-sponsored events, drawing thousands of students and community. 

INTO will use its extensive global recruitment network across 75 countries to help enroll 200+ additional students in the INTO Marshall program from key international markets. The first intake of INTO Marshall students will be August 2013. This added international student enrollment will diversify the student body at Marshall while helping to sustain the university's growth and advance the institution's ambitious goals for comprehensive internationalization. INTO University Partnerships is a member of the American International Recruitment Council, which requires its members to adhere to stringent quality assurance practices for recruitment.

"We are delighted to welcome Marshall to our growing network of leading universities. Marshall offers a small-town, family-like experience that has proven very welcoming to international students. We will build on the strengths of Marshall's existing programs and increase access for international students who want to pursue their higher education goals at Marshall," said Andrew Colin, chairman of INTO University Partnerships. "We have experienced exceptional student performance at our three existing U.S. partner universities, and we look forward to INTO Marshall enjoying similar successes in the coming years."

INTO Marshall will ensure the success of international students by delivering innovative academic preparation programs and personalized support services in a completely renovated, on-campus international study center. Pathway programs combine academic coursework and English language training to help international students adapt to an American university environment and prepare for future success as a degree-seeking student at the university. Marshall university instructors will teach all Pathway programs.

Marshall Provost Dr. Gayle Ormiston said the portfolio of academic Pathway programs has been designed to help accelerate student success as INTO Marshall students adjust to the rigors of the U.S. university environment.

"Our faculty have worked with INTO to design a specific curriculum that will help international students fit well into the culture of Marshall University," Ormiston said. "Our partnership with INTO will enhance Marshall's established international student programs and provide a richer international experience for all of our students, faculty, and staff and indeed the entire community and state."

About Marshall University

Marshall University, founded in 1837 and located in Huntington, West Virginia, is the state's oldest public institution of higher education. The university was named in honor of John Marshall, the longest-serving United States Chief Justice, who also is regarded as the definer of the U.S. Constitution. Marshall offers 74 undergraduate majors and 52 graduate and professional degrees and has an enrollment of 14,000 students. Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and its Thundering Herd athletic teams compete in 15 NCAA Division 1 intercollegiate sports. 

Download release as a PDF »

INTO University Partnerships Announces International Enrollment Successes at its US Centers

INTO is a private, higher education partnering organization that collaborates with leading universities to expand opportunities for international students to pursue degree studies in the US, UK and Asia. The company's established US university partners include Carnegie Tier 1 research institutions Oregon State University (OSU), University of South Florida (USF) and Colorado State University (CSU).

"We are extremely pleased with the number of international students who have chosen to study at one of our US partnership centers this fall and the nearly 90 countries around the globe that those students represent," said David Stremba, Managing Director of INTO University Partnerships, North America.

"INTO OSU's current fall enrollment of 1,170 students has more than tripled since its first cohort arrived in September 2009, while INTO USF enrolled more than 600 students this fall, a nearly 40% increase since the center launched just two years ago. Our newest partnership, INTO CSU, exceeded its enrollment goal by more than 10% for its very first intake this fall, welcoming more than 350 students from 31 countries. That's great news for both the universities and for the students."

Through INTO's global network of 23 offices with reach across 75 countries, OSU, USF and CSU are being promoted in all major student recruitment markets as premier study destinations. This fall, more than 2,000 new international students are studying at centers on the OSU, USF and CSU campuses. 

INTO's US partnerships provide international students with a personalized and highly supportive learning environment in which to acclimatize to life on a US university campus and prepare for long-term academic success. Academic Pathway programs and English language courses are university-designed and delivered to address international students' unique needs. While enrolled in an INTO partnership program, students have full access to university facilities, resources and services. 

The achievements of INTO's US partnerships are not limited solely to success in attracting large numbers of international students. Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate Pathway programs at INTO OSU and INTO USF have also demonstrated outstanding academic success. Since the inception of INTO OSU in 2009, 76% of Pathway students have qualified for progression to OSU degree programs. An impressive 95% of those students then chose to enroll at OSU. INTO USF has achieved a 77% rate of academic progression since its inception in 2010; 95% of those students elected to enroll in USF degree programs.

"The success of our US partnerships is illustrated by the accomplishments of the students themselves. In addition to our US centers exceeding academic matriculation targets and achieving high student satisfaction rates, there are also some unique performance indicators of which we are extremely proud," said Andrew Colin, INTO Chairman. 

"INTO USF has already graduated almost 30 full-fee paying master's degree students since the program launched in 2010 while multiple former INTO OSU students have gone on to gain admission to OSU's rigorous Honors College and received the university's prestigious International Cultural Service Scholarship. This illustrates that our university partnerships are achieving their mission of preparing international students for success in higher education."

INTO offers a unique solution to address the decline of public higher education funding that plagues US institutions and the revenue shortfalls now facing most public universities. Simultaneously, it allows those institutions to re-invest in their comprehensive internationalization strategies to make them more competitive in their global teaching, research and service. The partnerships generate wide-ranging benefits for faculty, staff and students, extending beyond the campus community to include regional economic benefits and job creation.  

Since launching the first joint venture at OSU in 2009, more than 300 new academic and professional positions have been created within Oregon State University, University of South Florida and Colorado State University.

INTO University Partnerships is committed to expanding access to US higher education for students from around the world who are seeking educational opportunities outside their home countries. Likewise, with the number of these students growing at exponential rates, INTO is committed to building US institutional capacity to ensure their success. INTO's strategic plan for expansion in the US includes developing additional North American partnerships with select institutions that will serve a wider range of students who can benefit from the diversity of educational opportunities offered throughout the US. 

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INTO Colorado State University launches new programme, meets international student enrollment expectations

"Thanks to our partnership with INTO, we are pleased to welcome a fine cohort of new students from around the globe to the CSU campus this fall," said Colorado State President Tony Frank. "A culturally rich, internationally engaged campus provides the type of learning environment that prepares all our students to interact and succeed in a world that is increasingly complex and connected. We've always placed an emphasis on strong international partnerships in our teaching and research, and through INTO, we're able to take that commitment to a higher level."

The collaboration with INTO has reinforced Colorado State University and Fort Collins as a premier destination for international students. Through INTO's global recruiting network, the public/private partnership is enhancing the University's ability to attract, prepare and inspire undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world.

"While the efforts of CSU and INTO will provide greater opportunities for students from around the world to study at one of the top research universities in the United States, it will also be a huge benefit to our domestic students by giving them even more mind-­‐opening connections with people from around the globe right here on our Fort Collins campus," said Colorado State Provost and Executive Vice President Rick Miranda.

INTO CSU provides international students with a personalised and highly supportive learning environment in which to acclimatise to life on a U.S. university campus and prepare for long-­‐term academic success. Academic "Pathway" programmes and English language courses are university-­‐designed and delivered to address international students' unique needs. While enrolled in an INTO CSU programme, students also have full access to the university's campus facilities, resources and services.

"CSU and INTO share the same commitment, which is to invest in and focus on the student experience as well as create opportunities for international students to pursue their higher education goals in the U.S.," said David Stremba, Managing Director of INTO University Partnerships in North America. "INTO is extremely proud to be partnered with a world-­‐class, research university focused on delivering an outstanding experience to all of its students, international and domestic alike."

The INTO CSU center will be led by John Didier, who was appointed Center Director in July. Didier spent the past five years as Associate Dean in CSU's College of Liberal Arts, and for 13 years was a member of the University's history department, specialising in Asian history and Chinese intellectual history. Said Didier, "This programme will greatly benefit CSU and I'm confident it will enhance the educational experience not only for our students, but for faculty and staff as well."

About Colorado State University

Colorado State University, a land grant institution and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University Extensive, is one of the nation's leading research universities, with world class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies and environmental science. Founded in 1870, CSU last year awarded degrees to 5,800 graduates, and this year, it attracted more than $330 million in research funding. Colorado State University is the "university of choice" for Colorado residents - 30 percent of all of Colorado's science, math, engineering and technology majors pursue degrees at CSU. In addition to excellent programmes in those areas, CSU offers among the very best professional programmes in the United States in veterinary medicine, engineering, alternative energy, occupational therapy, journalism, agriculture and construction management.

Find more information at www.colostate.edu.

Newton A-Level students’ outstanding success at the University of East Anglia

Although there has been a national fall in the proportion of A-levels awarded an A or A* grade for the first time in over two decades, for a second consecutive year, students at INTO University of East Anglia have attained outstanding results and gained admission to the very top and competitive university degree programmes.

Quick analysis - Over 70% of the A-level results were A or A*. - More than half of the students achieved straight A and A* grades. - Three of the students achieved four straight A* grades in their chosen subjects. - At least 3 students obtained places to study Medicine

As Debbie Price, Centre Director for INTO University of East Anglia stated, "These results reinforce the reputation of the Newton Programme as a leading A-level provider."

Students who undertake the Newton programme enjoy exceptional teaching, support and facilities as they prepare for degrees at the UK's best universities and medical schools. It is hoped that these results, achieved by international students, will prompt British students to start their global journey towards an international education.

To that end, INTO University of East Anglia are offering a full scholarship to a UK student to join the Newton A Level programme next September.

The international students who achieved these grades from INTO University of East Anglia students are expected to start their courses at the following universities in September:

• University of East Anglia - Medicine
• Newcastle University - Medicine
• Imperial College London - Civil Engineering
• University College London - Mathematics
• University of Edinburgh - Accounting and Finance
• University of Warwick / Bath - Economics
• International Medical University - Medicine

For more information, please contact:

Danny Bartlett,
PR and Media Manager, INTO Knowledge
Phone number: +44 (0)7795 338857 Email address: danny.bartlett@into.uk.com

Photographs of INTO's centres and activities are available on request.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About the Newton programme

The Newton Programme offers a springboard to the UK's best universities, and as such is both exhilarating and demanding.

This is a unique opportunity for tomorrow's 'straight A' students to study an elite UK A-level programme on a university campus. Students will be taught by experienced A-level teachers and benefit from a range of inspiring academic acitivites beyong a standard A-level curriculum. In this stimulating, academic environment, Newton A-level students are treated as adults rather than school pupils.

Students will be supported by leading university academics as they work towards rigorous Cambridge International Examination Board A-levels in Mathematics, the Sciences and Economics. This course gives students the chance to join other ambitious students who are focused on achieving the highest degree of success.

Link to more information on Newton Programme and video:www.intohigher.com/newton

Students get INTO fantastic new facilities

The INTO Newcastle Centre is set to open in September. Around 800 students will benefit from excellent facilities including science laboratories, computer labs, lecture theatre and social areas. There will also be 537 brand-new, high quality student bedrooms situated nearby so students can study and live on campus in the heart of the city.

Newcastle University teamed up with INTO - which prepares international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study - in 2007. Since then, more than 4,000 students have studied at INTO Newcastle and carried on their education at the University. The students who come from 51 different countries enjoy their time in the city with a 94% student satisfaction rate.

