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News from the International Study Center
Read the latest news stories from James Madison University (JMU) and the International Study Center (ISC):
- Celebration for students completing the International First Year
- James Madison University ISC students present final portfolios
- New pathway for international students to JMU's unique Engineering degree
- International students take many paths to learning English in the USA
- 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee inspires ISC students
- James Madison University students keep conversations flowing
- International First Year students learn about Liberal Arts requirements
- ISC students star in well-attended Chinese Lantern Festival show
- James Madison University earns "Best Value College" in two 2012 listings
- Advising sessions prepare International First Year completers for matriculation
- International Study Center welcomes 30 new students in spring 2012
Celebration for students completing the International First Year
April 27, 2012
Freshmen who have completed the ISC's International First Year program gathered on Friday to recall great times together, celebrate academic accomplishments, and to receive very fond farewells from ISC staff.
Oumar Sacko from Mali, a highly successful alumnus of the ISC, kindly agreed to attend the event as a keynote speaker. Since matriculating to his biology degree at JMU in August 2011, Oumar has distinguished himself in his studies by being recommended by his professors to tutor other students in the subject of chemistry.
Oumar opened the ceremony with warm remarks of encouragement for all the students about to matriculate to the University. He encouraged everyone to do their best and to make good decisions about their course selections. Oumar also shared happy memories of his time at the International Study Center and explained how the experience helped him: "Study Group gave me wings. Now it's my responsibility to use them to fly as high as possible."
Following Oumar's opening remarks, University staff gave awards to international students who have distinguished themselves:
Award |
Details |
Winning students |
Nationality |
| Most Improved Student | Awarded for her excellent improvement in learning English | Mo Chen | China |
| Best Portfolio Presentation |
Awarded for her speech and poster display reflecting her personality, study experience, and future plans |
Karina Bekova | Kazakhstan |
| Highest Academic Achievement | Awarded to students in the top 10% of their class | Zhenkai Li, Suiru Lei and Xiao Song | China |
The celebration concluded with memories of the classroom and campus activities portrayed in a slide show. Students looked back at scenes from their early days of orientation, through to pictures of academic and extracurricular activities in the last few weeks.
All of the ISC staff wish the best of luck to the completing students of the class of Spring 2012. Farewell, and as Oumar Sacko said, use your wings to fly high!
James Madison University ISC students present final portfolios
April 11, 2012
Students in their final semester at James Madison University's International Study Center completed their portfolio presentations on Thursday, April 5. The portfolio presentation is one component that must be successfully completed prior to matriculating into JMU full-time. 28 students prepared over the past few weeks to present on their life leading up to their pathway program and how the program has helped prepare them to matriculate into JMU to achieve their future goals.
ISC and JMU staff and students were invited to evaluate each of the presenters on voice and expression, English accuracy, and self-awareness as a learner. Each student created their own tri-fold display that reflected their personality, interests, experience in the pathway program, and future plans. Karina Bekova (pictured left) from Kazakhstan highlighted her professors saying, "Each of the professors here give so much. They really care about my knowledge. It's not just a job for them." Next year Karina plans on double majoring in Computer Science and Engineering.
ISC reading and writing instructor John Niblett who has been working with each of the presenters in his advising section said, "As one of their teachers, it was very rewarding for me to see so much evidence of student thinking and creativity. Each poster was like a road map showing past achievements and future goals. Visiting each student and taking in their presentations, I became even more convinced than before that each of them has what it takes to reach great success at James Madison University and beyond. I'm very proud of these students and the amazing things they've achieved while they’ve been at the International Study Center."
In addition to the portfolio presentation JMU ISC students must complete a post-institutional TOEFL score, an exit interview, and provide recommendations from professors and from the academic committee in order to successfully matriculate into JMU.
Check out photos from the presentations on Facebook.
New pathway for international students to JMU's unique Engineering degree
April 6, 2012
A Bachelor's degree in engineering from James Madison University (JMU) could have you producing DNA or traveling to Africa. The School of Engineering at JMU has introduced some innovative new projects.
International students interested in studying engineering at University in the USA, can now join the specialized Engineering pathway of the International First Year. High level coursework in physics and calculus gives the exact foundation necessary for successful transition into the second year of JMU's Engineering major.
At the conception of JMU's School of Engineering in 2005, a task force was assembled from leading engineering professionals to develop an engineering degree unlike any other. Using guidelines from ABET (formally Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) and the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a list of desired learning objectives for the new degree program was developed.
The outcome is an interdisciplinary engineering program preparing students for a wide range of careers after graduation and to embrace sustainability within engineering. Instead of choosing an emphasis like chemical or mechanical engineering, JMU Engineering students are offered a broad-based curriculum, technical training, classes in business administration, and project experience centered on sustainable design.
One way the learning objective of sustainability has been applied is into a clean water project in West Africa. The University's program, Water for Africa, has students designing rainwater harvesting system as well as developing a medical and educational clinic in Benin, West Africa. All students have the option to travel to Benin to work on the design of this ongoing project.
