EC Higher Education – Success Through Partnership

On-Campus Pathway Programs for International Students 1

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Contents 5

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Welcome to EC

Who We Are

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A Partnership Invitation

The International Student Market

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The EC Pathway Program

Our Academic Principles

26 Next Steps

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A history rooted in education since 1905

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Welcome to EC Now, through our Pathway partnerships with select

Our Background

institutions, we are able to deliver opportunities for these high potential students to thrive academically, and for

With a history rooted in high-quality education, dating

our university partners to:

back to 1905, EC was borne of two of the most prestigious private schools in Malta.

• • • •

Today, we are a global network of 24 centers in five countries, spread across three continents. We welcome more than 45,000 students from 140 countries through our doors every year, via our ever-growing network of

Expand their international profile and reputation Grow their international student numbers Improve academic performance and retention Increase year-to-year revenue

We continually strive to stay at the forefront of academic

study abroad specialists.

and technological advances, and are firmly focused on delivering the best measurable outcomes for our students

Whether EC students wish to access greater opportunities

and university partners.

in academic study or in their career, our programs are designed to match their ambitions and open doors to a

Mission & Values

wider world.

• We are passionate about what we do • We are results oriented • We believe in collaboration and partnership

EC Higher Education Our Higher Education Division was established to meet a demand from many of our highest caliber international

In everything we do, we remain true to the EC mission –

students for smoother access into the North American

to help students succeed in a global community.

higher education system.

With our focus and through our core values, we seek to enhance conversation and connection in the global village.

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Who We Are ALEX EZAT PARNIA, Ph.D. President Dr. Parnia has more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and he has served at the University of Hartford, Cambridge College, Nichols College, and Pacific Oaks College as faculty, Campus Dean, Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment, Executive Vice President, Provost, and President. Dr. Parnia’s academic and operational expertise spans a variety of higher education environments. He is active in CIC, ACE, and AGB and has been a Consultant-Evaluator for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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WHO WE ARE Leadership Team

MAY ARTHUR Executive Vice President, Partnership Development May Arthur has spent the last 22 years of her professional career dedicated to serving international students, her commitment to advancing international education in the US can be seen through her involvement with NAFSA, her most recent election to NAFSA as the Eastern Massachusetts Representative for Region XI, and through her past service on English USA’s Executive Board as the Vice President of Outreach (20022004), the Vice President of Standards (2004-2006), and the President (2008-2011).

CATRIN DIAMANTINO Executive Vice President, Global Recruitment Catrin Diamantino has spent 18 years in international student recruitment.

She began her journey as an international student in the US, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Luther College in Iowa and her Master’s degree in Global Marketing from Emerson College, Boston. She joined EC in 1998 and became Director of Sales & Marketing in 2006. Catrin established a student recruitment network across more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America that saw EC grow from fewer than 1,000 students to 45,000 students recruited on an annual basis.

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WHO WE ARE Advisory Board

ROBERT CHERNAK

NICK RHODES

Robert Chernak has held senior administrative and

With over 35 years experience in the international

academic positions at George Washington University

education sector, Nick Rhodes has occupied a range

for more than 24 years. He was Senior Vice Provost

of roles at senior management level in both the public

and Senior Vice President Emeritus for students and

(university) and commercial sectors. He was formerly

academic support services, which included oversight

University Partnership Director at Study Group, a global

of undergraduate admissions, student financial

leader in academic pathway provision in alliances with

assistance, athletics and recreation, Dean of Students,

internationally-focused universities. Prior to this, he

SASS communications and technology, partner services,

was Managing Director North America and China and

and student life departments. He regularly teaches

Strategic Development Director, in which role he led

higher education assessment, student affairs program

Study Group’s development of the university campus

management and evaluation, and executive decision

pathways model (International Study Centers) across the

making courses for the Higher Education

UK, US, Canada, Australasia and China.

Administration Program.

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FRED SIEGEL

STEPHEN JOEL TRACHTENBERG

Fred Siegel has had three decades of experience in

Stephen Joel Trachtenberg holds 22 honorary doctoral

student services and enrollment, including 12 successful

degrees, including a Doctor of Laws from Columbia

years at Boston University. In 2011 he was named the

University. Currently a Partner at Rimon Law, he works

Vice Provost for Student and Enrollment Services and

in the International, Universities and Endowments client

Dean of Students at Claremont Graduate University

sectors. He served as George Washington University’s

(CGU). He is former Associate Provost and Associate

15th President from 1988 to 2007, and was President of

Vice President at University of Delaware. He also served

the University of Hartford for 11 years, as well as Vice

at The George Washington University as Assistant Vice

President for Academic Services and Academic Dean

President for Enrollment Management and Director

at Boston University. In addition, he was the Special

of Admissions, improving the quality and quantity of

Assistant to the US Education Commissioner, and served

applicants and doubled the number of applications.

on the DC Mayor’s transition team. He has chaired the DC Chamber of Commerce and served on other boards, including the National Board of Trade and the Federal City Council, the Board of the Loctite Corporation, MNC and Riggs Bank. He has also served on the CNO Executive Panel and The White House Fellows Selection Panel.

