Jameson Post October 2016

 

Jones elected Chair of NAFSA Membership Committee
Congratulations to Patti Jones, Jameson Global’s senior consultant, on her recent election as the national NAFSA Chair-elect of the Membership Committee. Patti, along with her committee’s members, will be responsible for helping NAFSA’s national staff know what the membership is thinking, doing, and wanting to see. The Committee monitors and solicits information about trends, problems, needs and what’s going on in the world of NAFSA members.

The Committee then makes recommendations about policies, procedures, and structures for membership in NAFSA to the vice-president for Professional Development and Engagement.

Patti and the Membership Committee will specifically focus on the following areas:

Recognizing the changing and sustained diversity of our membership through recruitment and retention and ensuring their specific needs are highlighted and examined;

Promoting and supporting the work and availability of the Member Interest Groups (MIGs);

Recognizing the work of our members through facilitating the promotion and growth of national awards;

Ensuring a regional voice and involvement in the evolving membership needs and changes

Informing staff of recent trends and resource needs for the career center.

Patti will commence her official duties at the NAFSA Washington Leadership Meeting, which will be held January 26 -29, 2017. Her term of appointment is three years. If you have questions or comments concerning the areas overseen by the committee, please contact Patti at either pattij@jamesonglobal.com or PI-Jones@wiu.edu.

NAFSA Region V Conference

The 2016 NAFSA Region V Conference is just around the corner! This year, the city of Milwaukee will be the host city where NAFSAns from Illinois, Michigan, and, of course, Wisconsin, gather to network and share best practices in international education: learning what to do and – in some cases – what not to do!

Jameson Global & iTEP Midwest will be exhibiting again this year at the Region V conference. If your school has interest in on-campus ESL testing for placement and assessment, please come by the booth to learn about the International Test of English Proficiency (or iTEP exam.)

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, and are looking for a great study abroad location to send either individual students or short-term groups please come see us about our wonderful partner – The Costa Rica Language Academy. Through “CRLA” we can assist with both Spanish language programs as well as non-language programs, including the increasingly popular community service/volunteering format.

The Jameson Global & iTEP Midwest exhibit booth is #20 – please come by and say hi! Based upon its tremendous popularity last year in Rosemont, we will once again be serving baklava! So, come by for a sweet desert break, and to visit with Patti Jones or Jim Brosam II.

We are very excited this year to also be collaborating with Ms. April Goldschmidt on a presentation entitled, “Untapped Resource: US High Schools with International Students.” This session will be on Thursday, October 27th at 11:15 a.m. in the Gilpatrick Room of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. The number of international students attending middle and high school in the US has been steadily increasing. A high percentage of the students plan to stay in the US and continue their studies at a University. This is a unique international student market that many universities often overlook when developing their strategic recruitment plan.

Ms. Goldschmidt is the Director of International Student Programs at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. She will be joined in the presentation by Patti Jones and Jim Brosam II.

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NAFSA Bi-Regional III/VII Conference

From Region V and Milwaukee Jameson Global will then head south to the bayous of Louisiana for this year’s NAFSA bi-regional conference that includes regions III and VII. This encompasses 11 states plus Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands! New Orleans will be the 2016 host city of what we fully expect will be a great conference.

Jameson Global & iTEP Midwest will also be exhibiting (booth #43) at the bi-regional. If your school has an interest in on-campus ESL testing for placement and assessment, please come by the booth to learn about the International Test of English Proficiency (or iTEP exam.) If you are on the other end of the spectrum, and are looking for a great study abroad location to send either individual students or short-term groups, please come see us about our wonderful partner – The Costa Rica Language Academy. Through “CRLA” we can assist with both Spanish language programs, as well as non-language programs, including the increasingly popular community service/volunteering format.

Representing Jameson Global, Jim Brosam II. will also be one of the presenters in a session entitled, “Rethinking Recruitment and Agent Engagement.” Jim will join Brittany Kirby, ICEF, and Karla Engel-Molnar of Valdosta State University to discuss issues related to the increasing use of educational agencies in the recruitment of international students. The presentation will be on Monday, November 7th from 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. The location is Balcony M (4th Floor) of the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. Universities and colleges considering use of agents to increase or diversify their international enrollment should attend this event.

