August 2015
Back-to-School and Welcome New Students
Jim Brosam II.
President & CEO
Jameson Global
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
Fall Thoughts About NAFSA and Leadership
Patti Jones
Senior Consultant
Jameson Global
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
Join Jameson Global this October in Savannah, Georgia!
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