There are around 6,000 undergraduates and postgraduates from 120 different countries currently studying in the city, contributing an estimated £70m annually to the local economy.

Tony Stevenson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Planning and Resources at Newcastle University said: "Our successful partnership with INTO is something we are very proud of. Soon, we will have a brand-new purpose-built building of the highest standard which will match the quality of the teaching and learning on offer. Our partnership means we benefit from the addition of students from all over the world on our campus, which makes our University a more vibrant place."

Kevin Conroy, Director of INTO Newcastle said: "The students who come to study with us at Newcastle really enjoy their time here. What we wanted was to give them a building that was designed to completely meet their needs. The new building does exactly that and will also provide what we consider some of the best student accommodation in the city so they can live and learn on campus in one of the best students cities in the country."

Construction on the new building began in August 2010 and since then it has helped to boost the local economy. Building contractors Balfour Beatty have employed more than 2,000 workers in the construction of the new facility - 1,560 of whom were from the Newcastle area. Kevin Alden, project director, said: "Balfour Beatty are extremely proud to have had the opportunity to play their part in the creation of this new world class education facility together with high quality, city centre student accommodation."

The architects who designed the building, FaulknerBrown, are based in Killingworth and since the partnership with INTO began in 2007, 102 jobs have been created, with around a further 40 appointments expected as the new building opens.

United in the City – INTO University Partnerships announces new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University

This agreement deepens already strong relationships between INTO Manchester and the University.  More than 114 students have already transferred to MMU from the INTO Manchester centre in the past two years.

This new collaboration, extends more options to students seeking to study in Manchester, one of Europe's top student destinations.  Under the terms of the agreement, INTO will provide:

• Recruitment and support services for Manchester Metropolitan University - giving the University direct access to our 28 offices and network of 700 education counsellors around the world.
• Application processing services for pathway students and support for those who wish to apply directly to the University.

Students on the INTO Manchester MMU programmes will benefit from direct access to MMU facilities - including a brand new Business School opening in September 2012.

Commenting on the agreement, Errim Mahmoud, Director of MMU International, said: "The University is excited to be entering into this new phase with INTO University Partnerships, a development which will help the University achieve its ambitious international vision whilst providing a first-class student experience for students from around the world.

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO, said: "I am delighted to welcome Manchester Metropolitan University to the INTO network.  Outside of our existing joint venture partners, MMU received the largest number of students from our pathway programmes.  This new development will allow us to work together to extend the University's global reach and to bring top quality, professionally-focused education within reach of thousands of students worldwide."

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Higher education provider INTO pledges £100m for universities at home and abroad

The UK-based company, which operates eleven joint ventures with universities in the UK and in the US, will make the funds available to support universities and other higher education institutions in the public sector.

Its initiative, contained in a manifesto authored in part by former Labour Education Secretary Charles Clarke, is designed to help universities struggling with a global demand for higher education that is rising faster than existing provision can satisfy while public funding falls. The manifesto, also released today, calls for greater public-private partnership collaboration.

Chairman Andrew Colin said: "We believe the private sector has a golden opportunity to step forward and demonstrate its ability to respond and support our universities, creating sustainable partnerships that preserve the ethos and standards of the best public and not for profit institutions."

"Resources for the new fund will come in part from new shareholder investment and from releasing equity in our property portfolio," Mr Colin added.

INTO's earlier joint ventures focused on recruiting international students for its partner universities and operating pathway courses to prepare them for a degree course. It has achieved a high level of progression from the pathway courses to degree courses at partner universities and other top institutions, and its students are now winning high academic honours as they complete their university courses.

In the past two years INTO has partnered on higher education delivery projects with the University of East Anglia to open UEA London and with St George's, University of London to offer foundation and medical programmes for international students.

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CSU and INTO University Partnerships Launch Long-term Initiative to Increase International Enrollment

INTO is a private company that partners with universities to attract and recruit international undergraduate and graduate students. Since 2006, the company has successfully launched partnerships with 14 universities in the United Kingdom, United States and Asia. Colorado State enters the endeavor with INTO as part of a strategic initiative to boost international enrollment and create a culturally rich student experience that is reflective of today's global marketplace.

"CSU has a long-standing tradition of attracting international students to its world-class academic and research programs, and I'm very excited about the opportunity to expand that through our new relationship with INTO," Colorado State President Tony Frank said. "This initiative will enable us to grow CSU's footprint in parts of the planet that were previously beyond our reach, to create unprecedented opportunities for globally competitive programs and initiatives, and to increase international literacy among CSU students, faculty and staff."

CSU's history of international engagement goes back decades. In the early 1960s, a team of Colorado State researchers conducted a feasibility study that helped lead to the creation of the Peace Corps. In recent years, CSU has seen several programs garner international acclaim, including a partnership between CSU, Coca-Cola and four Chinese universities to send promising college students from China to study and conduct research on sustainable water usage at Colorado State.

In the 2010-11 academic year, international students made up 3 percent of CSU's student body, or 1,133 students. Beginning in August 2012, INTO will use its extensive network to help enroll about 350 additional students in the INTO-Colorado State program from key international markets. Enrollment is forecasted to reach approximately 1,000 additional students within five years. INTO has 23 offices worldwide and works with more than 600 education counselors in 75 countries.

"We are delighted to welcome CSU to our growing network of leading universities. Building on the strengths of Colorado State's existing programs, this joint project will increase access for international students who want to pursue their higher education goals at CSU," said Andrew Colin, chairman of INTO University Partnerships. "We have experienced exceptional student performance at our two current U.S. partner universities, and we look forward to INTO CSU enjoying similar successes in the coming years."

INTO and CSU will ensure the success of international students at Colorado State with a new, on-campus international study center and the utilization of innovative study programs - called "Pathway" programs - that help foreign students adapt to an American university environment. Undergraduate and graduate Pathway programs will be taught by university instructors and provide international students with a combination of academic coursework and English language training. The goal is to prepare them to transition to standard undergraduate and graduate degree programs at CSU.

"We've worked closely with INTO in recent months to create an innovative curriculum that will help assimilate international students into the fabric of Colorado State," said Jim Cooney, the university's vice provost for International Affairs. "The partnership with INTO will augment and work in concert with the university's other established international initiatives and truly enhance the international experience for all CSU students, faculty and staff."

Students attracted through the joint program with INTO will boost international enrollment, but CSU plans to maintain current levels of Colorado residents within the student body so as not to reduce or restrict access for Colorado students. CSU is the "university of choice" for Colorado residents - 30 percent of all of Colorado's science, math, engineering and technology majors pursue degrees at CSU.

"With the INTO initiative, we have an outstanding opportunity to make significant progress on the internationalization of our campus, which will provide additional access to our world-class academic programs to students from around the world," said Provost Rick Miranda. "This is completely in line with our overall mission and our desire to offer a broad globally oriented curriculum to all of our students, especially including our own Colorado residents. The INTO initiative will broaden and diversify the university's revenue streams and will position CSU financially to continue to fulfill our land-grant mission, provide access to great numbers of capable students, and to meet the academic needs of students throughout Colorado and the world."

Colorado State joins 13 other universities that have partnered with INTO, including eight in the UK, two in the U.S. and three in Asia. INTO's first two U.S. partnerships, with Oregon State University and University of South Florida, were established in 2009 and 2010 respectively. As part of the due diligence process, CSU sent several delegations to visit INTO operations in the UK, Oregon and Florida. The visits included representation by CSU faculty and staff and focused on a thorough examination of how the partnership would impact CSU's academic programs, student life, support services and more.

"As faculty, we deliver the educational experience to CSU students, and we look forward to the opportunity for broadening students' horizons and enriching the campus environment for learning and research," said Dr. Tim Gallagher, chair of the CSU Faculty Council. "We believe we have a great deal to offer academically to motivated students from other countries with an interest in our programs, and we look forward to welcoming them to CSU."

About INTO University Partnerships

INTO University Partnerships works together with leading universities to develop specialized pathway programs and enhanced support services that specifically address international students' educational, social and cultural needs, carefully preparing them to progress with confidence as degree-seeking students. Students benefit from university-designed programs, university-led teaching, and supportive learning environments while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services. Integration with the university is the INTO difference. Since 2006, INTO has launched joint venture partnerships to internationalize 14 campuses in the UK, the U.S., and Asia.

About Colorado State University

Colorado State University, a land-grant institution and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, is one of the nation's leading research universities, with world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies and environmental science. Founded in 1870, CSU last year awarded degrees to 5,800 graduates, and this year, it attracted more than $330 million in research funding. Colorado State University is the "university of choice" for Colorado residents - 30 percent of all of Colorado's science, math, engineering and technology majors pursue degrees at CSU. In addition to excellent programs in those areas, CSU offers among the very best professional programs in the United States in veterinary medicine, engineering, alternative energy, occupational therapy, journalism, agriculture and construction management. Find more information at www.colostate.edu.

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Contact: Avery Waxman 
Marketing Communications Director 
INTO University Partnerships
206-949-8393
avery.waxman@into.us.com

Contact: Kyle Henley
Interim Director of PR
Colorado State University
303-376-2635
kyle.henley@colostate.edu

INTO University Partnerships is Higher Education Provider of the Year

INTO University Partnerships (INTO) today announced that it had won the Education Investor 2011 Higher Education Provider of the Year and the Exporting Excellence awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 17 November 2011 in recognition of INTO's successful unique joint venture university partnerships.

The Higher Education Provider of the Year award recognises outstanding innovation and services in the sector. The panel of judges commended INTO's capacity-building partnerships with UK and US universities which have helped it become one of the fastest growing companies by revenue of 2010, and its unique 'in-sourcing' model which leaves academic control with universities, marking it out against its competitors.

The Exporting Excellence award recognises the contribution education providers make to international education - in INTO's case through the recruitment of international students and widening of access to UK HE.Both awards recognise INTO's contribution to its partner universities, delivering increased quality student enrolments and improved financial contribution for partners.

Under INTO's unique joint venture model, student commencements rose from 392 in when the company started in 2006 to 9,112 in 10/11.

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO, said, "I am delighted that INTO has been awarded Higher Education Provider of the year and won the Exporting Excellence category. INTO's partnerships with universities in the UK, US and Asia are in the vanguard of a new movement in global higher education, demonstrating that public/private partnerships can deliver higher quality student outcomes and build the capacity of the higher education system to meet global demand. All of our partnerships deliver a world-class student experience and build the capacity of our partner universities, helping them to fulfil their missions and realise their global ambitions.

"Thank you to the judging panel and Education Investor for these awards, which we gratefully receive on behalf of our entire staff team and colleagues in our partner institutions, all of whom deserve special praise for their dedication and commitment."

Other nominees in the Higher Education Provider of the Year were BPP, Kaplan, RDI and Study Group. Nominees in the Exporting Excellence category were Carfax Education Group, Telford College, Nord Anglia and Tutors International.

