With the support of teachers at the International Study Center (ISC) and growing self-confidence, five students – (from left) Phat Cam Trieu from Vietnam, Oumar Sacko from Mali, Long Thai Bui from Vietnam, Husein Khayat from Saudi Arabia, and Takuto Noji from Japan – successfully completed the Foundation Diploma program. That's a 100% completion rate for the program's first cohort of graduating students! Having presented their final portfolios to JMU faculty, staff, administrators, and fellow students at the end of the spring semester, these students move on to full-time study at James Madison University in the fall semester, joining a bachelor's degree in the second (sophomore) year.

The ISC delivers rigorous English preparation, academic skills and acculturation to international students new to studying in the USA. ISC staff are dedicated to providing support, encouragement and training for academic success at the University.

What students are saying...

Asked how he feels about his chances for success during his sophomore year, Oumar Sacko from Mali (pictured second from left) said, "After those two wonderful semesters at the ISC, now I feel a lot more confident than when I had my first class. While we were in the ISC program, teachers were very patient with us. That is one of the things that helped me a lot. We felt comfortable expressing ourselves in English and learned a lot about American culture."

Long Thai Bui from Vietnam (pictured third from right) describes the ways the ISC helped him during his freshman experience: "Study Group turned out to be my second family who knew how to train me to become a stronger person. They let me deal with difficulties by myself and solve them, but stood by my side when I was in need."

What faculty are saying...

"I am very proud of these students, their work, and their accomplishments. As the first group to finish the Foundation Diploma program, they have set the bar high for future students," said Adam Copeland, ISC Center Director. "Their success is a testimony to them, their instructors, and the partnership between JMU and Study Group."

ISC English Instructor, John Niblett, firmly believes that "given their commitment to learning, all students now graduating from the Foundation Diploma will be gaining a James Madison University degree in three years!"

A second cohort of students completing their Foundation Diploma during the summer semester is scheduled to join these five students in the sophomore year, starting this August.

Learn more about the Foundation Diploma at the International Study Center.