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National University Increasing Access to Higher Education for International Students

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 July 2005, 12:00 CDT

Dr. Jerry C. Lee, chancellor of the National University System and president of National University, today announced a partnership with Campus Group International Education Services, Inc. (CGIES) to create an accessible pathway for international students interested in studying in the United States.

Committed to eliminating barriers to higher education, National University and CGIES will work together to provide international students the skills, information, and lifestyle support they require to succeed at National University.

"We welcome bright and motivated students from around the world who will add to the rich diversity of our student body and contribute valuable perspectives to the National University learning experience," Dr. Lee said. "Our goal is to provide these students with relevant educational opportunities and a supportive environment in which they will thrive and succeed."

Under the partnership, CGIES will work with prospective international students through their offices in countries throughout the Asia Pacific region to qualify and, if necessary, prepare them for university life in the United States. In 1995, CGIES's parent company Campus Group Holdings developed the concept of a pre-university foundation studies program for global distribution. Now entitled the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC), the program provides international students access to universities worldwide. The GAC and other CGIES programs are designed for students who do not have English as a first language and who have decided that they want to attend a college or university.

Renowned for its accelerated, one-course-per-month format and evening classes which make education accessible for working adults, National University will offer daytime classes in San Diego, California for international students through this partnership.

Once accepted into National University's program, international students will receive assistance locating housing and securing transportation, initial and ongoing personal support for the cultural transition to the United States, and academic-related support including assistance scheduling classes, special tutoring, and assistance with student relationships.

As it does with current international students, National University will submit all necessary immigration and student visa paperwork and follow all federal and state reporting protocols for international students.

"Access to higher education is a value that drives both our organizations, making this partnership so ideal," said Mark Skinner, Chairman of Campus Group Holdings. "International students seek programs where their education can translate to career opportunities upon return to their home countries. This partnership represents an enormous potential for achievement of this goal and return on a student's investment since National University's programs are cutting-edge and are known to produce top-notch practitioners and professionals."

Approximately 2.2 million students study outside their home country; this is expected to climb to 2.8 million by 2010. The United States is by far the favored destination for English language higher education. Almost six out of 10 students choose to study in the United States. Sixty-five percent of international students emanate from North Asia and the subcontinent region. Thirty-five percent of international students emanate from South America and Europe.

About the National University System

The National University System was established in 2001 to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse student population to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities. The National University System currently includes National University, National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering, Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC, National University Virtual High School, California Medical Institute, and the National University Center for Human Advancement. The System is headquartered in La Jolla, California.

About Campus Group International Education Services, Inc.

Dr. Thomas J. Kerr is president of Campus Group International Education Services, Inc., (Punta Gorda, Florida), the American branch of Campus Group Holdings, Ltd. of Australia. CGIES helps international students achieve their educational and career goals by providing a wide variety of educational programs that increase access to higher education.

Source: Business Wire

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