INTO Oregon State University exceeds student enrollment and academic performance goals

A record 912 students from 32 countries are enrolled for Fall 2011 at the INTO OSU center on the university's Corvallis campus, exceeding original plan targets by 46 percent. This year's Fall term enrollment is 47 percent higher than the same period last year.

As a result of its rapid growth since the program's launch in 2008, INTO OSU has achieved its targeted fifth year enrollment goals in just its third year of operation. The program is poised for continued growth, with enrollment of more than 1,000 students expected in 2012-13.

The success of the INTO OSU program was underscored by the October 2011 grand opening of the university's International Living-Learning Center. The new facility, symbolic of the INTO and Oregon State partnership, houses the INTO OSU program and is home to 320 domestic and international students who occupy the student residences within the International Living-Learning Center.

"The rapid success of INTO OSU is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration between INTO and Oregon State University," said David Stremba, INTO's Managing Director for North America. "The launch of the new International Living-Learning Center illustrates both partners' commitment to an outstanding student experience. We are thrilled to see Oregon State realize the benefits of greater internationalization on campus, enriched global perspectives in the classrooms, robust international student academic outcomes, and incremental financial benefits to fund further international and domestic campus initiatives."

While increasing OSU's international enrollment is a critical aspect of the university's long-term strategy to globalize its campus, the primary goal of INTO OSU is to ensure that students are academically prepared to progress to an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

INTO OSU students are enrolled in a variety of academic "Pathway" and English language programs designed and delivered by OSU faculty to prepare them for successful transition to a degree program at the university. The experience offers international students a full year of instruction and high levels of personalized support to address their unique needs. They acclimatize to US university life while living on campus with domestic and international students, and enjoying all of OSU's facilities, resources and services.

The very first INTO OSU Pathway cohort (2009-10) - who matriculated at a rate of 99 percent to university degree programs in Fall 2010 and has recently begun its junior year - has achieved great academic success. During this group's sophomore year at OSU, these former INTO OSU students as a cohort had a higher average GPA than all other international second-year students. The more recent 2010-11 INTO OSU "graduates" - those who completed a Pathway in 2011 - also surpassed the ambitious progression and matriculation goals set for them by the university.

"I am thrilled with the rapid success we have had in bringing increased numbers of international students to our campus community," said Amy McGowan, INTO OSU Center Director, "but our greatest source of pride is the program's ability to deliver on our commitment to help talented and driven international students accomplish their goal of earning a degree from a world-class American university."

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INTO University of South Florida achieves record results

INTO USF students are enrolled in a variety of academic "Pathway" and English language programs designed and delivered by USF faculty to prepare them for successful transition to a degree program at the university. The experience offers international students a full year of instruction and high levels of personalized support to address their unique needs. They acclimatize to US university life while living on campus and enjoying all of USF's facilities, resources and services. The outcome is students who are well prepared to progress with confidence to degree programs at the university.

The INTO USF program experienced tremendous success in its first year of operation (2010-11) and is poised for continued growth. The INTO USF center is forecast to enroll nearly 1,000 students by 2013-14.

INTO USF's achievements since its launch in Fall 2010 have not been limited solely to its success in attracting large numbers of international students. Students enrolled in its Pathway programs have also academically performed at considerably higher rates than anticipated. 81% of students in the INTO USF programs during the 2010-2011 academic year qualified for progression to USF degree programs. An impressive 92% of those qualified students then chose to enroll at USF.

USF's strategic plan calls for a concerted effort to increase the university's international enrollment. From Fall 2009 to Fall 2010, the university saw a 16 percent increase in international student enrollment. From Fall 2010 to Fall 2011, there will be a projected increase of 13.5 percent. USF anticipates continued steady growth in international enrollment, accomplished in large part by enrolling students who have successfully completed the INTO USF Pathway program.

"We are delighted with the early success of the INTO USF partnership as we exceeded student enrollment, progression and matriculation targets in our first year. This year's robust enrollment promises to further USF's goal of enrolling more international students who bring valued global experiences and perspectives to the classroom" said USF Provost Ralph Wilcox. "USF has already witnessed an enhanced brand identity in the global marketplace resulting in a stronger flow of student talent and new opportunities for collaboration with international universities".

INTO USF's rapid success has also accelerated the need for additional physical space to accommodate its growing number of students, faculty and staff. A design proposal created by a team of graduate students from USF's School of Architecture and Community Design is currently under review. It calls for new construction in the heart of the Tampa campus of a multi-purpose facility that will serve as the INTO USF center including classrooms, administrative offices, media/computer labs, a library, café, and communal spaces for students from across campus to study and socialize. Targeted opening is Fall 2013.

"The plan for a new facility where domestic and international students alike can develop a cross-cultural fluency is a capstone to the success we've achieved thus far," said Glen Besterfield, INTO USF's Center Director and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. "A new INTO USF center will strengthen the university's ability to facilitate the exchange of diverse perspectives and deliver to our students a truly 'international' education."

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INTO nominated for two Education Investor awards

INTO features in the exporting excellence category, which recognises the contribution education providers make to the UK economy - in INTO's case through the recruitment of international students and widening of access to UK HE. Other nominees include Tutors International, Carfax Education Group, Edinburgh's Telford College and Nord Anglia.

INTO is also in the higher education provider of the year category, which recognises outstanding innovation and services in the sector. Its capacity-building partnerships with UK and US universities have helped it become one of the fastest growing companies by revenue of 2010, and its unique 'in-sourcing' model which leaves academic control with universities has marked it out against its competitors. Other nominees for the award include BPP, Kaplan, RDI and Study Group.

Education Investor has established itself as the leading magazine and website for Britain's education industry. The Awards, which were launched in 2010, pay tribute to organisations that make outstanding contributions to the sector. Nominations are considered by panel of expert judges which this year includes former education secretary Charles Clarke.

Along with other finalists INTO will attend a prestigious gala dinner on November 17th at the Grosvenor House Hotel. 450 guests from the sector are expected including senior officers from local authorities, universities and government; representatives from private sector education providers; and banking and private equity houses. ICT suppliers, property and construction companies, education consultants, management consultants, law firms and others aligned to the sector will also attend.

Established in 2006, INTO University Partnerships specialises in large scale partnerships with universities that help transform recruitment of and services for international students in line with the university's internationalisation goals. In just five years INTO has formed joint ventures with 11 leading universities in the UK and US, primarily offering pathway and language courses for international students leading to degrees at the partner universities.

INTO's public-private model is unique in HE, being both long-term and in-sourced. University partners can access INTO's extensive resources and investment in marketing, property and campus services while avoiding the pitfalls of outsourcing - maintaining full control of their brand, academic quality and the student experience.

The organisation saw more than 7,000 commencements to its courses in 2010/11 and brought £13.6 million in revenue to its partners in 2009/10 through progressing students. It has also seen high student success rates, built a number of facilities for partners, and created more than 700 jobs in five years. It was deemed one of the fastest-growing companies by revenue of any sector in 2010.

Chairman of INTO University Partnerships Andrew Colin said: "It's an honour to be nominated for these awards which recognise the strongest names in the sector for their contributions to UK education. After sustained growth and student success over the last five years, INTO has built a reputation as a sector leader and I am proud of our progress. The nominations are a tribute to the hard work put in by our global network of staff."

Winners of Education Investor awards in 2010 include Cambridge Education for consultants of the year, KPMG for financial advisors of the year, BPP for post-16 education provider of the year and Cognita for exporting excellence.

Other judges on this year's panel include Susan Anderson, director of public services, CBI; Ray Barker, director, BESA; Tim Byles, former chief executive Partnerships for Schools and chief executive of Cornerstone; Paul Clarke, director of policy, Universities UK; and Professor Sir Drummond Bone, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool.

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INTO University of South Florida students exceed academic success targets

USF and INTO developed a partnership in January 2010 to establish INTO USF, an on-campus program designed specifically for international students, that welcomed its first cohort in August 2010.  Students enrolled in INTO USF Pathway programs participate in university-designed and university-led programs made up of English language instruction, credit bearing first-year university courses, and academic skills development.

INTO USF Pathway programs provide the necessary preparation that international students require due to differences in culture, pedagogy, language, and learning environments, thereby facilitating a smooth academic and cultural transition to ensure the students' future success at USF.  The INTO USF Pathway experience offers international students either one semester or two semesters of instruction and a range of support services to accelerate their success.  Students live in USF residence halls, enjoy access to all campus resources, and are fully integrated with USF campus life.  The outcome is a cohort of international students who are academically prepared to progress to their chosen USF degree program.

Of the INTO USF students who commenced Undergraduate or Graduate Pathway programs in August 2010 or January 2011, and completed their respective programs by May 2011, 86% met the university's academic progression requirements and are eligible to matriculate as degree-seeking students at USF.

Former Pathway students who progressed to university degree programs in January 2011 are affirming the mission of the INTO USF program - ensuring student success.  Based on spring term GPAs, these former undergraduate and graduate INTO USF students academically outperformed all other international and domestic USF student cohorts who entered the university in the same term.

"In just its first year of operation, INTO USF is already delivering on the university's promise to provide international students with the best possible experience once they've decided to pursue their higher education goals at USF," said USF Provost Ralph Wilcox.

"The success of the INTO USF model in preparing Pathway program students for academic success is demonstrated by the percentage of students eligible for progression to a USF degree program. It's further reinforced by the strong performance of Pathway graduates in their first semester of their USF degree programs."

INTO USF generates far-reaching benefits that extend beyond just the talented international students it enrolls. The INTO USF partnership is illustrative of the university's long-term strategic commitment to expand its global brand and visibility in an increasingly complex and fiercely competitive higher education market sector. The integration of international students enhances the quality of USF's academic programs, and assures a more relevant educational experience for all students. Additionally, the INTO USF partnership yields significant financial and economic benefits to the university and the Tampa community via the incremental tuition revenues for reinvestment in the university's core academic enterprise as well as the creation of over 50 new jobs associated through the innovative partnership.

"USF offers academically rigorous programs, robust academic support, excellence in quality service and a commitment to integrate all students - domestic and international alike - into the academic and social life of the university," said USF President Judy Genshaft.

"The INTO USF partnership is contributing greatly to USF becoming world renowned and for preparing all students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to succeed in our rapidly changing world."

INTO USF expects to grow from its present enrollment of 510 students to more than 700 students by fall semester 2011.  According to INTO USF Center Director Glen Besterfield, "INTO USF faculty and staff are proud of our first year success in enrollment and progression of students from Pathways to USF degree programs, and we're excited about the challenges ahead as we welcome an even larger and more diverse group of international students for fall 2011."