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Jameson Global High School Visits

Jameson Global & iTEP Midwest is increasingly involved in international education at the secondary level. This includes select international student placement with JG partner schools and development of short-term group study abroad programs for partner schools to Costa Rica. Perhaps most importantly, the focus is on the growth of network schools that use iTEP for international admissions and/or providing on-campus ESL placement and assessment testing.

Thus, whenever possible we try to visit both partner and prospective partner schools. On Wednesday, October 26th we will be visiting Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as part of our conference trip. Wisconsin Lutheran or “WLHS” both accepts iTEP for international admissions and uses iTEP for on-campus testing. Jameson Global placed its very first international student there this Fall, and we look forward to a long institutional partnership with WLHS!

During the trip to Milwaukee, we will also be visiting Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, Wisconsin. We are excited to be invited to tour their campus and meet with school officials, as we learn more about their international student program.

If your middle/high school is interested in increasing, or diversifying, its international student population, or if your school has a need for on-campus ESL testing, we would be happy to discuss a visit. Contact Jim Brosam at jimb@jamesonglobal.com to arrange for Jameson Global to come to your school!

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iTEP Midwest News

Join the iTEP family!

The International Test of English Proficiency (or iTEP exam) is expanding globally! With iTEP test centers now in 49 countries, the numbers of prospective international students taking the iTEP exam is rapidly increasing. Students like the low-cost and on-demand aspects of the iTEP.

Many of these international students want to enroll in a school in the USA. Over 700 schools in the US now accept iTEP exam scores for international admissions. More middle/high schools and colleges/universities are needed to give our iTEP test-takers more enrollment options.

It is absolutely FREE to become an iTEP school! To become an iTEP school click here!

See who has recently become an iTEP school!

 

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Jameson Global Moscow News

“Learning decorates the person’s happiness
and serves as a shelter in misfortune.”
Count Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov

Please enjoy the latest article by Dr. Alla Guslyakov, JG-M director, entitled, “The Importance of Global Education for Russian Students in the Digital Era.”

Click here to read!

(If you don’t read Russian Cyrillic then scroll down for the English version.)

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Jameson Global Costa Rica News

Want to try out Spanish classes before traveling to Costa Rica? Or, want to continue Spanish lessons after you return to the USA to keep your language fluency in tact? Our partner, the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) now offers online Spanish classes! Work on your language skills from your own home or office!

The CRLA Spanish online programs are designed for students with any level of Spanish (from complete beginners to advanced superior).  Whether you are a former student or a first time student, the variety of courses will help you improve your language learning.

Classes in areas such as: “Spanish for Healthcare Professionals” or “Spanish for Business Executives” are also an option. These classes focus on specific terminology and vocabulary needed to navigate Spanish in these professional fields.

For more information contact:
Phone: +1 866 230 6361 (FROM USA TOLL FREE)
Email: ledacrla@spanishandmore.com

Interested in leading a student group from your school to Costa Rica?
Click here for more information!

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This Jameson Post is respectfully submitted by the Jameson Global management committee.

Jameson Post – 2016 Back-to-School Issue

It is that time of year once again……back-to-school! Cooler weather, falling leaves, and football are all just around the corner. That means it is time for a Summer recap, and back-to-school edition of the Jameson Post. Enjoy!

NAFSA Denver Conference Wrap Up
The annual NAFSA Conference is always a week full of frantic activity, great networking, and meetings, meetings, meetings. Each time it does not seem possible that NAFSA week could get any busier, and yet each year tops the last. It is a great time though to connect with colleagues and to meet new international education professionals yielding new collaboration and partnerships.

This year, the NAFSA conference was in Denver, Colorado from May 29 – June 3. All of us at Jameson Global had a great week meeting with many of our current partner schools like SBBCollege, University of St. Francis, and Chaminade College Prep High School to name a few. At Jameson Global, we like to think that we are selective in choosing our institutional partners, and always come away from these meetings with confidence that any international students we send to our partner schools will be well taken care of – both inside and outside of the classroom.

