George Mason University and INTO University Partnerships Announce Joint Venture to Build International Student Programs

FAIRFAX, VA--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2014) - George Mason University and INTO University Partnerships are announcing a joint venture that will expand the university's global reach and build international student programs.

"The INTO Mason partnership signed today will help increase the university's enrollment and boost global education for all of our students, both of which are important strategic objectives for George Mason," said Ángel Cabrera, president of George Mason University.

George Mason is recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the United States. It currently has an international student population of nearly 2,000 students from 125 countries. The INTO partnership is expected to add approximately 1,000 international students to the university over the next five years.

INTO is a private company that partners with leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and achieving a globally diverse and integrated campus community.

"INTO Mason will ensure the success of international students by delivering innovative academic preparation programs and personalized support services that build upon the university's existing resources. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., Mason has the unique potential to impact global education on a large scale," commented John Sykes, Group Managing Director of INTO University Partnerships.

Pathway programs combine academic coursework and English language training to help international students adapt to an American university environment and prepare for future success as a degree-seeking student at the university. Mason's existing Pathway programs will be greatly expanded under INTO Mason; the university expects to offer more than 40 program options at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

INTO Mason students will benefit from special programs led by university faculty in a supportive learning environment. Pathway students will take courses ranging from conflict analysis and resolution to engineering to music to business. All INTO Mason students will enjoy full access to Mason's campus facilities and services.

"INTO Mason will not only enrich the experience for all faculty, staff and students at the university, we anticipate that it will ultimately foster greater understanding of the United States around the world through a more connected culture of learning," Cabrera said.

Increasing the school's international population will also offer benefits to the entire Mason community. Students will be exposed to a wider range of cultures, languages and views. They will leave the university better prepared for a world that is increasingly connected and a workforce that has become more global.

"International students bring with them varied perspectives, cultural diversity and opportunities for global learning and connectedness," Cabrera said. "The program will increase teaching and research opportunities for faculty, boost economic activity and add international perspectives in Fairfax and across Virginia. It will also enrich learning experiences for domestic students and create a wider, global alumni network."

The INTO Mason partnership is based on a shared mission to lead the way in extending U.S. higher education internationally while enriching the educational experience domestically. The partnership will build on Mason's signature learning experience based on its stellar academic reputation as a leading research institution, its unique programs and top-quality faculty.

On February 12-16, 2014, more than 100 members of INTO's global recruitment network visited Mason's campus to meet with students, faculty and staff to learn about programs, facilities, campus life and the local community. They left Mason with a deep understanding of the institution, well-prepared to advise students in their home countries about the value of the Mason college experience for international students.

Mason becomes the fifth U.S. institution to partner with INTO, joining Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University. Since 2006, INTO has successfully launched partnerships with 18 universities around the world. Each INTO partnership is individually planned through a collaborative process and designed to address the specific goals and objectives of the institution.

For more information about George Mason University, please visit www.gmu.edu. For more information about INTO University Partnerships, please visit www.into-corporate.com.

About George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University -- Where Innovation Is Tradition.

About INTO University Partnerships
Universities partner with INTO to advance their ambitious comprehensive internationalization agendas. INTO's deeply embedded joint ventures create a globally diverse and integrated campus, improve the overall student experience, and increase international students' access to higher education. Through INTO's resources and expertise, institutions expand their ability to create highly supportive academic environments, establish state-of-the-art learning and living spaces and deliver university-designed programs. Since 2006, INTO has established partnerships with 18 universities in the UK, the US and China. These partnerships have helped more than 7,500 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at partner institutions in North America, including Oregon State University, the University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University. More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO @INTOnetwork.