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Notes to editors:

INTO University Partnerships works together with US and UK universities to develop specialized Pathway programs and enhanced support services that specifically address international students' educational, social and cultural needs, carefully preparing them to progress with confidence as degree-seeking students.  Students benefit from university-designed programs, high-quality, university-led teaching, and supportive learning environments while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services.  Since 2006, INTO has launched 10 joint venture partnerships to internationalize campuses in the UK and the US including the University of South Florida and Oregon State University.  More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation's top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  USF was awarded $394.1 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2009/2010. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

Award-winning £53 million study centre and residential accommodation at INTO University of Exeter sets new standards for international students

Developed by INTO University Partnerships, the centre will enhance services for students, with a well-equipped learning resource centre, science lab and interactive whiteboards in all 19 new classrooms. There are also brand new IT suites, a lecture theatre and tutorial rooms along with a new cafe and areas for socialising and study. Free WiFi is available throughout the building.

INTO University of Exeter was launched in 2006 as part of ambitious plans to increase international student recruitment at the University to 4,000 by 2015. It offers pre-degree courses and English programmes that prepare international students culturally and academically for degrees at Exeter.

The venture has enjoyed considerable success, almost doubling its enrolment between 2007/08 and 2008/09, and the new study centre will cater to this growing demand, offering places for a total of 800 students.

Located in the middle of the picturesque Streatham Campus, the building complements the Forum project - a wider £90 million redevelopment underway on the campus.  With its bold design is a fantastic advertisement for both the University and INTO University of Exeter. The centre makes good use of space and light and meets a sustainable agenda, achieving a BREEAM rating of 'very good' for features such as its large glass climate wall, which reduces incoming heat from the sun and creates an effective natural system of ventilation to save electricity.

This week, it was announced that the Centre won "Building of the Year" in Western Morning News and Michelmores Commercial Property Awards 2010.

David Allen, Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, said: "As never before international students are rightly demanding the very best in facilities and student experience, and the new Centre will help us provide this, sending a powerful message that we have a truly world-class facility at the heart one of the leading universities in the UK."

Penny Foster, the INTO University of Exeter Centre Director, said: "In an era of global competition we know that we must provide an outstanding educational and social environment to maintain our reputation for excellence. This year we have met and exceeded this challenge, and we can genuinely say that the facilities we now offer for teaching, learning and living are world leading."

The new Centre reflects the University's high academic standards and international outlook, and was designed by the award-winning architects Lacey Hickie Caley. Balfour Beatty was the construction firm on the project.

Five INTO halls of residence have also been built on campus to give a total of 517 student rooms, increasing INTO University of Exeter's residential capacity by 45 per cent. The first phase of the halls opened in January 2011 and the remainder will be finished for occupation in June.

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For more information, please contact Rowena Boddington at INTO University Partnerships on 020 7059 4525 or rowena.boddington@into.uk.com

High resolution pictures are available on request.

Notes to editors

1. The Centre will be officially opened at a launch event tomorrow (Thursday 19th May 2011).  More information about the Commercial Property  Awards can be found here: http://www.michelmores.com/Commercial-Property-Awards.html
2. INTO University of Exeter is a joint venture by the University and INTO University Partnerships.  INTO University Partnerships is a UK company established in 2006 that specialises in large scale partnerships that transform the capacity, reach and competitive positioning of universities. Substantial private investment supports innovation targeted to deliver a distinctive, first-class student experience within a university-led partnership, enhancing brand quality, academic reputation and economic return. In 2010/11, more than 7,000 students commenced their studies at INTO centres in the UK and US. Across the group, there is an 89% progression rate of students from academic programmes into higher education. To date, INTO and its partners have invested £250 million in facilities, marketing and staffing to ensure first-class student experiences. INTO's partners are University of East Anglia, University of Exeter, Newcastle University, The University of Manchester, Glasgow Caledonian University, City University London, Queen's University Belfast, St George's, University of London, Oregon State University and University of South Florida. INTO has previously built major new study centres for its joint ventures with INTO University of East Anglia, INTO Newcastle University and INTO University of East Anglia London. www.into-corporate.com
3. Of the 2009/10 INTO University of Exeter cohort, more than 400 progressed to degrees at Exeter, while 54% of Foundation programme students achieved a distinction in their programme at the Centre.
4. The enhanced capacity and services of the new INTO University of Exeter facilities are also likely to increase the University's allure abroad. The local Exeter and South Western economies stand to benefit too: as a report by Oxford Economics shows, international students (including INTO students) at the University contributed an estimated £57.4 million to GDP in Exeter in 2009/10 and £67.8 million in the South West. With INTO University of Exeter now able to welcome more than 800 students at any time, this contribution is certain to increase, leading to more jobs in the Centre, University and across the region (INTO University of Exeter  has already employed 17 new staff with the opening of the facilities).

New public-private partnership offers more university places for international students

Places on courses offered through the joint venture, called INTO St George's, University of London, will be additional to those offered by existing programmes at St George's, where international student numbers are currently capped by the government.

Two of the courses offered as part of the venture - a degree in biomedical sciences, and a foundation-level programme, which prepares applicants for a university medical degree and is the first in the UK to be designed exclusively for international students - will begin in September 2011.

The two medical degree options - one for undergraduate students and one for students already holding a first degree - will begin in September 2012.

Students will receive a qualification from St George's, University of London. They will be based in London - either at the St George's campus in Tooting (for degrees) or at both the St George's campus and the INTO London Study Centre in the City of London (for foundation-level courses). Where clinical training is part of the curriculum, this will be undertaken in the USA.

In a unique development for the UK, students studying on these UK medical degrees will work towards the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - a route into medicine recognised by countries around the world, and which leads directly to medical registration in the USA.

Professor Peter Kopelman, Principal of St George's, University of London said: "This partnership is an example of a more diverse higher education market that is emerging in response to government changes to the higher education sector, including funding cuts and rising tuition fees. This innovative venture with INTO University Partnerships will enable us to continue to maintain financial stability as well as to offer a high standard of education to a broad range of students. We look forward to welcoming an increased number of international students into our university community."

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, said: "Ambitious and innovative universities are finding creative ways to address the challenges and opportunities of a new era of higher education funding. This joint venture improves access to students, will build on the first class student experience offered by St George's and contribute to an even stronger independent future for the University, delivering sustainability and student success. We have great pleasure in working with St George's to ensure that these mould-breaking courses can be developed and delivered."

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For further information contact:

Helena Clay in the St George's, University of London press office on 020 8266 6831 or hclay@sgul.ac.uk

Rowena Boddington at INTO University Partnerships on 020 7059 4525 or rowena.boddington@into.uk.com

Notes to editors

1) INTO St George's, University of London, will offer:

• An undergraduate medical degree, starting in September 2012. Students on this six-year course, designed by St George's, will study the first four years at the St George's campus in Tooting, London, and then complete their clinical training with two years in the USA.
• An International Graduate Medicine course, also beginning in September 2012, for students already holding an undergraduate degree. This intensive four-year course will involve two years study at St George's and two years clinical training in the USA.
• A foundation-level programme to prepare international students for degree-level study at UK university medical schools. The foundation course will begin in September 2011 and is based at both the INTO London Study Centre in the City of London and at the St George's campus.
• A biomedical sciences degree beginning in 2011. Upon completion, students who excel on this course may be able to transfer onto the fourth year of the medical degree.

2) About St George's, University of London:

St George's, University of London (SGUL), established in 1733, is distinctive as the UK's only independent medical and healthcare higher education institution. It benefits from strong links with the healthcare profession, including a shared site with St George's Healthcare NHS Trust  in south west London.

SGUL is dedicated to the education and training of doctors, nurses, midwives, physician's assistants, paramedics, physiotherapists, radiographers, social workers, healthcare and biomedical scientists. It attracts around 6,000 students, some of whom are taught in conjunction with Kingston University.

Research at SGUL has a UK and international focus and aims to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease in areas including infection and immunity, heart disease and stroke, and cell signalling. It also aims to enhance understanding of public health and epidemiology, clinical genetics, and social care sciences. www.sgul.ac.uk

3) INTO University Partnerships

INTO University Partnerships is a UK company established in 2006 that specialises in large scale partnerships that transform the capacity, reach and competitive positioning of universities. Substantial private investment supports innovation targeted to deliver a distinctive, first-class student experience within a university-led partnership, enhancing brand quality, academic reputation and economic return. In 2010/11, more than 7,000 students commenced their studies at INTO centres in the UK and US. Across the group, there is an 89% progression rate of students from academic programmes into higher education. To date, INTO and its partners have invested £250 million in facilities, marketing and staffing to ensure first-class student experiences. www.into-corporate.com

INTO University Partnerships’ student enrollment and academic performance exceeds expectations at University of South Florida and Oregon State University

Dramatically exceeding first year expectations and achieving second year targets in its first year of operation, 511 students from 41 countries are enrolled at INTO USF for January 2011. Additionally, 93 percent of students who completed the one semester Pathway option at INTO USF in December 2010 have successfully met progression requirements and are eligible to matriculate as degree‐seeking students at the university. 92 percent of the eligible students have chosen to enroll as degree‐seeking students at USF.

INTO OSU continued its extraordinary success in its second year of operation. 643 students from 26 countries are enrolled for January 2011, exceeding third year targets in just its second year. Further, INTO OSU's former Pathway students who have progressed to their second year of study at the university are affirming the mission of the INTO program - ensuring student success. Based on Fall Term 2010 grade results, this cohort is academically outperforming all other international and domestic OSU sophomore students.

OSU and USF partnered with INTO in 2008 and 2010 respectively to grow and diversify their international student populations, raise their global profiles and drive a steady revenue stream from non‐resident tuition to propel their internationalization agendas, and support investment in new and existing university resources.

"INTO USF has exceeded its enrollment goals twice this year already - in Fall 2010 and now in Spring 2011," said Ralph Wilcox, Provost and Executive Vice President at USF. "INTO USF programs are clearly producing high quality outcomes by successfully preparing our international students to matriculate as undergraduate or graduate degree‐seeking students."

Since the launch of each partnership, INTO has surpassed all enrollment targets and progression goals. In Fall 2010, INTO USF enrolled over 460 students, 39 percent over goal. INTO OSU enrolled over 600 students, 26 percent over goal. INTO OSU also experienced great success among its 2009‐10 cohort, with 86 percent of students completing the Undergraduate Pathway program meeting academic progression requirements, and 99 percent of those students eligible ultimately enrolling at OSU.

INTO partnerships have also served as a catalyst for job creation on both the OSU and USF campuses. Since the launch of INTO USF, 41 new positions have been established. At INTO OSU, the partnership has resulted in 44 new jobs.

"We continue to be impressed by INTO OSU's ability to deliver on its commitment to the university," says Sabah Randhawa, OSU Provost and Executive Vice President. "The INTO OSU partnership has enabled OSU to steadily increase the quality and quantity of our international student population, and the partnership is serving as a catalyst to focus the OSU community on the importance of fostering global perspectives through internationalization."