JMU's engineering students also engage in practical engineering design closer to the University. They have contributed to the development of a piezoelectric oligonucleotide synthesizer and microarrayer, POSaM, a machine that creates DNA samples and then prints them to glass slides. Biologists at the University can then use the DNA samples for bacterial virus discovery among other things. Read about a student who participated in the program. He accredits his US government job offer after graduation to his work on the POSaM device at the University.
The School of Engineering at James Madison University will graduate its very first students with bachelor's degrees in May 2012.
International students take many paths to learning English in the USA
March 30, 2012
Students at JMU's International Study Center travel on many paths in their journeys of English language learning. In an ISC writing class, students recently wrote essays revealing their past experiences learning English.
As various as the students' learning experiences have been, they have one thing in common: outstanding English proficiency. Upon arriving at James Madison University in the USA, the students in this class all qualified for the ISC's most advanced placement, which means that they were enrolled in the two-semester track of the International First Year program.
For international students on similar journeys, it may be helpful to read the reflections and recollections of current very successful ISC students.
The students class blog contains key excerpts from their essays on English language learning experiences.
2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee inspires ISC students
March 21, 2012
On Friday, March 16 James Madison University kicked off its 11th annual International Student Leadership Conference. Hosted and sponsored each year by James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, this year's conference welcomed more than 250 participants from 65 countries and 23 institutions. The two day event inspired students to "Lead the Change" – this year's conference theme.
Keynote speaker and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Leymah Gbowee, powerfully pushed the audience to be bold and to stand up for their beliefs. Gbowee, known for her role in leading the women's peace movement in Liberia that brought an end to the Second Liberian Civil War, speaks internationally on the devastating effects of war and gender-based violence. "When you want to see change, you cannot be laid back. You have to push for what you believe," said Gbowee. "Our world is in bad shape. We need ordinary people to stand up and lead extraordinary change. Every morning you wake up you must insist to persist." Students flooded the stage following her speech and she welcomed them with open arms for pictures and final words of encouragement.
The conference included a documentary and discussion on Pray the Devil Back to Hell – Tribeca Film Festival's 2008 Best Documentary, a full day of leadership workshops, and an evening dance party with a live contemporary Latino band to conclude the conference. "I have learned that no one can lead the change alone. It is so important to talk about leadership," said Jiaqi (Nicole) Hu from China. Jiaqi transitioned into JMU from the International Study Center and is now studying accounting. Jiaqi along with other ISC students were inspired by this year's conference and excited to meet other international students in the USA.
The annual conference reflects JMU's commitment to international education and cross-cultural communication. Next year's conference is scheduled for March 22-23, 2013.
Get more information and see photos of the International Student Leadership Conference.
James Madison University students keep conversations flowing
March 13, 2012
On Tuesday evening, James Madison University students gathered for the second Conversation Partners social event this year - a program that has matched approximately 80 native English speakers and international students to improve English language skills and cross-cultural communication. Participants gathered in groups and pulled conversation questions from envelopes for everyone to discuss.
"I think the program is amazing. It helps me practice my English speaking and vocabulary outside of class, which is really important," said Suliman Alrebdi, a first semester ISC student from Saudi Arabia. Suliman meets with his partner, Kate Ambrosich, a freshman from Maryland, one time a week on campus to talk about a variety of topics. Kate says, "I have loved learning about different cultures. I did not know very much about Saudi Arabia before this program. I have learned a lot from Suliman."
Partners were matched after the program's 'Speed Friending' kickoff event in October. Since October, partners have been meeting for an hour each week. Assistant Director of International Student Success, Jonathan Kratz, sends an e-mail every Monday to participants with a list of questions to help start conversations. "I am excited about the success of the program and the enthusiasm among the students," said Kratz.
Questions this past week included topics like, 'What 3 things do you want to do in the next 12 months?', 'What is your ideal dream job and why?', 'Where would you choose to live if you had to leave this country and why?', 'What is one goal you would like to accomplish in your lifetime?', 'Who are 3 people who have influenced your life?', 'What are 3 of your most prized possessions?', and many more.
The next group event is scheduled for April 19. Read about the "Speed Friending" event that started it all off!
International First Year students learn about Liberal Arts requirements
March 2, 2012
James Madison University (JMU) International First Year students learned about General Education requirements today, and the importance of a traditional liberal arts education. The University's General Education program aspires to create informed global citizens of the 21st century. Associate Dean of University Studies, Dr Herb Amato, explained the importance of being well-rounded and being able to think critically in order to adapt to any environment.
The General Education program at JMU is comprised of 5 different areas called clusters: Skills for the 21st Century, Arts and Humanities, The Natural World, Social and Cultural Processes and Individuals in the Human Community. Students select from a list of courses within each cluster in order to fulfill 41 credit hour requirements. General Education courses are taken in addition to course requirements in a student's chosen major. International students in the First Year program have some general education courses integrated into their curriculum before transitioning into Year 2 of their bachelor's degree at the University.
