Read archived news stories from James Madison University (JMU) and the International Study Center (ISC):

• International students speak at ISC opening ceremony
• ISC students off to a good start on new academic pathway programs
• James Madison University earns top rank among US universities
• Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs launched
• First students join the International Study Center

International students give speeches at ISC opening ceremony

October 1, 2010

Over 30 new students, along with ISC staff members and representation from James Madison University and Study Group, inaugurated the new academic ISC. The event was held on campus at Memorial Hall, the home of the ISC, on September 30, 2010. The opening ceremony, followed by Open House at the ISC, coincided with James Madison University's International Week – a celebration of cultural diversity.

Festivities commenced with an impressive line-up of speakers: Center Director Adam Copeland welcomed all and introduced students Leo Shuoda Wang from China and Sojin Kim from South Korea, who spoke of their experiences as international students at the ISC.

Sojin (pictured speaking) expressed her appreciation of the program: "I started my life in America with Study Group to improve my English skills and to prepare for my life at JMU. In the first year here, I have lots of trouble with study, friends, or even in life. Now I can use many school resources properly including library and writing center and I met many international students who undergo similar situation as me."

Speaking about the inception of the ISC's Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs, Dr Halpern said, "Right away I was excited that this was a comprehensive program that emphasized academics, culture transition and English language preparation for international students."

The afternoon ended on a note of camaraderie; students, faculty and staff all enjoyed a cake decorated with the JMU logo, Study Group logo, and a map to represent the increasing global society that we strive for.

Learn more about the ISC at James Madison University.

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Students off to a good start on new academic pathways

August 30, 2010

After a successful orientation at the start of the fall semester, more than 30 students from countries around the world, including China, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan, Mali and Kazakhstan, are settling into their class routines and adjusting to study in a US university. Academic pathway programs at the ISC are designed to provide a foundation for success at a top-ranked American university.

Students seeking a Bachelor's degree are enrolled in the Foundation Diploma while Master's level students have joined the Pre-Master's program. Both programs allow full integration into student life at the University while students achieve a high level of English proficiency.

Center Director Adam Copeland explains the benefits of the Foundation Diploma: "One of the great things about the Foundation Diploma is the ability to take English classes and JMU classes. Some of our students are taking COB 204 (a JMU computer information systems course) and WRTC 100 (a JMU writing course), along with Listening and Speaking, Study Skills, and American Culture. So students are gaining university credit while improving their English at the same time! And, there's extra help for the JMU courses - students meet with an instructor to help them with any assignments or difficulties in understanding the content of the course. It's a unique experience and program."

Adam Copeland includes the use of rich media in designing the curriculum for English preparation, making sure that students simultaneously learn about American culture and customs through his choice of topics. Responses to these assignments are recorded on his student experience blog.

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James Madison University earns top-rank among US Universities in 2010-11

August 2010

Each August, U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes Magazine publish a list of the best universities and colleges in the United States. University rankings are based on a wide variety of criteria and each publication uses a different and unique method to assign rankings.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are determined based on data collected from each university either by survey or from the information on the university's website. This year, James Madison University has climbed to 3rd position among 121 regional universities in the South of USA. This ranking honors the overall dedication to the academic and extracurricular activities offered at the University. In addition, JMU has also been listed 1st in its category for "Highest percentage of students who graduate within 4 years" and is recognized as an "A+ option for B students" (universities recommended for students with average grades).

The Princeton Review is an education services company that publishes an annual Best Colleges guide of top ranked universities, based on an annual survey of more than 100,000 university students. We are proud to state that James Madison University has been featured in the list of 373 best colleges in the USA. Additionally, James Madison University is named in the "50 Best Value Public Colleges" in this publication.

The Forbes Magazine rankings consider a variety of criteria, including student evaluations of courses and instructors, university graduation rates, postgraduate success, etc. As proof of the University's commitment to improvement, JMU has climbed from 234th position to 169th in this ranking.

More on the ranking of James Madison University in USA.

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Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs launched

May 2010

Study Group, in association with James Madison University, has designed a value-packed Foundation Diploma course and an academically-focused Pre-Master's program for international students at its on-campus International Study Center.

The Foundation Diploma is a fast-track path to a US degree, saving students both time and money. Successful completion of the program ensures direct placement into the second (sophomore) year of an undergraduate degree.

The Pre-Master's program offers specialist preparation for James Madison University's graduate school. Students receive intensive instruction in research methods, professional concepts and language, speaking and presenting in professional environments, and case studies.

Upon successful completion of the programs, students will progress to their choice of undergraduate or graduate program. JMU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and several nationally recognized graduate programs that exceed accreditation standards.

Learn more about international student programs at JMU

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First students join the International Study Center

September 2009

Study Group, in association with James Madison University, is delighted to open its new on-campus International Study Center and welcome students from around the globe. At the start of the fall semester, the International Study Center received its first batch of students who have commenced their degree-preparation studies.

Their 30 week Transition Program allows full integration into student life at the University while students achieve a high level of English proficiency.

The intensive English Transition Program also gives the opportunity to take university classes during the 2nd semester. Students aim to fully transition to a degree program within 1 or 2 semesters.

New student, Jiryung Jung (pictured above), talks about her experiences during orientation week: "I had a good time with Study Group students and teacher. One of the best parts of orientation was campus tour. I felt that I'm a part of JMU students. Even though weather was hot, we took lots of fun pictures in front of JMU buildings. I hope that I can easy to adapt at JMU through this orientation."

Read about international student experiences on Jiryung's blog.

The new Center and program mark the initiation of the Study Group's partnership with the University, with other innovative programs planned for 2010.

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