Capital University will begin collaborating with the Bridge Education Program in 2017, allowing the university to use the program’s agents and attract more international students to campus.
The Bridge Education Program’s agents are positioned all around the world, making it possible for international students to come from a multitude of countries. The number of students coming from the program is not yet certain, but Capital is hoping to attract around 15 to 20 students and is optimistic that more will come in during the fall semester of 2017.
Dr. Amy Adams, interim vice president of enrollment service at Capital University, said, “This partnership should really enhance our current international population and thus bring more diversity to our campus.”
Most of the upcoming international students are said to be at Capital for the undergraduate program, but Dr. Adams believes that our MBA program will draw in a few extra students to Capital.
As for requirements, the international students will need to apply with the same prerequisites as all first-year students, such as an ACT or SAT score, GPA, high school transcripts, and a counselor information form. Of course, in most countries, the ACT or SAT tests aren’t available; in those situations, the student would send in their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. While international students will be required to pay the same tuition amount as American students, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to lower the cost.
International students will have the opportunity to be in the same classes as American students, but Capital also offers special English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. ESL classes allow those having trouble learning English to become more comfortable with the language. If interested, these students must sign up for ESL classes, the deadlines in March, June, or October depending on the semester.
Each international student is also paired with an international student adviser to help with certain forms and studies the student might need help with.
Since this program is very new to the university there are a few uncertainties, such as how many will come and if this program will even attract these international students to Capital. And, of course, there is no certainty from where they would come, since it is early and the university is new to the program.
With the growth of the program, Capital will become more accustomed to its rules and regulations in upcoming semesters. Nevertheless, there are many benefits to the program, despite its current unknowns.
While the Bridge Education Program is just one of many methods that Capital is using to attract international students, admissions is always looking for more ways to expand the university culturally and ethnically.
For additional information about international studies at Capital University, visit capital.edu/international.
