INTO University Partnerships and Illinois State University have signed an agreement for the establishment of pathway programs on ISU campus to help international students enrol at the university.

The university, the 11th in the US to partner with INTO, already has 67 countries represented on campus and is confident the partnership will develop and foster its diverse community.

“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 Larry Dietz, president of ISU.

To dispel any myths, Dietz said that the influx of international students will not impact negatively on the availability of university places for local students.

“The increase in international students will not displace any Illinois students who meet our academic standards, but will instead enhance the learning environment,” he added.

“Through this partnership with INTO we aim to provide talented and ambitious students with even more opportunities to study alongside those from other countries.”

The programs developed through this partnership, Academic English, International Year One and Graduate Pathway, were designed to help students improve their English and prepare for tertiary education and they will be taught by ISU faculty. Admissions will also be determined by the university itself.

The partnership will start recruiting students in the spring, with the first cohort starting in September 2018.