Other highlights of the NAFSA Denver conference included:

The Jameson Global Quarterly Directors’ Meeting – we try very hard to hold one meeting each year at a MLB baseball stadium. We are on a roll – last year at Fenway Park in Boston, and this year at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado! There is nothing like talking through things during a baseball game.

In addition to baseball games, there are several members of Jameson Global who also like to sample the local cuisine each year during the NAFSA conference. Denver was no disappointment, and (vegetarians beware) is a veritable meat-lover’s paradise. The best stop was the Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant, Denver’s oldest dining establishment. Established in 1893, and boasting a long guest list of US Presidents and other famous historical figures the restaurant truly has an “Old West” historical feel. To compliment this ambiance, the menu for the night included buffalo and elk steaks.

No one is busier, or networks more, during the annual conference than JG Senior Consultant Patti Jones. As a recipient of both the Homer Higby award, and the lifetime achievement award, Patti has a long history of distinguished service to NAFSA. Even before the conference, Patti started off this year by being featured on NAFSA’s blog with a piece she wrote entitled, “We are Not Our Name Cards!”
Click here – it is definitely worth a read!

Last, but not least, a lot of work was done. As mentioned, the opportunity to meet with our partners and plan for the upcoming year was one of the goals accomplished. We also had a chance to attend sessions and receive updates on various international issues, trends, and best practices. We look forward to next year when NAFSA is in Los Angeles!

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iTEP Midwest News

SLEP is dead….long live iTEP SLATE! The number of private middle/high schools in the Midwest who are switching from SLEP scores to iTEP SLATE scores for international admissions continues to grow. Although SLEP was discontinued in 2012, it remains a cheap and easy (and not secure or accurate) exam given by many agents in Asia. As the inventory of SLEP exams decreases, prospective students are now often given Xeroxed copies of old tests to take further calling into question the exam results.

iTEP expands into a new market! The establishment this year of 10 new  iTEP test centers has greatly increased the opportunity for English proficiency testing in the country of Iran. With granted student visas for Iranians steadily increasing, this is a potential recruitment market for universities and colleges in the USA.

 

The 2016 iTEP International Distributors Conference was held in Denver this year in conjunction with the NAFSA Conference week. It is always a wonderful event that allows for networking among the iTEP distributors who come from all over the globe to learn about what’s new with the iTEP family of exams. The staff at Boston Educational Services (BES) once again did an excellent job hosting with the first day at Brown’s Hotel, and finishing up on the second day with the annual iTEP Appreciation Luncheon for partners at Venice Ristorante Downtown.

Perry Akins, Chairman and Co-founder of the iTEP exam, recently published an insightful piece on Linkedin that highlights the current state of IEP programs in the USA. Many programs are struggling for relevance after seeing their Brazilian and Saudi student populations decline. To read Perry’s article click here!

The network of iTEP schools continues to grow! Over 700 educational institutions now accept iTEP exam scores for international admissions. Adding iTEP to a school’s list of acceptable English proficiency scores can result in increased international student applications and/or a greater diversity of international applications. Prospective students in 49 countries around the world now take the iTEP daily in anticipation of studying in the USA.

Becoming an iTEP school is absolutely FREE. For more information on how to become an iTEP school today click here!

See who has recently joined the iTEP Midwest family!

Jameson Global – Moscow News

Knowledge Day, sometimes called “1 of September”, is the first day of school for students in Russia. Students from the primary grades through University head back to classes to pursue their studies. It also marks the official change of the seasons – from Summer to Autumn. Dr. Alla Gulyakova, Director of JG – Moscow recently gave a “Knowledge Day” welcome to new students. It can be read on the JG – Moscow page – click here!

