Boston, MA – November 25, 2014 – Shorelight has partnered with Florida International University to create FIU Global First Year. FIU Global First Year will build upon FIU’s current international student programs and provide wraparound support to help international students successfully meet the academic rigors of an FIU education and assist them in navigating the cultural and social differences of an American university education. The first students will be enrolled beginning in August 2015.
FIU Global First Year is a comprehensive program that combines intensive English language instruction with academic course work and programs to help acclimate the students to the FIU and greater Miami communities. The program will offer either a three-term or a two-term option, depending upon a student’s English proficiency level. Upon successful completion of the FIU Global First Year program, students will be eligible to enroll in FIU degree programs with full sophomore status.
“The traditional American university experience is changing. Along with superior academics and an integrated community, diversity is an invaluable part of attending college for students both domestic and international,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bejar, vice president for Academic Affairs at FIU. “We continue our commitment to making the FIU student body a representation of the best and brightest students from across both the United States and the world.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Florida International University to expand upon their ongoing efforts to bring the best international students from across the world to their campus,” said Tom Dretler, CEO and cofounder of Shorelight. “The partnership comes at a time of tremendous demand for FIU’s programs from abroad, and we look forward to working closely with their entrepreneurial and growth-minded leadership team in the days ahead to advance the goals and vision of FIU.”
About Florida International University
Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. Its colleges and schools offer more than 180 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law, and medicine. As one of South Florida’s anchor institutions, FIU is worlds ahead in its local and global engagement, finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded 200,000 degrees and enrolls 50,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. Visit the FIU website for more information.
About Shorelight
Shorelight is a US-based education company that is focused on partnering with leading nonprofit universities to increase access and drive success for international students, boost institutional growth, and enhance an institution’s global footprint. Its purpose is to Educate the World – a call to action that defines its people and point of view. Shorelight is committed to inspiring change that creates more opportunities for students and cross-cultural exchange, ultimately leading to better, more healthy, peaceful, respectful, compassionate, and sustainable communities.