"Expanding the international student population is a strategic imperative for our partner universities," says David Stremba, INTO's Managing Director for North America. "International students not only bring different perspectives to the classroom and the campus, but also enable the universities to invest in incremental resources benefiting all students including domestic American students. On the heels of our success with USF and OSU, I look forward to continued growth of INTO's US operations in 2011 as more universities recognize the many benefits associated with launching abroad‐scale internationalization initiative."

INTO's model focuses on investing in the development of a university's own programs and services to deliver an unparalleled experience for international students. INTO OSU and INTO USF centers offer academic Pathway programs, university‐based English language programs, and customized support services to meet their students' unique needs. Students are integrated within the broader university community, are supported in their acclimatization to studying at a US university, and have access to a breadth of resources to accelerate their academic success.

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INTO program ahead of projections at OSU

The university has sought to increase its international student enrollment, which in the last decade had dropped to a total of about 4.5 percent of the overall student enrollment. OSU's strategic plan aims for an international student enrollment of 10 percent within five years. Oregon State's partnership with INTO University Partnerships is "an integral part of our strategy to meet those goals," said Sabah Randhawa, OSU's provost and executive vice president.

"We still have work to do, but this is an excellent start," Randhawa said. "International students provide diverse perspectives to our campus community and INTO OSU has been quite successful in identifying and bringing to campus students who have the skills and motivation to be successful."

OSU formally joined forces with INTO in November of 2008, the first university in the United States to partner with the United Kingdom-based company. In addition to goals of increasing international enrollment and broadening campus diversity, OSU sought to expand academic offerings for international students and provide "market-leading preparation and support services designed specifically for international students," Randhawa said.

INTO OSU students are enrolled in a variety of academic "Pathway" and English language programs designed and taught by OSU faculty to prepare them for successful transition to undergraduate or graduate studies at the university.

The INTO OSU Pathway experience offers international students a full year of instruction and a breadth of support services to accelerate their success.

"Students live in OSU residence halls, enjoy campus resources and are fully integrated into OSU campus life," said Amy McGowan, the director of INTO OSU. "The outcome is a cohort of international students who are academically prepared to progress with confidence to their chosen degree program at OSU."

Of the student cohort that started and completed its Pathway program last academic year, 86 percent of the students had met OSU's progression requirements as second-year students eligible to matriculate.

"We originally had projected an overall progression rate of 60 to 70 percent," McGowan said, "so we are thrilled with these results."

Of those students eligible to enroll in their second year at OSU, she added, 99 percent had done so.

In addition to providing cultural diversity and different perspectives to the university and the Corvallis community, the international students also provide additional revenues. OSU officials estimate that former INTO OSU students who have now matriculated as second-year students at OSU for fall term of 2010 will generate approximately $3 million in revenue annually over the next three years to the university and the city of Corvallis.

INTO University of South Florida exceeds international student enrollment expectations by 39%

USF and INTO formally joined forces in January 2010 to increase USF's international student population, grow the university's on-campus diversity, expand its academic offerings for international students, and provide enhanced preparation and support services that rival those of universities worldwide.

Increasing USF's brand identity and recognition across global markets and establishing Tampa and the university as a premier destination for international students will generate long-term benefits for faculty, staff, and domestic students as well as job growth within the Tampa and Florida regions alike.

"The INTO USF partnership is off to a great start, and we are thrilled to welcome so many new international students to the university community," said USF Provost Ralph Wilcox. "The rich array of global experiences and perspectives they bring to the classroom are an important part of USF's focus on student success as we prepare our graduates to compete in the global marketplace. Our INTO USF students are a great asset to the university, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that they are provided the world class education that they expect."

INTO's long-term partnership with USF is designed to contribute to the transformation of the university's service delivery and academic programs for international students, setting them up to successfully progress to and complete an undergraduate or graduate degree program at USF.

"INTO University Partnerships is extremely pleased with the strength and success of our partnership with the University of South Florida," said David Stremba, INTO's Managing Director for North America. "The development of the new INTO USF program has been nothing short of remarkable. In less than one year, we have worked with USF to develop INTO USF's new, innovative pathway programs, providing international students the opportunity to participate in a unique, highly-supportive preparatory and cultural acclimation program on the university campus."

INTO USF students are enrolled in a variety of academic "Pathway" and English language programs designed by USF faculty to prepare them for successful transition to a degree program at the university. The Pathway experience offers international students a full year of instruction and personalized support designed to address their unique needs while living on the USF campus, preparing students and instilling confidence to succeed in the rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs at major research-intensive universities such as the University of South Florida.

INTO's partnership model is based on building the international capacity and expertise of its partner universities, while deferring all academic control of the programs to the university faculty. Activities to facilitate engagement with the broader university community, tools to help students acclimate to U.S. university teaching pedagogies, and a breadth of resources to accelerate their academic success combine to provide INTO students with the tools necessary for academic success now and well into their future.

"The entire faculty and staff of INTO USF waited in anticipation of the opening of the INTO USF Center and were not disappointed," said Glen Besterfield, INTO USF's Interim Center Director. "Our inaugural class of Pathway students started arriving on August 18 and even though the center has been operational for just a few weeks, the excitement on the part of students, faculty and staff is growing every day as we focus on student success and engagement within the USF community."

INTO University Partnerships works together with US and UK universities to develop specialized pathway programs and enhanced support services that specifically address international students' educational, social and cultural needs, carefully preparing them to progress with confidence as degree-seeking students. Students benefit from university-designed programs, high-quality, university-led teaching, and supportive learning environments while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services. Integration with the university is the INTO difference. Since 2006, INTO has launched 10 educational partnerships to internationalize campuses in the UK and the US including the University of South Florida and Oregon State University.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation's top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. USF was awarded $394.1 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2009/2010. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

INTO and the University of East Anglia, London offer places on a business Diploma

For UK students who may have missed their grades and not got a place at university yet, INTO and the University of East Anglia, London are pleased to be able to offer places on their year-long diploma in International Business Management.

For students who have grades in the region of BBC (280 UCAS points) to CCC (240 UCAS points), the Diploma offers the chance to study in London the exact same content as students studying the first year of a Business degree at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, which is ranked 19th in the UK (Guardian League tables, 2011).

The Diploma is equivalent to the first year of a degree and successful students will be able to enter the second year of a degree programme. Provided the student achieves the required grades, they will be able to progress on to either one of 4 business degree programmes at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, or stay at the University of East Anglia, London to join the BSc in International Business Management.

INTO diploma courses have a 95% progression rate to the second year of study. In addition, the Diploma offers higher levels of support and teaching contact time.

Dr Richard Harvey, the Dean of UEA London, said, "The opportunity to study on the Diploma with INTO at UEA London offers significant opportunities to talented students looking to study a business degree at a top 5 university for Business studies in London.

"The advantages include small classes and lots of student-teacher contact time in an international environment. UEA London is based in brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of the City, close to the Gherkin.

"Furthermore, students will not need to select which business degree they will want to study immediately. Midway through the programme, students will be able to choose which of the 5 degree programmes available they want to study for their second and third years."

Please note that the first year diploma is not a designated HEFCE course, and therefore students will not be eligible for a student loan for this year. Once they join the second year of a degree programme, either at the University of East Anglia, Norwich or the University of East Anglia, London, they will qualify to apply for a student loan for the remainder of their degree programme.

Students who wish to find out more about this unique opportunity should call 0207 059 4423, 0207 059 4438 or 0207 0594439. Alternatively, more information can be found on http://www.uea.ac.uk/london/clearinghome.

INTO reacts to news that BPP is to become first private UK university in 30 years

While the story has invoked a lot of debate regarding privatisation in higher education, it's important to note it has little bearing on INTO's joint ventures with universities. As Stephen Healy, INTO Director of Strategy and Development, explained, 'While we are a private company working with universities, our model is based around 50:50 joint venture partnerships in which our partners retain full control of academic standards.'

He added: 'Given INTO programmes are validated, delivered and led by our public sector partners, we would have no reason to seek private university college status. We are instead firmly focused on helping our partners achieve their internationalisation goals and responding to the changing dynamics of UK HE.'

BPP, which currently offers business and law degrees at 14 sites across the country, will become a university college with immediate effect. The move - approved by the universities minister, David Willetts - signals the government's desire to expand the number of profit-making private sector institutions in higher education. It follows the recent announcements that university budgets will be cut over the next parliament and there will be a shortfall in university places this autumn.

Newton A-level programme excells in inspection

Based at the INTO Centre on the UEA campus, the programme offers a unique opportunity for gifted international students to study science A-levels in a university environment, ahead of their degrees. It is the first ever campus-based A-level programme.

The review, carried out by an independent education consultant, used evaluation criteria modeled on those used by OFSTED and the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BAC). It found the Newton Programme to offer outstanding levels of teaching in the sciences and mathematics, while Newton students were said to be on target to achieve the highest grades possible.

In addition, the INTO UEA Centre substantially exceeded National Minimum Standards with its residential provision and excellent levels of student support. Its impressive range of syllabus-enhancement activities was also praised.

Dr Matthew Perry, INTO UEA Academic Director, said: 'We are delighted by this recent OFSTED-style inspection which recognised the outstanding quality of provision on the Newton Programme, and the high standards expected of both staff and students at INTO UEA.'

Launched in 2009, Newton is INTO UEA's first foray into A-level provision. It offers far more than a standard A-level programme with students living and studying on campus, enjoying unprecedented access to university facilities and personal tutor support, and taking prestigious Cambridge International Examinations. So far the programme has accepted only international students, but welcomes its first British students in 2011.

Liz Munro, INTO Academic and Operations Director, said: 'The inspection shows how the UEA brand can adapt and flourish in the international study abroad market. International students are not only showing increased interest in an excellent British university, but also in the British A-level system, which is respected all over the world.'

INTO UEA launched in 2006 as a joint venture between the University of East Anglia and INTO University Partnerships - an organisation that works with leading universities to transform their international performance. The venture offers a broad range of English and academic courses that prepare international students for progression to the US and UK university systems.

In addition to offering sector-leading provision in Norwich, INTO UEA has recently opened a new campus in London. UEA London launched in January 2010, to offer a suite of INTO courses alongside specialist undergraduate and postgraduate degrees beginning this September.

OSU to begin construction on ecologically friendly hall of residence

The 148,000-square-foot structure will house some 350 international and domestic students, provide new classrooms, and contain offices for faculty and support services, a classroom auditorium with about 110 seats, and retail space for a coffee shop and a market that will include fresh fruit and produce.

"This is part of the university's plan to internationalize our campus and provide a diversity of global perspectives that will enrich the educational experience for all of our students," said Sabah Randhawa, OSU provost and executive vice president.

The new facility, which will be located at 17th Street and Western Boulevard on the south end of campus, is scheduled to open in September of 2011. Its occupants will be comprised of roughly 70 percent international students and 30 percent students from Oregon and elsewhere in the United States.

Randhawa said OSU's strategic plan calls for doubling the university's international enrollment from about 4.8 percent of the student body in 2009 to 10 percent within the next five years. OSU's overall enrollment for its Corvallis campus reached nearly 22,000 students last fall term.