Jameson Global – Moscow will also participate, and support two upcoming educational conferences:

The 9th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Seville, Spain
November 14 – 16, 2016

“Environmental Problems of the Third Millennium”
International Youth Scientific Conference
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Moscow, Russia
November 25-26, 2016

Jameson Global – Costa Rica News

In collaboration with our partner, the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA), JG-CR hosted a visit from Western Illinois University (WIU) to Costa Rica this past March. The primary purpose was for international student recruitment in addition to evaluating several potential educational projects. Dr. Rick Carter represented WIU and was able to visit a number of private high schools during the trip to give presentations and host question and answer sessions about studying in the USA with prospective students. Dr. Carter also met with school principals and many of the teachers to establish strong school-to-school partnerships. The visit to Costa Rica was followed up by a WIU visit to the Costa Rican Embassy in Washington DC. WIU will also host Veritas University and several high school delegations when they visit the USA. Jameson Global was honored to be able to host the WIU group in Costa Rica.

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WIU Law Enforcement and Justice Administration majors to head to Costa Rica in 2017 for study abroad

Criminal Justice professionals encounter people from all countries and cultures during their work day. It is essential to recognize these differences and have a basic understanding of them to be successful in the field. For Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) majors from Western Illinois University, Costa Rica will serve as a unique case study location–easily accessible, known for welcoming tourists, yet a completely different culture from the US. WIU Students will head to Costa Rica in summer 2017 to experience “International Criminal Justice” hosted by the WIU School of Law Enforcement & Justice Administration.

Conducted in cooperation with the Costa Rican Language Academy, the program will combine lectures and site visits covering criminal justice issues including the legal and penal system in Costa Rica, the Legislative Assembly, and law enforcement in Costa Rica. Time will be spent exploring the cultural side of Costa Rica as well, with a visit to the Pacific coast, Poas Volcano, and La Paz Waterfalls. For more information, contact the WIU Office of Study Abroad.

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Other JG News:

Jim Brosam II. attended the 98th annual American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) conference held this past July in Miami, Florida.Over 400 high school and university teachers of Spanish attended the event. The purpose of exhibiting at the conference was to represent our partner, the Costa Rican Language Academy and to promote Spanish language study abroad programs.

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Senior JG Consultant, Patti Jones, has been nominated by the Leadership Development Committee of NAFSA for the position of Chair-elect of the Membership Committee. Election for this position, and other current ones, takes place on-line through NAFSA until September 30. Please read Patti’s bio and qualifications. We encourage all NAFSA members to vote in the current election of leaders.

The Chair of the Membership Committee/committee members are responsible for helping NAFSA’s national staff know what the membership is thinking, doing, and wanting to see. It also gives information about trends, problems, needs and what’s going on in the world of NAFSA members. The Committee makes recommendations about policies, procedures, and structures for membership in NAFSA to the vice-president for Professional Development and Engagement.

The specifics of the Committee may be found here.

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Jameson Global recently entered into a student recruitment agreement with the College of Charleston. Established in 1770, the College is the 13th oldest institution of higher learning in the US. Located in beautiful and historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and has international students from 62 counties. The College has an excellent English Language Institute and strong support services for international students. We are very pleased to be partners with the College of Charleston!

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In 2016,  Jameson Global secured membership in the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Two-year institutions are increasingly enrolling larger numbers of international students and offering study abroad programs for their domestic students. It is important to be actively engaged with our two-year partners, and we are pleased to be able to assist in their international efforts.

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Jameson Global also began working with Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS). Located in Milwaukee, WLHS offers unique on-campus residences for international students, as well as English language support and access to cultural and entertainment activities of Milwaukee and the Midwest region.

Jameson Global enrolled our first international student at WLHS this Fall. We are also working with the school to implement on-campus ESL testing for assessment/placement using the iTEP exam. We are very excited to be partners with Wisconsin Lutheran High School!

 

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On the road – Fall 2016 Travel

Look for Jameson Global & iTEP Midwest at the following:

October 26 – 28, 2016
NAFSA Region V Conference
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Booth #A20 in exhibit area of
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Contact:
Patti Jones  pattij@jamesonglobal.com
Jim Brosam II. jimb@jamesonglobal.com

NAFSA Region V Conference
Conference Presentation: “Untapped resource:
US High Schools with International Students”
Time and Room Location TBA
April Goldschmidt, Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Patti Jones, Jameson Global
Jim Brosam II., Jameson Global

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November 6-10
NAFSA Bi-Regional III & VII Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana
Booth #43 in exhibit area of
New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street
Contact: Jim Brosam II. jimb@jamesonglobal.com

NAFSA Bi-Regional III & VII Conference
Conference Presentation: “Rethinking Recruitment and Agent Engagement”
Time and Room Location TBA
Brittany Kirby, ICEF
Karla Engel-Molnar, Valdosta State University
Jim Brosam II., Jameson Global

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The Jameson Post is respectfully submitted by the Management Committee of Jameson Global.

