Illinois State University and INTO University Partnerships have signed a long-term agreement to enhance campus diversity and increase international enrollment. The partnership will play an integral role in supporting Illinois State’s goal of increasing the international student population on campus from the current two percent of overall enrollment to 10 percent within 10 years.
INTO Illinois State University, as the partnership is known, starts recruiting this spring. The first students will arrive on campus in the fall of 2018.
“In today’s globally connected society and economy, it is more important than ever that our students benefit from a diverse education and interaction with students from different backgrounds and perspectives,” said Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. “The increase in international students will not displace any Illinois students who meet our academic standards, but will instead enhance the learning environment. Through this partnership with INTO we aim to provide talented and ambitious students with even more opportunities to study alongside those from other countries. We believe Illinois State will play a full role in the creation of the next generation of global citizens and leaders.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Illinois State University,” said John Latham, chief executive officer of INTO. “As competition to attract the world’s most ambitious students intensifies, our partnership will enable Illinois State to reach, recruit, and support those students in ways that would not be possible alone.”
“We look forward to supporting the University as it fulfills its global potential,” added John Sykes, co-founder of INTO and executive vice president, North America. “Illinois State’s commitment to exceptional teaching, highly rated programs, among them one of the nation’s most highly respected insurance degrees, and excellent graduation rates resonate powerfully with students across the United States today. Paired with its location in one of the best college towns in America, these outstanding qualities will resonate just as powerfully with students from all over the world.’’
Working together, Illinois State and INTO have developed academic pathway programs for international students to improve their English language comprehension while preparing them to be successful, degree-seeking students at the University. The Academic English, International Year One, and Graduate Pathway programs developed through this partnership will be taught by Illinois State faculty with admissions decisions determined by the University.
Illinois State is the 11th university in the United States to team with INTO. The company specializes in building deeply embedded partnerships that enable universities to achieve their international enrollment ambitions while also supporting students as they transition into studying at a U.S. university.
Illinois State’s hometown of Normal has been ranked in the Top 10 College Towns in America by the American Institute for Economic Research. International students at Illinois State enjoy the friendly and welcoming culture of the Midwest while benefitting from being in one of the most vibrant job markets in the United States. The State of Illinois is ranked fourth in the nation for the most Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters and the campus’ proximity to Chicago offers students access to one of the largest cities in the United States as well as many professional opportunities.
More than 67 countries are represented on campus, making Illinois State University a destination for students and scholars from around the world. The partnership will help develop and foster the diverse community at the University.