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A Partnership Invitation With our expertise and through our specialized Pathway programs, EC is perfectly placed to recruit and smoothly deliver bright, ambitious and well prepared international students into a university’s mainstream academic system.

Partnership with EC presents no upfront costs, and admissions standards are set by the university.

A relationship with EC means a university can:

• Strengthen its profile across the world

• Grow its number of quality international students

• Develop a rich mix of nationalities on campus

• Enhance students’ academic performance and retention rates

• Increase its year-to-year revenue

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Our partnership with EC has transformed our recruitment and admissions strategy. We have found a world-class organization focused on the best practices in recruitment.

josh mckeown Director of International Education, State University of New York at Oswego.

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Established Operation in North America We have successful existing on-campus partnerships

We also have 24 EC schools in city center locations across

with the State University of New York (currently at

five countries – the UK, US, Canada, Malta and South

Alfred, Fredonia and Oswego) and the University of

Africa. In the US, our schools are located in Boston,

California Santa Cruz: Silicon Valley Campus, as well

New York, Washington DC, San Diego, San Francisco,

as relationships with over 50 other higher education

Los Angeles and Miami. In Canada, you will find EC in

institutions across the US and Canada.

Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Last year approximately 1,500 of our students were placed into higher education in the US.

At Alfred, Fredonia & Oswego

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US

CANADA

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Global Student Recruitment Network

TORONTO

Over the past 25 years, we have

MEXICO CITY

worked to build one of the largest international student recruitment

BOGOTĂ

networks in the world.

With our commitment to strong relationships and the highest

SĂƒO PAULO

standards in education and service, the EC brand is now chosen and trusted by more than 1,500 education counselors in over 140 countries.

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MOSCOW LONDON PARIS BARCELONA

ISTANBUL

BEIJING

MALTA

RIYADH

GUANGZHOU HYDERABAD

19 regional offices

140 CAPE TOWN

countries

45,000 students

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SEOUL

TAIPEI

TOKYO OSAKA

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MARKET Growth & Opportunity In 2013/2014, an estimated 4.5 million students were

destinations are becoming increasingly competitive,

enrolled in higher education outside of their country of

international students still only represent just 4.2 percent

citizenship. As that number continues to grow year-to-year,

of the student body in US higher education. This compares

many countries are competing strongly to attract them.

to 20 percent seen in markets such as the UK and Australia, which in recent years have undergone a rapid change in

The US remains the world’s most popular destination,

how they recruit and admit international students.

attracting 20 percent of the total. However, while other

International Students

Annual Growth Rate

1,000,000

25%

800,000

20%

600,000

15%

400,000

10%

200,000

5%

0

0%

-200,000

-5% 2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

3.4%

3.5%

3.7%

3.9%

4.2%

4.8%

Year 3.4%

3.3%

3.2%

3.3%

3.5%

3.7%

International students as a proportion of total students in US Higher Education

Factors driving this: •

The knowledge explosion, especially in

•

science and technology, has stimulated

countries creates demand for higher

global demand for ever higher levels of

education ahead of domestic supply.

knowledge generation and training.

•

The growth in the dominance of English

•

The emergence of China, India and other

as the world’s lingua franca means

Asian countries as major economic powers

command of the language is an essential

has created a growing middle class, keen

career asset in a globalising economy.

and able to invest in education.

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Rising populations in developing

Annual Growth

International Students

Growth Rate of International Students

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MARKET The Pathway Revolution

The UK, the world’s second most popular destination for

Universities gain ease of access to a global recruitment

international university students, has seen rapid growth

network via international education professionals, while

in recent years. This is due to an explosion in popularity

retaining complete control over their academic and

of specialized Pathway programs.

admissions standards.

These programs have revolutionized student recruitment

The Pathway program itself takes place on campus and

and integration processes, paving the way for universities

combines first-year undergraduate study with language,

to bring high caliber, fully prepared international

study and cultural skills classes, all of which ensures

students to campus and into their degree programs.

international students are fully equipped with all they need to enter their sophomore year with confidence.

Evolution of On-Campus Academic Pathway Programs 2001

UK

1

Program

2015

4 new partnerships per year

2007

US

1

Program

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60

Programs

2015

5 new partnerships per year

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Programs

The EC Pathway Program Designed to meet the particular needs of first year undergraduate and graduate international students, this intensive year-long program leads students to full sophomore or second year graduate status and entry into the university’s mainstream academic system.