 

 

Q and A with Dr. Alla Guslyakova, Director
Jameson Global – Moscow

In September of 2015, Jameson Global – Moscow (JGM) was established in the Russian Federation. The new director of JGM is Dr. Alla Guslyakova, who recently agreed to an interview, so we could learn a little more about her and the future of JGM.

For the complete interview click here.

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Jameson Global – Cost Rica Established

We are very pleased to announce the formal establishment of an office in San Jose, Costa Rica. This new office, known as Jameson Global – Costa Rica or “JG CR”, will focus on student recruitment in Costa Rica for Jameson’s high school, college and university partners in the USA. JG CR will also work closely with the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) to offer individual and group study abroad programs in Spanish language and other areas such as international business, healthcare and eco-tourism.

Ms. Laura Cordero has been named director of Jameson Global – Costa Rica. She is also Vice President and co-owner of the Costa Rica Language Academy (CRLA) where she has overseen the enrollment of over 15,000 students since the Academy was founded in 1989. Laura has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree from Northeastern University and is a leader in international education in Costa Rica. She will be profiled in a future Jameson Post.

We are excited to welcome Laura and JG CR into the Jameson Global family!

For more information visit the Jameson Global – Costa Rica page.

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Jameson Global welcomes Nicholas D. Cates at JSU

A very special welcome to Nicholas D. Cates, the new director of the English Language Institute at Jacksonville State University (JSU). Nicholas has extensive experience in international education, and has held posts in Thailand, Japan, Ecuador, and Saudi Arabia. He is responsible for the ESL and international recruitment efforts at JSU.

Jacksonville State University is a public university founded in 1883 and located in Jacksonville, Alabama. With an enrollment of approximately 9,000 students the University is international-friendly with students from 60 plus counties. Jameson Global recently extended its partnership with JSU.

Welcome Nick! We look forward to working with you!

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Senior Consultant to present at upcoming NAFSA Conferences

Patti Jones, Senior Consultant, will be presenting at both Region IV and Region V conferences. More details are listed below. In addition to the presentation on retirement, Ms. Jones will participate in two panels focusing on leadership development in NAFSA and qualities needed to be a successful International Educator. Specific details of the latter two presentations are not currently available but will be posted online as soon as possible.

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 “Get Down to Business in Costa Rica” through Lake Land College

Next year, students from Lake Land College will have a chance to “get down to business” in Costa Rica. In May, the student group will travel from Mattoon, Illinois to San Jose, Costa Rica and spend two weeks learning about the business environment of this emerging Latin American economy. Once known primarily for its exports of bananas and coffee beans, Costa Rica has become a leader in development of Eco-tourism, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The program will visit companies and governmental agencies in San Jose before traveling to the Pacific coast.

“A study abroad course is a unique opportunity to learn course content but adds to that learning opportunities that a classroom can never provide! My students will learn Legal Environment of Business of the United States but in a safe and fast past environment that will also expose them to the social and business cultures of Costa Rica. Students will be immersed in the country atmosphere, exposed to the language, food and social norms of Costa Rican businesses,” stated Cheryl Staley, faculty coordinator from the Lake Land College.

For more information email Chery Staley at cstaley@lakelandcollege.edu or view the Lake Land College Facebook page.

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Jameson Global joins the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese

Jim Brosam II. recently joined the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (ATTSP) as part of Jameson Global’s efforts to promote language studies. He will attend the national conference in Miami, Florida in 2016.

“Our Spanish study abroad programs in Costa Rica and new opportunities for language study in Russia make joining the AATSP a natural. We are excited to be a part of this organization.”

The AATSP was founded in 1917 to promote the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian, and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education. Over 70 local chapters of the AATSP exist in the United States and Canada.

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On the road..