Much of the anticipated growth in international enrollment will come through Oregon State's collaboration with INTO University Partnerships, a United Kingdom-based firm specializing in recruiting international students. In 2008, OSU became the first American university to partner with INTO, and the first students began entering pathway programs on campus last year.

The new students have come to Oregon State from more than 30 different countries, according to Amy McGowan, director of the INTO OSU Center. Leading the way are students from China, the Middle East and north Asia, she said, but there also are a number of students from other countries, including Russia and Vietnam.

The program's rapid success has created the need for additional on-campus housing, OSU officials say.

"As the university's overall enrollment has grown, so has our need for on-campus housing and classroom space," said Dan Larson, associate director of University Housing and Dining at OSU. "Our international enrollment in particular is growing through our partnership with INTO and this new living center will help accommodate that growth and facilitate interactions between international and domestic students."

The new living/learning center also will utilize heat-recovery ventilation, high-efficiency heating, rainwater reclamation, and a host of other sustainable features designed to exceed the state's energy conservation guidelines by as much as 60 percent.

The center is on target to earn an LEED gold rating under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system, according to Brian Thorsness, OSU's director of business services. Two small houses, located on the site, will be "deconstructed" and the materials salvaged will be reused or recycled, Thorsness added.

The Portland architecture firm, Mahlum, designed the new center. Fortis Construction, also of Portland, is the general contractor.

Ceremony marks work on new international study centre at Exeter University

The ceremony marked the beginning of work on both the new INTO University of Exeter Academic Building, which will improve teaching facilities for international students seeking to study at the University, and new student halls of residence at Duryard. Breaking the ground was Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) at the University of Exeter, Professor Neil Armstrong, who was honorary digger operator for the occasion.

The work is part of a wider £270m investment programme taking place at the Exeter campus over the next three years. Among the other projects planned are an expansion to the Business School, new facilities for Biosciences and new student accommodation. In March work will start on the iconic £48m Forum Project which will transform the centre of campus.

INTO University Partnerships, which partners with leading universities to provide pathway courses for international students looking to study overseas, has made the £47m investment to boost its existing facilities on the Exeter campus. The move will cater to the rapidly rising number of international students seeking to study at the University of Exeter. Professor Neil Armstrong said: "This investment by INTO is a very exciting development for the University of Exeter. The quality of teaching, both on our courses and INTO's, coupled with a friendly city and beautiful county, make this an increasingly popular destination for international students.

"The University of Exeter saw a 47% increase in international admissions in October 2009 compared with the previous year. INTO has seen a three-fold increase in terms of student enrolment since it started here three years ago."

INTO Chairman, Andrew Colin, said: "We see this move as the next stage in an already successful relationship with Exeter. The new facilities will enable more international students to enjoy world class facilities and accommodation in a fantastic campus environment."

The development involves two separate construction projects on the University's Streatham campus, both to be built by Cowlin Construction Ltd. Designed by architects Lacey Hickie Caley, the 4,000m2 concrete framed Academic Building, located at the centre of the campus, will be built over three floors with a combination of glazed and masonry elevations. Internally the building features an egg shaped central circulation core, computer floors and exposed concrete ceilings. It will be completed in December 2010.

The new halls of residence at the university's Duryard site will consist of five distinctive buildings, housing 517 bedrooms with en-suites, shared kitchens, laundry facilities, communal spaces and cycle storage. The first phase of 187 beds will be completed by December 2010, with the remainder following in April 2011.

Neil Sherreard, Cowlin Construction Divisional Managing Director, said: "Cowlin are extremely pleased to be working on these prestigious projects. It concretes our position as a leading contractor in the student accommodation and higher education markets and brings the value of contracts we are currently working on at the university to £104million. We look forward to completing these projects which will provide key facilities for future students at a leading university in the south west."

Professor Neil Armstrong added: "We very much welcome students from overseas because they bring with them a wealth of different experiences and cultures, allowing everyone to learn while they are here. They also bring with them economic benefits for Exeter and beyond."

City University London opens new facilities with INTO to further its internationalisation strategy

The venture, which has just welcomed its first international students, promises to enhance City University London's presence as a global brand and international student recruitment. INTO City students can choose between two International Foundation pathways that prepare them for direct entry to undergraduate degrees at City University London - one of London's leading universities for business and the professions.

The pathways include Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. Various general English language courses are also available, and a pathway leading to postgraduate study will be launched in September 2010.

Professor Julius Weinberg, City University London's Acting Vice-Chancellor, said: 'We welcome the INTO City students to what will be an exciting experience for them, and the opportunity to prepare for higher education in a truly international study environment in the heart of one of the world's great cities.'

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, said: 'The INTO City partnership will provide students with a unique learning experience. They will benefit from a state-of-theart study facility in the heart of the capital, combined with the academic excellence of City University London and INTO's strong track record for student success and services.'

INTO City's facilities include a lecture theatre, multimedia rooms with integrated desktop equipment, a learning resource centre with multimedia research facilities, classrooms with interactive whiteboards, a library and a cafeteria. In addition, INTO City students will enjoy access to City University London's library and campus in nearby fashionable Islington.

So far INTO City has welcomed students from a range of countries including Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Korea. Induction activities include a briefing on all aspects of student life in London including health, finance and culture. Students will also be given tours of City University London's Northampton Square site and the local area, including Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin).

Martin Halsall, Chief Operations Officer at the INTO London Study Centre, said: 'INTO City offers the perfect route to successful study in the capital. Students will also learn in one of London's most dynamic areas, with the history, culture and entertainment of the City, Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Spitalfields on their doorstep.'

Since its establishment in 2006, INTO has grown steadily, developing a significant global marketing network and growing portfolio of university partnerships.

The company is now working with nine universities including City University London; the University of East Anglia, University of Exeter, Newcastle University and The University of Manchester; Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen's University Belfast; and in the US, Oregon State University and the University of South Florida. More than 3,300 international students are currently enrolled on INTO courses.

USF launches drive to maximise international student success with INTO

The new INTO USF international study center, based at USF's Tampa campus, will offer a unique range of programs that will help USF capitalize on the growing number of international students seeking to study abroad.

The venture is also expected to create new jobs and economic opportunities for both USF and the larger Tampa Bay region. The effort is jointly financed by the USF Foundation and INTO University Partnerships. No public dollars will be spent on the recruitment and education effort. INTO USF will recruit approximately 300 international students for its undergraduate and graduate programs, which begin in August 2010.

The innovative year-long preparation courses provide international students with the specific academic, English and cultural skills needed for successful study in American universities. In time, the study center intends to broaden its course portfolio to support USF's long term goals to provide more globally competitive undergraduate, graduate and professional programs; enhance global literacy; and expand global engagement initiatives.

"USF's responsibility is to prepare all its students to be successful in an integrated, globalized world where the ability to work with people from other nations is a vital skill," said USF President Judy Genshaft. "The INTO USF partnership will enhance the educational experience for all students on our campus, allowing us to continue offering the best courses for our students while creating educational opportunities for a growing market of international students."

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, said: 'We are delighted to welcome USF to our network. After successful ventures in the UK, we have experienced record levels of international student recruitment this year in the UK and in our first year with Oregon State University, which proves the INTO model can work well in the U.S. We expect INTO USF will enjoy similar successes over the coming years.'

USF is the latest leading university to partner with INTO, following eight UK universities and Oregon State University, the company's first U.S. partner. USF will connect with INTO's network of sales and marketing staff for its recruitment drive, including 800 education recruitment representatives working with INTO's 23 offices worldwide, with special focus on Latin America, India, China and nations such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

The INTO model enables USF to improve international student recruitment, develop innovative study programs that help students adapt to American teaching styles and enhance campus services to make university campuses a more welcoming environment to international students.

In addition, the company has stimulated multi-million dollar investments in on-campus academic and social facilities.

One of the priorities of the new partnership is to help USF to perform more effectively in the increasingly competitive market for international students - a group that, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, contributes $17.8 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

Despite having one of the largest enrollments in the country, USF ranks 81st in terms of size of international student population. In 2008-09, foreign students comprised just 4 percent of its student body - about 1,800 students.

The number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 8 percent to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008-09 academic year.
The partnership is committed to raising this figure to serve both the academic environment at USF and create a new revenue stream to continually improving academic offerings for all USF students.

INTO USF undergraduate students will pay full-time, non-resident tuition fees of about $16,000 (compared with average Florida resident undergraduate fees of $4,000), and will not be counted against USF's enrollment cap or displace Florida resident students in the admissions process.

David Stremba, INTO's managing director for North America, said: USF is a modern university with a significant value proposition to international students. It has a growing reputation for research, a wide variety of majors, and Tampa offers a fantastic outdoor lifestyle with great weather for most of the year. The INTO USF venture will give an increasing number of international students exposure to these benefits while enhancing Florida's attraction as a study destination.'

INTO University Partnerships, a UK-based company, was established in 2006 and is expected to form partnerships with more than 20 universities across the UK, U.S. and Asia by 2015. For the academic year 2010/11, there are currently more than 4,500 international students enrolled at INTO study centers.

City University London announces international recruitment partnerships with INTO

City University London is one of the most international universities in the UK, with 40 per cent of all students coming from outside of the UK. The partnership demonstrates City University London's commitment to its international focus and strategic intention to reach an approximate balance between students from outside of the UK with those from the UK. The joint venture, INTO City University London, will provide academic and English language preparation courses for international students, prior to them undertaking their studies at City University.

Since INTO's establishment in 2006, its global marketing network and partnership alliance has grown steadily. INTO is now working with eight universities, including City University London, the Universities of East Anglia, Exeter, Newcastle, Glasgow Caledonian, Manchester, Queen's University Belfast in the UK, and Oregon State University in the US.

Professor Julius Weinberg, Acting Vice-Chancellor, City University London, says: "More than ever UK universities need to address how they attract, support and retain international students. City University London believes that joint ventures with international education partners can offer a solution. In a demanding and evolving global market for education, students are faced with a bewildering number of choices. We are proud to be able to announce this joint venture with INTO which will enhance the experience we provide to international students."

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, says: "We are proud to work with City University London, the University for business and the professions and to welcome a high quality university partner in London into our network. We feel that INTO City has all the key attributes to attract and exceed international student expectations of an excellent study experience in London. With the strong City University London academic offering, a brand new, centrally located teaching complex and stylish residential accommodation, INTO City will define a sector leading living and learning experience for students coming to London."

INTO City University London will be based at 102 Middlesex Street just a few minutes' walk from Liverpool Street Station, in the very heart of London. Opening in January next year, the London Study Centre offers extensive teaching space, a learning resource centre, cafeteria and student support areas. It will be connected with an adjoining student residential complex featuring over 1,250 rooms, a gym, a restaurant and communal facilities. The centre will be operated jointly with the University of East Anglia, which will provide academic preparation programmes as well as postgraduate degrees, including the MBA in Strategic Carbon Management and the MA in Creative Entrepreneurship.