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The Partnership Model

EC CONTRIBUTES:

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Expansion of the university’s profile and reputation across the world

•

Recruitment of international students across all major regions

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Primary day-to-day management of the Pathway program

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Delivery of Pathway English language courses

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Provision and delivery of tertiary study skills development courses

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Strategic, academic and operational feedback through the Joint Steering Committee

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Regular market intelligence and feedback reports

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Admissions support – within the university’s requirement framework

THE UNIVERSITY CONTRIBUTES:

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Academic standing and brand identity

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Provision and delivery of degree courses and admissions framework

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Academic quality assurance systems

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Strategic input and operation monitoring through Joint Steering Committee

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Active participation in recruitment planning and programs

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Teaching facilities and office space

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Full student access to the campus community environment, services and facilities

•

On-campus student housing

KEY BENEFITS FOR THE UNIVERSITY:

•

A strengthened international profile and reputation

•

Access to increasing numbers of highly motivated, well qualified international students

•

A greater diversity of student nationalities

•

Stronger academic performance and retention rates for international students

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Increased year-to-year revenue

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THE EC PATHWAY PROGRAM Pathway Structure

This comprehensive program is developed through close collaboration between the university and EC. It is built to ensure that international students are successfully integrated into university life and academic study at the rate that suits their starting level.

Example of a Pathway Structure TOEFL iBT Entry Level

79 74 64 55

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

EAS 10

EAS 10

EAS 10

Degree program 9 – 12 credits

Degree program 12 credits

Degree program 12 credits

EAS 20

EAS 10

EAS 10

Degree program 6 – 9 credits

Degree program 12 credits

Degree program 12 credits

EAS 30

EAS 20

EAS 10

Degree program 6 – 9 credits

Degree program 9 – 12 credits

Degree program 12 credits

EAS 30

EAS 20

Degree program 6 – 9 credits

Degree program 9 – 12 credits

EAS 30

English and Academic Skills (EAS) interlocks with

English and Academic Skills covers:

elements of first-year undergraduate study, so students

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Core English language development

are able to gain university credits while also raising their

•

Academic language skills, such as how to present,

English language and academic skills levels.

take notes and summarize

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Academic conventions, such as how to reference and

With full understanding of the challenges international

avoid plagiarism

students face on campus, EC provides a highly

•

US cultural studies, to integrate students fully into

supportive academic environment, which is available for

American and campus life

students throughout the Pathway program.

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Fredonia is proud to be a partner with EC, who provides a very high quality experience for international students. I have been impressed with the professionalism and expertise of every member of the EC team that I have met. We are looking forward to watching students continue to succeed in this program.

terry brown Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, State University of New York at Fredonia

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Our Academic Principles The EC academic experience is built around the following key principles:

Personalization We tailor instruction to every student’s needs and abilities.

Real Outcomes All student goals are set with university success as their focus.

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Scientific Approach We track progress through continual data capture, feedback and benchmarking.

Our Commitment to Quality & Improvement Preparedness EC is 100% focused on ensuring students achieve the highest levels of academic language proficiency and obtaining the skills necessary for university success. We work with the university to set standards and goals, and ensure Pathway students meet them.

Rigorous Assessment EC has a partnership with Oxford University Press, whereby all Pathway program students’ English Language Proficiency levels are assessed via the Oxford Online Test. This powerfully accurate test gives an externally validated assessment of progress.

Student Reports All assignments are captured on management information systems and detailed student reports are generated to give feedback on strengths, weaknesses and overall progress towards successful completion of each student’s program.

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Our Commitment to Institutional Integrity

Measuring Satisfaction and Setting Standards EC’ state-of-the-art management information system is used to provide tangible data to academic leadership to analyse progress and improve student learning.

We are the only organization of our kind to employ the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system —a powerful feedback tool used by companies such as Apple and Virgin. Student feedback via the NPS helps us continually assess and develop all aspects of the students’ experience.

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Our Commitment to Student Success

Our Curriculum We take a structured and outcome-focused approach to our academic and learning design. Learning goals are mapped to global standards at every level, with targeted skills training that ensures we are meeting the needs of every student, as well as our institutional partners.

Learning Outcomes Language outcomes are established and measured to the global standards set by EAQUALS, the British Council and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

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Next Steps Please contact us at:

If you are interested in meeting with EC to discuss the potential

Email partnership@echigher.com

for a new international Pathway program and increased numbers

Telephone 617-247-0121

of international students at your university, we would be delighted

Address EC Higher Education,

to hear from you.

1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109

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