We are there! Jameson Global will be represented at several upcoming NAFSA regional conferences. Come visit us in the exhibit hall to talk about student recruitment, iTEP testing, or study abroad in Costa Rica. Presentation and exhibitor information is now available and posted below. If you would like to set up a separate meeting please email the JG rep attending your conference. See you there!

NAFSA Region III Conference
Sunday, October 19 – Wednesday, October 21
Norman, Oklahoma
Exhibit Hall – Booth #20
JG Rep attending –Jim Brosam II.
Email: jimb@jamesonglobal.com

NAFSA Region IV Conference
Wednesday, October 28 – Saturday, October 31, 2015
Des Moines, Iowa

Presentation:
“Introduction to the iTEP” an academic presentation by Patti Jones and Dr. Joy Stevenson on Friday morning, Oct 30 at 8:30 to 9:45 at the Marriott Hotel breakout rooms.

NAFSA Region V Conference
Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 6
Rosemont, Illinois
Exhibit Hall – Booth #20
JG Reps attending – Patti Jones and Jim Brosam II. along with special guest:
Marielle Marquette, Director of Operations, Boston Educational Services (iTEP)
Email: pattij@jamesonglobal.com
Email: jimb@jamesonglobal.com

Presentation: Thursday, November 5 following the Business Lunch/Region V Brunch. “Retirement Readiness”, Patti Jones, Jameson Global Senior Consultant, and Alicia Kong, VOYA Services representative

NAFSA Region VII Conference
Sunday, October 24 – Wednesday, October 28
Savannah, Georgia
Exhibit Hall – Booth #18
JG Rep attending: Jim Brosam II.
Email: jimb@jamesonglobal.com

 August 2015

Back-to-School and Welcome New Students

According to family legend, on my very first day of school I was up, dressed, ready to go to school early…. and, as the legend goes, that was also the last day I was ever up, dressed and ready to go to school early. While in college I worked every summer in the family construction company always waiting until the last possible moment to register for Fall semester classes and get ready for school – first at Olney Central College, then at Eastern Illinois University. One year, I even commandeered the company dump truck in order to haul all my clothes, furniture and everything else in just one trip to EIU on the weekend before classes started. Not pretty, but effective.

It is that time of year again, back-to-school. It comes every year without fail, yet no one is ever quite ready for it. Summer is moving nicely along until the Fourth of July holiday and then the countdown inevitably begins. I hear discussions between my mother (university professor) and sister (a public school teacher) on “how could it possibly almost be time for another school year to start?” My dear faculty friends begin to periodically check class rosters online and contemplate finalizing their class syllabi. Parents, students, teachers, administrators, everyone begins to get in that back-to-school frame of mind. For the initiated, it is a familiar and somewhat frenzied routine. Every year though for some, it is the exciting beginning of a new chapter of life – the first day of school.

Working in international education keeps a person connected with traditions like back-to-school and, even better, the arrival of new international students at an American school. You have to admit, to travel halfway around the world and embrace new food, new clothes, new friends, new social norms and behavior – all in a language that is not your own – is an impressive feat, especially, when it is a 15 year-old high school student or 19 year-old university student.

Airport pickups, late night arrivals, moving onto campus, placement testing, TB testing, meal tickets, shopping, “ice breaker” activities, and class schedules all flow together seamlessly (more or less) into the organized chaos that is international orientation at an American university. Of course a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. Try and find 100 blankets – in the middle of August – for welcome care packages for new international students in Arkansas. It’s not easy, as my assistant would continually remind me.

For new international high school students it is a little different. Meeting their American host family for the first time is usually the “big” issue.” Will they like me? Will I like them? What is with all of this strange American food? What is with all of these rules? Curfew? My friends and family are far away. What did I get myself into?”

Still, somehow, with all of the jetlag, information overload, new cultural experiences, and yes the shopping, things somehow fall into place each August. The international high school students become part of the American host families. New university students – international and locals alike – make it through their orientation and collect class schedules and textbooks. Then those last minute students, like myself, show up on campus. Finally, there is nothing left to do but start classes.

Good luck, and best wishes, to all the new and returning students (and faculty) for 2015 Fall semester!