International students enrolling at INTO City University London will have two broad International Foundation pathways to choose from: i) business, humanities and social sciences, or ii) science, engineering, computing and mathematics. The Foundation will prepare them for direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree of their choice at City University London. In addition to the excellent teaching facilities at Middlesex Street, students will also enjoy access to the University's library and campus facilities in Islington.

London remains the most popular choice for international students. There were 93,700 international students studying in London during 2007/08 as per the latest HESA statistics, which reflects a 2 per cent increase in the capital in the last academic year. The INTO City University London partnership will help support this growth.

INTO launches UK's first A-level programme in a world-class university

The pioneering course is specially designed to nurture gifted students, helping them to realise their potential and to prepare them for studying at the world's top universities. The programme offers the well-recognised Cambridge International (CIE) A-levels, to be taught by subject specialists and in some cases A-level examiners, and allows them a choice of pathways in medicine, engineering and the physical sciences, mathematics and economics.

Students will also benefit from the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives module aimed to cultivate thinking by bringing in global perspectives and research skills. It will offer them unprecedented access to university facilities, laboratory resources, workshops, undergraduate practice lessons, as well as personal tutor support.

Professor Edward Acton, Acting Vice-chancellor, University of East Anglia, said: "Universities are the driving force behind individual development and social progress. Like all research-led institutions we are keen to attract the highest quality of students who are the future leaders of academia, industry and public service. Preparing students in our own A-level programme is a major and innovative step towards that goal."

Newton programme students will live and study in the state-of-the-art INTO Centre on the University of East Anglia campus. Opened in 2008, the 11,000 square metre, five-storey building offers ensuite accommodation, in-room Internet access, catering service as well as seminar and teaching facilities.

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, said: "Getting into an elite university is increasingly competitive. Year on year, gifted students with multiple A grades are rejected by Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities. The Newton programme will provide a new opportunity for gifted students to gain a further edge by experiencing and benefiting from university life during their A-level studies. This will not only enhance their chances of academic success by learning from leaders and professors in their fields but also provide an opportunity to gain life and study experiences to make them stand out from other students."

The selected students will have the opportunity to mix with undergraduates and join campus activities. They will also benefit from personal coaching from specialists when applying to university, be it the University of East Anglia itself, Oxford, Cambridge, leading medical schools or US Ivy League universities.

With the innovative programme and the quality of a university campus environment, competition for places is expected to be high. Both home students and international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be considered. For candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential, a three-term fast-track option and a number of scholarships ranging £2,000-£8,000 are available.

Response to the Herald on INTO's business performance

Our performance has been in line with plan and in fact ahead of plan. We do not for a moment dispute the fact that INTO made losses in its second year, this is a matter of record. In light of the fact that we are a young, privately- funded start-up company, the loss is more indicative of our willingness to invest and build up the business. Happily our financial performance is completely within our expectations, and we are on course to finish our third financial year in the black. Before UCU make any more remarks about our accounts we would like them to consider the nature of our partnerships, where safeguarding terms and conditions and university led quality standards is of the utmost importance to us and our seven university partners. In short, quality is higher on the agenda than the traditional outsource approach, seeking short term profit maximisation.

The facts on our performance are very positive and better than our original business plan. This year (Aug 08-July 09) we have seen over 4,600 international student commencements across our academic and English preparation programmes with our university partners. This is substantial growth across all regions as compared with 2,600 in 2007/08 and 400 in 2006/07 when we had one partner. Key to the long term success of the partnerships is not just student numbers in the Centres but progression into degree and postgraduate programmes of the University partners. More crucially - given the global environment and challenges with the new visa system worldwide - our confirmations and forecasts for this September aregoing to be up by a minimum of 35% from last September (and we expect to see confirmations rise even further in the coming weeks).

We emphasise quality, long term and sustainable partnerships with universities. We are proud of the success we have had with our partners and 550 plus colleagues across the UK and the USA, and benefit from a global network of over 600 agents and presence in 15 key countries. Our growth continues and we have just announced our new partnership with Queens University Belfast and a groundbreaking London study centre with the University of East Anglia (http://www.into-global.com/pressreleases-into.php). We also expect in the next fortnight to announce another new UK university partner. Under the current climate, our success and growth in job opportunities in the sector is second to none. We are expecting better performance next year, with the synergy brought by an expanded partnership alliance. We are creating hundreds of new jobs in the sector. In the next few years, an investment of £1 billion has been set aside to strengthen infrastructure and facilities.

We do not think UCU's claim does justice to our success story, as on one hand we are said to have reaped profits from higher education, while at the same time being criticised for being not profitable enough where investments are made. At a time when UCU have raised concerns on behalf of the sector about the future of jobs, it seems misguided and unfair to convey negativity on our performance and paint alarm amongst our more than colleagues who are seeing their jobs more secure than those elsewhere in the sector. We are confident that by next year our performance results will prove the case, and we can move the debate away from ideology and towards the interests of staf f and ultimately the international students who we are all focused on serving through our public private sector partnering model.

About INTO

INTO University Partnerships (INTO) is a global organisation that works with universities worldwide to help them transform internationalisation strategies and student experiences in universities, through long-term joint venture partnerships. It has a strong marketing network of over 600 agents worldwide, a regional presence in 15 key countries, and over 4,300 students have commenced INTO's academic preparation and English language programmes in 2008/09.

Since its commencement in 2006, its partnership alliance has grown steadily. Its university partners in the UK include the Universities of East Anglia, Exeter, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow Caledonian and Queen's University Belfast; and Oregon State University in the US. In the next five years, INTO plans to invest up to £1 billion in strengthening its facilities and infrastructure.

New INTO international student college launched at Queen's University Belfast

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson said the college would give added momentum to Northern Ireland's ambition to be a global player: "Our partnership with INTO will ensure that Queen's and Northern Ireland will be promoted around the world through INTO's international network. With over 4,000 students who have commenced INTO's academic preparation and English language programmes in 2008/09, the new alliance will make Northern Ireland a major player in the delivery of higher education to international students.

"This region has benefited enormously from the tens of thousands of Queen's alumni around the world who act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland and who support economic development.

"This new College, delivering pre-entry programmes to students who want to come to Queen's, will provide the next generation of ambassadors."

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships said: "UK universities are facing strong competition for international students, not only from universities in the United States and Australia, but from many emerging countries too. The joint venture aims to enhance the competitiveness of the university and transform the student experience.

"Belfast has enormous potential as an international study destination and in Queen's it has a University which is truly world-class. The quality associated with Queen's being a Russell Group member alongside the warmth of welcome and low cost of living in Belfast make INTO Queen's a high proposition for international students seeking a first class university experience and outcome."

The main intake of students will occur every January and September.

A London campus to serve the University of East Anglia and international students from INTO UEA

The Study Centre provides teaching facilities for over 1,000 students, designed to include a learning resource centre, cafeteria and extensive administrative and student support areas. Located close to Liverpool Street Station, it will be connected with an adjacent soon-to-be-completed student complex that offers 1,250 bedrooms, a restaurant, gym and communal space.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Edward Acton said: "We are very excited about this venture, which will not only provide teaching opportunities in London. The Study Centre will also be used as a forum for the rapid dissemination of key scientific, social and cultural research projects among opinion-formers.

"It will serve as a rendezvous for the University's London-based alumni and will also provide a hub from which Norwich-based students will access the capital's resources - intellectual, cultural, commercial and political."

Two of the University's flagship postgraduate degrees - the world's first MBA in Strategic Carbon Management and the innovative MA in Creative Entrepreneurship -will be among the first courses to be offered in the new Centre, in Middlesex Street, when it opens in January 2010.

Also on offer are a range of academic preparation programmes and foundation courses for international students. This is a second joint venture with INTO, which already has a centre on the Norwich campus.

Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships, said: "We are proud to launch this pioneering venture with the University of East Anglia in the heart of the capital. It will add an exciting dimension to the programmes for international students and open up opportunities for them, as the students study and live in London while being offered full access to the Norwich campus facilities."

Dr Richard Harvey, who is leading the project on behalf of the University, said the move had significant benefits both for the University itself and for prospective students.

"Students on these part-time Masters degrees tend to be working people who want to upgrade their skills and employability. We know there are many people who find these courses appealing but are not able to leave London to take them in Norwich, so we are taking the University to them," he said.

"The capital also has strong attractions for international students coming to the UK. We will be providing a transitional base there for students to develop their English and academic skills or to do foundation programmes before they come to Norwich."

The move is very much in line with government thinking, says Dr Harvey. Vice-chancellors have been told that universities are expected to play a 'key and critical role' in retraining people for new jobs as the labour  market shifts.

In the current economic climate, many people are looking to retrain. The University believes that the courses it will offer in the heart of the City of London will be attractive to people looking for new career and personal development opportunities.

INTO University Partnerships will move its headquarters into the new centre.

INTO hosts UK familiarisation tour for international agents

During the six-day programme, agent representatives were briefed on INTO's recent developments, including progress on its new university partnerships infrastructural projects and academic programme development. The programme provided an excellent platform to strengthen information exchange and case sharing concerning international student recruitment in the UK. In addition, agents were invited to campus visits hosted by Queen's University Belfast, INTO's most recent university partner, as well as City University London, to better understand from the university representatives the campus facilities, academic programmes and student experiences being offered.

The familiarisation tour was attended by agent representatives from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, Gambia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the UK. Agent representatives remarked that these visits would help to maintain the market competitiveness of international student servicing, and facilitate communication with university partners.

INTO's university partners rated favourably by the Time Good University Guide 2010

According to The Times Good University Guide 2010, University of Exeter - an INTO university partner - has been rated as a "Top 10" UK university for the first time, with improved ratings in various attributes including entry standards, student satisfaction and the proportion of students with good honours.

Other INTO university partners (including Newcastle University, The University of Manchester and Glasgow Caledonian University) have received favourable ratings, having moved up in the same league table. As compared with last year, the universities received a higher score for the proportion of graduates attaining good honours and their job prospects.

The league table published by The Times assessed UK universities based on key attributes such as student satisfaction, students vs. staff ratio, services and facilities spend, Research Assessment Exercise performance, the proportion of students graduating with good degrees and their job prospects, entry standards and completion rates.

INTO survey findings reveal growing sophistication of Chinese student market

To better understand the market dynamics, INTO, a global organisation that engages in transforming internationalisation strategies for university partners, has recently completed a survey on Chinese students' decision-making when choosing their higher education destination. The online survey was conducted in March 2009, in partnership with China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and its online affiliate Bonoffer. Based on the responses of over 1,300 Chinese participants from various parts of China, it examined how Chinese students perceive studying abroad, their favourite destinations and factors that influence their decision-making.

