Wales International Study Centre Asia Launch

On Monday 25th of May 2008, the University of Wales Newport, in conjunction with Study Group, celebrated the launch of the new UK-based Wales International Study Centre (WISC). The event was hosted by the British Ambassador, Sir William Erhman, at his Residence in Beijing.

In attendance were Dr Peter Noyes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Newport, senior representatives from Study Group, including the Chief Executive Officer, Heith Mackay-Cruise, and many partner agents, who have been so important in making the existing ISC programmes such an overwhelming success.

Dr Noyes spoke of the unique opportunity offered by this new Centre, situated on his University campus in Newport, Wales. It would enable students from China and across the world to prepare for entry to a wide choice of world-class institutions across Wales - from Cardiff on the south to Bangor in the north.

WISC students will live a full campus life, enjoying access to university facilities. By the completion of their studies, they will understand all that Wales has to offer, both in terms of its education and also its beautiful countryside and rich culture and history.

Nick Rhodes, Strategic Development Director for Study Group, outlined the Wales ISC’s Foundation courses in Business, Law and Social Studies and Engineering and Science. Students will gain specialist knowledge in their fields of study, improve their English and develop the study skills that will enable them to thrive in UK university environment. Nick described WISC as a “world first” – a national centre for international students.
Afterwards, guests had the chance to question the speakers about the Newport campus and the 40 or more degree programmes open to graduates of the Wales ISC Foundation Year.

The UK launch of the new Wales ISC will take place at the Welsh Senedd in Cardiff, UK (seat of the Welsh Assembly Government) on 5th June 2008.  This event will be attended by colleagues from Study Group, the Wales International Consortium, university partners, International Business Wales and the British Council Wales.  The keynote address will be delivered by the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales.

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Media Contacts:

Justyna Gnyp, hblmedia, 0207 612 1830, 0778 079 9816, justyna@hblmedia.com
Jill Duffell, hblmedia, 0207 612 1830, 0781 511 1958, jill@hblmedia.com
Becky Barr, hblmedia, 0207 612 1830, 0783 007 6062, becky@hblmedia.com

Notes to Editors:

CHAMP Private Equity, in partnership with Petersen Investments, took ownership of Study Group International Limited for AU$176.4 million in 2006. Arvid Petersen, of Petersen Investments, is the company’s Executive Chairman.

Spanning five continents, Study Group is a global leader in international education, providing the highest quality educational opportunities for students from over 120 countries. Beginning in 1994 with 7000 students per year, Study Group now has an enrolment base of 40,000 around the world.

Through Study Group’s leading set of partnerships with top universities, it is able to provide on and off-campus preparation courses for international students that ensure academic success and entry into some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. The quality of its teaching is confirmed by independent accreditation bodies worldwide including: English UK, Ofsted, British Council, NEAS, Accet, English Australia and New Zealand Qualification Authority.

For further information and photographic material, please contact Manager Group Sales Unit, Lucy Greaves:

T: +44 1273 339269
F: +44 1273 339454
E: lgreaves@studygroup.com