Jim Brosam II.
President & CEO
Jameson Global

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Fall Thoughts About NAFSA and Leadership

The weather here in central Illinois has just been gorgeous for the past two days, and it leads one to think about the fall that is coming. Fall brings with it all the usual items: football, Homecoming parades, and for those of us who are active in NAFSA, it brings the Regional meetings. I’m excited to be attending two regionals this year–Region IV in Des Moines, IA, and Region V in Rosemont, IL. The Region IV meeting will be my first time to attend a regional meeting in a region that I don’t live in! Another cross cultural adventure!! I will be presenting a session with Joy Stevenson on the iTEP exam which seems to be a placement/admission test that many schools have heard of, but are not well-versed in understanding. For more information, see the article on our NAFSA Region IV presentation in this newsletter.

I will also be promoting the NAFSA Academy which is a program organized by NAFSA with member leaders. I will be finishing my position as the Academy 12 Chair early next year, and Britta Wright who is from Region IV has already begun the work of being the Academy 13 Chair. The Academy selects applicants from each of the regions who sponsor a coach. These trainees then have one of the best training/professional development experiences of their lives. There is a year of working with excellent coaches who assist them with their own learning in their field, and who provide pan-NAFSA training in three face-to-face venues. Check out being an Academy trainee if you are a budding professional (more than a year in the field), or consider being a Coach if you are a longer term educator looking for ways to “give back” to the field.

The work with the Academy is, for many of us who volunteer for positions of leadership, a labor of love. It is also a reminder that there is a role within NAFSA for anyone who is interested in international education. It is a GREAT way to become engaged in professional development of both yourself and others. I have held a number of leadership roles at both the regional and national level–and I never would have believed it was possible for me to make a contribution before I began working with my colleagues. There is a need for fresh ideas and volunteers with enthusiasm. The roles can range from being a presenter at a local, regional, or national program to being a member of a regional or national team (Knowledge Community (KC) or training program). When I have worked with others on the leadership promotion, one of the things that is always true is, “If you show up and want to work, we have a job for you!”

I hope I will have the chance to meet many of the readers in either Iowa or Illinois at the conferences there. Come by the presentation in Iowa, or in Illinois come to the Jameson booth. Wherever we meet, it is always GREAT FUN to talk about international education!!

Have a GREAT Fall….See you at the Regionals….

Patti Jones
Senior Consultant
Jameson Global

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Special Welcome to Nik Lajeunesse, BES

Nik Lajeunesse was recently named to manage Business Development for Boston Educational Services (BES). Her duties include signing up American schools to accept the iTEP exam as part of the international admissions process. She will also be working to expand the number of iTEP testing centers in the USA.

Jameson Global uses the iTEP Academic Plus exam and iTEP Slate Plus exam as part of its international student recruitment process. Under Jameson Testing Services, the company also operates iTEP testing centers.

Welcome Nik! We look forward to working with you!

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Jones to Present at NAFSA Region IV Conference

Senior Consultant Patti Jones will be presenting a session entitled “Introduction to the iTEP” at the NAFSA Region IV Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. She will be joined in the presentation by Dr. Joy Stevenson, Director Emerita, International Center, University of Central Missouri. If you will be at the NAFSA Region IV conference then make plans to attend this session.

For years institutions relied mainly on the TOEFL exam for admission decisions related to English ability. Then IELTs came along. That required us to learn about a new test and review how it fit with our curriculum standards. Now there is a newcomer. The International Test of English Proficiency was introduced in 2008, but many universities and colleges are still learning about it. Learn what it is; how it can fit ESL programs or regular admission decisions; how it is administered; where it is available, and how it can be utilized by your institution.”

A. The session will cover the creation and vetting of iTEP (the Test of English Proficiency), it’s availability, the structure of the test, security implementation, and areas of utilization within institutions.

B. The presentation will be made via a ppt with discussion and interaction from the audience.

C. Objectives:
1. To provide information on a test that is beginning to be recognized and utilized by ESL programs, admissions offices of universities and community colleges.

2. To utilize a forum for discussion of institutional representatives present on the acceptance of this test within their own institutional guidelines.