One major finding is the growing sophistication of the market. Chinese students and their parents have become increasingly discerning in researching the range of university choices when planning to study abroad, and in assessing their strengths, as they can gather information from education organisations and exhibitions, teachers and overseas alumni. 75% of respondents value overseas university education for the international experience, rather than viewing the degree as a mere academic qualification (25%), with the US and UK remaining their top choices. UK universities are highly favoured for its quality of teaching.

Daniel Yuen, INTO's Regional director for China, Hong Kong and Macau, said: "Our marketing team and agents work very closely in the regional markets to recruit students of potential from all parts of China. What we understand from these students is that they or their families are very willing to invest in an overseas education, insofar as it is able to offer international exposure that will open doors, combined with a supportive and quality learning environment. For many, studying abroad is a life-changing experience, and we cannot take these students for granted."

The recent lowering of value of the British pound against yuan has also made UK more favourable as a higher education destination. As at December 2008, the cost of studying in the UK has dropped by 30%, whereas that of studying in the US has dropped by 7%. But there is no reason to be complacent, given the stronger competition among higher education players on a global scale, including competition from a rising number of Chinese universities. The study findings reinforces INTO's vision that the key to meet market needs lies in enhancing student exposure alongside the academic strengths of its university partners.

First US joint venture for INTO University Partnerships

This new approach to internationalisation in the US higher education sector will enhance the student experience for all students studying at OSU. The partnership will offer innovative academic pathway programmes and benefit from INTO's marketing and recruitment infrastructure that covers more than 40 countries, enabling OSU to manage the quality and diversity of an enlarged international student population.

The agreement with OSU is expected to be formalised in September 2008 with the first students beginning their studies in September 2009.The university will retain complete control over academic standards to ensure that students are academically and linguistically well prepared for university study.

All current staff will continue to be employed by the university.

The university plans to open a new, state-of-the-art international student centre, including both teaching and residential facilities, to be completed by the autumn of 2010.

Andrew Colin, INTO University Partnerships chairman said: "This project is the first of its kind in the United States. We are proud to be working with Oregon State University in a joint venture that will provide a template for US universities to address the challenges and opportunities afforded by an increasingly mobile international student market."

Launched in the UK in 2006, INTO has centres in Manchester, at Glasgow Caledonian University and at the universities of East Anglia, Exeter and Newcastle. Over the next five years INTO plans to invest up to £1 billion in facilities and infrastructure, building a network of 25 partnerships with higher education institutions around the world. OSU represents the first partnership outside the UK with further partnerships planned in North America, Australia, China and Europe over the next five years.

INTO Centres provide international students with the academic and English language preparation required for entry to universities, as well as an immersion in American or British culture to help them gain the most from their overseas experience.

The Provost of OSU, Dr Sabah Randhawa, commented: "This is a deeply embedded, long-term partnership that presents us with a unique opportunity to extend our global reach. It also addresses our strategic goals of building a broad and well-prepared international community at OSU, and creating a learning environment that provides cultural and global enrichment for all university students."

INTO forges long-term, deeply embedded joint ventures with leading universities, delivering resources and assets to support its partners' internationalisation strategies. INTO offers universities access to a dedicated international student market research unit, global reach through its extensive marketing infrastructure, innovative programmes and student-focused services, investment in new facilities if required, and membership of a growing, international alliance of leading universities. The INTO alliance is an integrated academic community that understands the future shape of global higher education and the aspirations of international students.

INTO programmes prepare international students for undergraduate and graduate study at universities by giving them intensive training and support alongside university level academic coursework in their chosen subjects. Students who successfully complete their programmes and meet all the entry requirements can then progress on to the second year of specific undergraduate courses.

OSU is a 'land grant' institution renowned for its academic strength, offering nationally top-ranked programmes in agriculture, forestry, oceanography, engineering, public health, biochemistry, food science, zoology and ecology.

As of 2007, international enrolments at OSU accounted for 5% of a student population of nearly 20,000. The joint venture plans to double the international student population to 10% by 2014, initially offering pathways to undergraduate and graduate programmes in business, engineering, sciences and the liberal arts.

The US remains the destination of choice for international students, with American institutions hosting more than 580,000 in 2007. The top five countries of origin were India, China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

INTO university network grows with new venture in Manchester

INTO University Partnerships today (May 28) announced the launch of INTO Manchester in a partnership with City College Manchester and as a provider to The University of Manchester.
Plans are being prepared for a new international student centre that will accommodate up to 1,000 students, forming part of INTO's £1 billion, five-year global programme of investment in international higher education.

The City College's large and well established International Pathway business becomes a 50/50 joint venture with INTO.

This is linked to a long term agreement under which INTO Manchester will be a major provider of preuniversity education for international students wishing to enter The University of Manchester.

The creation of the partnership marks the conclusion of a competitive tendering process by the University.

INTO Manchester is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding group of institutions that have chosen to work with INTO to support their internationalisation objectives. The centre will offer a broad range of English language and academic pathway programmes for prospective undergraduates and postgraduates of many nationalities. Programmes will be designed and delivered to the University's specification.

INTO Chairman Andrew Colin said: "We are proud to be working with both institutions in an initiative that will boost demand and improve the quality of the international student experience of Manchester. The partnership will provide major investment for expansion, helping Manchester to establish itself as a world education capital."

The centre is already one of the largest in the UK with more than 450 international students. Manchester, with Europe's largest concentration of students, is a natural destination of choice for international students and is widely recognised as home to one of the world's top 20 universities.

Monica Box, Principal and Chief Executive of City College Manchester, said: "City College Manchester is building on its excellent track record and reputation for working with overseas students through its partnership with INTO.

"We believe that our expertise in developing and delivering high quality programmes with superb success rates will be very well complemented by INTO's recruitment and marketing expertise."

Director of International Development at The University of Manchester, Dr Tim Westlake said: "Manchester is delighted to be engaged in a partnership with INTO that will give increased opportunities for international students to study with us. The University's aim is to develop our international community and our global presence. The INTO initiative, its outreach into all continents and the growing network of institutions that are becoming involved all complement our internationalisation strategy."

INTO launches partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University

The contract was formally signed today (Wednesday May 28) and the first students will begin their studies in June. INTO foundation colleges are designed to prepare international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study at UK universities by giving them intensive English language training alongside normal university level coursework in their chosen subjects. Students who pass all their coursework can then progress into specific second year undergraduate courses in the same way that they do from traditional further education colleges.

Not only is this partnership the first of its kind in Scotland, it is also the first ever INTO initiative with opportunities for professional career based learning which is important to many international students.

INTO Chairman Andrew Colin said: "International students are looking for high quality pathways, sophisticated learning and living environments and most of all a university qualification that will launch their career. Glasgow Caledonian University is clearly exceptionally popular with its international student community and it has an accomplished track record in combining academic study with career orientation and industry links. "I believe Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, offers international students a wonderful opportunity for personal development. To support this, the new INTO Centre will offer students a world-class experience."

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies said: "This is good for our university, its good for the city of Glasgow, and it's good for Scotland. Bringing more international students into the country is a positive move, which fits well with the Scottish Government's Fresh Talent strategy and adds to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the country. International students will find Glasgow an exciting city to base themselves in. The joint venture partnership is good for our home based students as well, broadening their horizons and giving them the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other students from across the globe. It also means we join a prestigious network of institutions including the universities of Newcastle, East Anglia, and Exeter, all of whom are looking forward to working with us."

In the first year the university anticipates a relatively small number of 'INTO Scotland' students but numbers could rise to 500 students by years five and six when new teaching and residential accommodation is completed.

INTO's Academic Director, Lawrence Denholm, said: "We are delighted to be launching this Scottish foundation college in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University. INTO prides itself on offering international students a first class experience and we believe partnering with Glasgow Caledonian will help us provide this. The university has an excellent international reputation and is widely recognised for successfully pursuing a strong internationalisation agenda for the benefit of all its students."

INTO University Partnerships helps to swell overseas recruitment

INTO's global marketing network recruits international students to on-campus centres operated under joint ventures between INTO and their partner universities. The centres provide courses designed by the universities to equip the students with the language and study skills they need to thrive at a UK university. Courses at the three centres are developed under close guidance from the partner university, with academic content undergoing all the normal quality assurance and validation processes necessary for the award of a formal qualification from that institution.

Many students from the centres progress to the universities in partnership or, in some cases, to other institutions.

At its longest-established centre, at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, three-quarters of INTO students who took the final examinations this summer went on to enrol at the university.

The universities benefit from a significant boost to their revenues - each international student contributes several thousand pounds in fees - and from receiving students who are well prepared for their studies at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

INTO University Partnerships's three centres are at the University of East Anglia (INTO UEA), the University of Exeter (INTO Exeter) and INTO Newcastle University.

Recruitment at INTO UEA for the 2007/08 academic year is 425 students, compared with 254 in 2006/07, its first year of operations. In 2005/06 the university recruited just 45 students on to similar courses. Additional courses and summer programmes bring the total passing through the centre to more than 600.

At INTO University of Exeter, recruitment for 2007/08 is 283 students, compared with 52 recruited to similar courses in 2006/07, while at INTO Newcastle the figure for 2007/08 is 184, compared with 45 in 2006/07.

Andrew Colin, chairman of INTO University Partnerships Ltd, said: "We are delighted that the INTO partnership model has proved so effective. The overall recruitment success coupled with the strong academic performance we have seen is very pleasing. The international market is competitive and students know what they want, which is good news for INTO and its university partners."

INTO University Partnerships Ltd is continuing to build its programme at leading UK universities, with several more expected to be agreed before the end of the year.

INTO University of East Anglia granted British Council accreditation

British Council accreditation is an internationally recognised quality marker for English language providers and, as such, adds value to the promotion of INTO courses in overseas markets. Accreditation further affirms INTO'S commitment with its partner universities to improving the quality of the international student experience in the UK and abroad.

Alan Preece, Director of marketing and communications at the University of East Anglia, said, "This is an excellent result and I congratulate colleagues on the tremendous efforts they have put into making INTO University of East Anglia such a success. The joint venture has achieved an extraordinary amount after only 18 months in existence. It has established outstanding standards of care and service which future students will continue to enjoy."

Accreditation UK considers all aspects of the Centre's operation focusing on: management; resources and environment; teaching and learning; and welfare and student services. The two inspectors, one of whom was a Chief Inspector for the scheme, spent a total of four days in the Centre talking to individuals and groups, from students through to senior local management.

Lawrence Denholm, INTO Academic Director commented, "While the report is hugely welcome, more important still is what it reveals of colleagues' underlying commitment, energy and engagement with students - which will be the grounds of INTO University of East Anglia's long term success."

Centre Director of INTO University of East Anglia, Debbie Price, commented, "The granting of accreditation is testament to both the operational success of the Centre and the quality of the courses we offer. The inspection was carried out at an especially busy time of the year when a full range of courses were underway, and the INTO Centre team were at full stretch. The Centre will be revisited as a matter of course when the new building is occupied in the autumn of 2008."