The goal of this project is to increase the number of visiting international students to create a global learning environment at University of Central Arkansas (UCA). We believe that increasing the number of visiting international students will enhance the educational experience of all students at UCA by providing them with diverse perspectives. Similarly, this project can enhance the international students’ educational experiences by providing them with opportunities to learn American culture and improve their English skills. Overall, it will create a global learning environment for all students and faculty at UCA.
The University of Central Arkansas ranks 23rd among the top 25 “Most Desirable Large Schools” in the Fall 2010 Kaplan/Newsweek “Finding the Right College for You” guide. The “Most Desirable Large Schools” category includes schools such as Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Virginia and the University of Southern California.
With an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students and a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, UCA offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs at both the master and doctoral level. U.S. News and World Report of 2011 ranks the UCA 17th in the category of “Top Public Schools” among regional universities in the South (including 10 States).
The University of Central Arkansas is one of the best educational values in the South. Students can get a quality education at an affordable cost.
The Project
This is a special promotional project with a unique design that will focus on benefits to visiting international students (non-degree seeking). Students with appropriate English skills can participate in regular courses with UCA students. For students who do not have adequate English skills, it is a good opportunity for them to learn American Culture and English. This special package will include 12 credits of tuition, room (double occupancy), meals (unlimited buffet meals), mandatory health insurance, and other associated fees required by UCA. Participants in this program will pay a special price of $6,800 USD per semester. Normally, this package would cost international students around $9,000 USD. We have developed this project specifically to encourage students from our partner schools to participate in a semester-long study abroad at UCA and with the concept of benefiting students on both sides.
The Procedure
We would like to have partner schools recruit quality students with good English skills to be candidates for UCA Global Education Project. UCA will process these students’ applications and issue a form DS-2019 for four months for qualified candidates. The students will use this form to apply for their J-1 (exchange student) visa.
Students will arrive at UCA and take an English proficiency test. Those who receive a score of at least 500 on TOEFL PBT (or equivalent- TOEFL iBT 61; IELTS 5.5) will be able to take four different courses from their own disciplines with approval from Department heads of UCA. Students who score in a certain range on English proficiency tests, they will be advised to take an English listening and conversation course and other GEP courses with native language teaching assistance and learning support from our limited list. Students may choose to focus on the Intensive English Program (IEP) at UCA to enhance their English skills. Please note that the Global Education Project will cover 12 credits. Students who want to take graduate credits will have to pay additional costs based on in-state students’ tuition rates.
The Projected Time Table for Fall 2012
| Promotion | February – April |
| Deadline for Application | June 15 |
| Visa Application | June – July |
| Student Arrival | August 14 |
| Orientation | August 15-18 |
| Welcome Week | August 19-22 |
| Classes Begin | August 23 |
| Departure Date | December 15 |
Resources
- F12-GEP-Presentation
- Frequently Asked Questions