Make plans to join Patti Jones and Joy Stevenson in Des Moines!

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Study in Costa Rica!

¡Hola! Vamos a estudiar español en Costa Rica! Jameson Global recently entered into an agreement with the Costa Rica Language Academy to promote study abroad and Spanish language programs. Jameson will market and promote CRLA’s educational offerings to high schools, colleges, and universities across the United States and also represent CRLA at educational conferences and events.

Founded in 1989, the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) is located in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. The private language institution welcomes students from around the world each year to study Spanish. In addition to language classes, students at CRLA have an opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture by living with a Costa Rican host family. In addition, CRLA offers unique cultural experiences such as cooking classes, Latin dance classes and also hosts a “conversation hour” allowing students to improve their Spanish fluency in a relaxed environment while enjoying delicious Costa Rican coffee. Over 15,000 students have attended classes at CRLA since it opened its doors.

CRLA also hosts short-term, group study abroad programs in non-language areas such as international business, eco-tourism, hospitality management, and marine biology. Customized programs can be developed for faculty members at US institutions wishing to lead their own study abroad program coordinated by CRLA.

“We are very excited to be working with Jameson Global. The Costa Rica Language Academy offers high quality language instruction at a very affordable price to students. For schools and group programs we can design almost any type of program. Costa Rica offers a very beautiful and culturally-rich learning environment and our commitment is to take excellent care of our students,” said Laura Cordero, Vice President of the Costa Rica Language Academy.

Costa Rica annually ranks as one of the most popular study abroad destinations for US students. Approximately 8,000 university students travel to Costa Rica each year for a study abroad experience. The country is becoming increasingly popular with high school study abroad programs as well. Recently, professional groups such as hospitals and health care organizations have taken notice of Costa Rica sending groups of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to take Medical Spanish language training and participate in community health projects.

For information about CRLA’s Spanish language programs click here.
For more information about CRLA’s non-language programs click here.

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People. Science. Innovations in the New Millennium

2015 International Youth Scientific Conference
November 23 – 25, 2015
Moscow, Russian Federation

The Ecological Faculty of the People’s Friendship University of Russia cordially invites all young researchers and experts (undergraduate and graduate students, Master’s students, doctoral students and PhD candidates) to take part in the annual scientific conference in foreign languages. Presentation submissions are welcome. Conference languages are: Russian, English, German, French, and Spanish.

Conference Presentation Topics

1. Human Ecology
2. Ecology and Bio-systems
3. Essential Environmental Problems in the Regions of Russia and in the World
4. Water Resources and Ecology: Monitoring, Pollution and Restoration
5. Soil Contamination and Landscape Research
6. Priority Areas of Sustainable Forest Management
7. Energy-Saving, Environmentally Friendly Chemical and Technological Processes
8. Green Buildings
9. Legal and Economic Framework for Environmental Management
10. Ecology, Politics and Society
11. Ecological Education and Training-in-Action
12. Eco-linguistics and Environmental Discourse

Jameson Global is pleased to support and promote this conference in the USA and with its partners around the world. For more information on conference presentations and/or attendance see the official conference web page.

For invitations and other arrangement issues, please contact ecoconfrudn@gmail.com.

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Jameson Global on the road…

Jameson Global will be on the road this Fall, heading to several regional NAFSA conferences. Make plans to attend one of our presentations or come by and visit the Jameson Global booth in the exhibition hall at one of the conferences below. Drop by our booth to learn about study abroad program options in Costa Rica, the iTEP exam, or just to say hi!

NAFSA Region III Conference
Sunday, October 19 – Wednesday, October 21
Jameson Global Exhibitor Booth
Norman, Oklahoma

NAFSA Region IV Conference
Wednesday, October 28 – Friday, October 30
“Introduction to the iTEP” an academic presentation by Patti Jones and Joy Stevenson
Des Moines, Iowa

NAFSA Region V Conference
Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 6
Jameson Global Exhibitor Booth
Rosemont, Illinois

NAFSA Region VII Conference
Sunday, October 24 – Wednesday, October 28
Jameson Global Exhibitor Booth
Savannah, Georgia