"These courses are designed to challenge you and to force you to think critically." Dr Amato said. "We are doing you a disservice if we are not challenging you in the classroom to be able to succeed in a competitive job market."
More information on JMU's general education requirements.
General Education program philosophy statement:
The Human Community is the core academic program of James Madison University. It is required of all students regardless of their major or professional program. The Human Community seeks to educate students in ways that have been fundamental to higher education and to thinking people for centuries. The philosophy of the program promotes the cultivation of habits of the mind and heart that are essential to informed citizens in a democracy and world community. The program is committed to helping students develop their ability to reason and make ethical choices; to appreciate beauty and understand the natural and social worlds they live in; to recognize the importance of the past and work towards a better future.
ISC students star in well-attended Chinese Lantern Festival show
February 10, 2012
Many of JMU's Chinese-born and Chinese-American students found wonderful opportunities to show their talents at speaking, telling jokes, singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments at the Lantern Festival. The event was held on February 6, with entertainment from 6-8pm and games from 8-11pm in JMU’s spacious Transitions room in Warren Hall. The celebration, including a feast of Chinese and American foods, was hosted by JMU’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA). Traditionally, the Lantern Festival marks the last day of festivities devoted to the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
The masters of ceremony were Xiao Song, an ISC student majoring in business, and Xiaoli Yuan, a JMU sophomore majoring in marketing. Xiao and Xiaoli showed excellent language skills by switching easily throughout the evening between Chinese and English as they introduced each act. This welcoming style of utilizing English and Chinese was one of the the CSSA’s ways of making everyone who attended comfortable and able to understand all of the evening’s proceedings.
The audience members included not only Chinese-born students and Chinese-American students, but many guests from other nations including Mali, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Vietnam, UK, and the United States. Xiao Song reported that about 150 people attended the Lantern Festival.
James Madison University earns "Best Value College" in two 2012 listings
February 8, 2012
For international students, two of the most important considerations when choosing a University in the USA, are the quality of education and the cost of studying abroad. James Madison University combines affordable fees with excellent academics. JMU's great value has been highlighted by two recent US university ranking publications.
For the 4th consecutive year, James Madison University (JMU) was named in the "Best Value Colleges" list published by The Princeton Review. The 2012 college guide features the top 75 public universities in USA and top 75 private universities in USA designated as the best overall bargains based on cost among the most academically outstanding institutions.
The Princeton Review, in selecting JMU as a top 150 best value US university, says "James Madison University has an impressive balance of educational, social and extracurricular activities. Both students and professors alike contribute to the feeling of community on campus. Students love the 'positive, enriching and supportive learning environment'."
The Princeton Review "best value" choices for 2012 are based on university data and student opinion surveys at 650 universities in the USA. The selection criteria analyzed over 30 factors in the areas of academics, cost and financial aid available for study in the USA.
James Madison University was also placed, for the 2nd consecutive year, in Kiplinger's Personal Finance's top 100 "Best Values in Public Colleges". JMU ranked 33rd on the 2012 list of 4-year public universities in the USA that combine outstanding education with economic value for out-of-state students. JMU's very high 6-year graduation rate of 82%, and low total costs per year, were significant factors in its ranking as a "best value" university.
Kiplinger's assesses quality and affordability based on measurable standards, including admission rate, 4-year graduation rate, total cost, and average debt at graduation. Kiplinger's analyzed data from more than 500 public universities to determine its top 100.
Find out the great value fee for international students at James Madison University
Advising sessions prepare International First Year completers for matriculation
January 31, 2012
The International Study Center (ISC) at James Madison University has created a special series of advising sessions to help students in their final semester of the program. These sessions will help students meet all the requirements for degree matriculation and prepare them for a successful transition to James Madison University next semester.
International Study Center students must complete standard tasks prior to matriculation into the sophomore (second) year of their bachelor's degree. These include a TOEFL exam, on-line application, sophomore class registration, selecting a major, a formal portfolio presentation, and JMU Computing and Information Seeking tests.
Achieving all of these milestones in addition to passing all the required freshman courses can be very challenging. Therefore, the International Study Center provides guidance in weekly classroom and computer lab meetings.
International Study Center welcomes 30 new students in spring 2012
January 17, 2012
The International Study Center at James Madison University welcomed 30 new international students from 12 countries for the spring 2012 intake.
There were 27 new students enrolled in the International First Year which provides all the freshman academic requirements for James Madison University along with instruction in English language learning.
Three new students already hold undergraduate degrees and join the Pre-Master's Program to prepare for master's degrees in Educational Leadership, Hospitality Management, and Public Administration.
The ISC, working with the Office of International Programs at JMU, provided the international students with a very full week of orientation activities designed to help them settle in, feel at home, and, most of all, be prepared to successfully start classes.
