The partnership between Elon and American Language Academy will give international students access to intense English training.
Elon University has partnered with American Language Academy to promote enrollment of international students on both campuses.
ALA is a nationally accredited, private, post-secondary English language and American cultural studies school in Greensboro, N.C., that prepares international students who plan to study at U.S. universities.
The partnership was formalized in August and will give qualified international students who need intense English training conditional admission to Elon while they are enrolled in the ALA program. International students seeking admission to Elon could begin the ALA program as early as spring semester.
“This partnership will be an important asset in our efforts to continue growth of international student enrollment,” said Greg Zaiser, Elon’s vice president of admissions and financial planning. “ALA has an impressive academic program with a strong and growing reputation for providing quality educational services to students who want to pursue higher education at America’s top colleges and universities.”
Depending upon language proficiency, international students will receive at least nine weeks of intensive training prior to beginning their regular studies at Elon. Students will be allowed to continue their Elon studies once they have met ALA’s Academic English Level 5 language proficiency requirement.
“ALA is pleased to continue growing through this new opportunity to provide English language and cultural learning for students planning to attend Elon University,” said ALA President John Ricci. “We look forward to a long and productive partnership, doing our part to help Elon meet their international student enrollment goals and graduate inspired leaders from around the world.”
Elon enrolls students from 49 other countries. The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center provides many services to support international students who attend Elon, including transportation from the airport when they arrive, a special orientation, monthly activities, host families for holidays and an international adviser on campus to help with the transition to an American college campus.
In addition, Elon offers all students resources through the Intercultural Relations Club, the Multicultural Center, El Centro de Español and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual life, which connects students with faith traditions.