RU partners with Virginia Tech to bolster international education

Radford University is proud to announce a new partnership with Virginia Tech with the establishment of the Language and Culture Institute at Radford University (LCI@RU). This collaboration combines the 40 years of experience the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute has in providing English language programs and the unique academic opportunities available at RU.

The LCI@RU will accept international students who seek opportunities at American universities and offer an intensive English course that will provide those students with the necessary language skills for their academic success.

"We can bring the world to Radford University," said College of Humanities and Behavior Sciences Dean Kate Hawkins, a key player in organizing the partnership. "It's better for the international students because the more they practice their English the more successful they can be in American universities. We are really fortunate to have such a great partner in the folks at Virginia Tech."

During a LCI@RU session, students will attend language classes Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. over a period of 8 or 16 weeks. Intensive courses like these have been shown to encourage the growth of international communities on campus.

The program provides full-time classroom instruction in all skill areas, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and pronunciation, from beginning through advanced proficiency levels, supplemented by self-paced, interactive computer-assisted training.

Opening a branch of the center at Radford also offers international students the opportunity for conditional admission to the university.

"One of the real differences between Radford and Virginia Tech is that we offer conditional admission to some of our graduate programs," Hawkins said.  "Students can come here knowing that if they satisfy the conditions of their English program, they have the option to matriculate into the university."

According to Hawkins, programs such as the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Corporate and Professional Communication will grant these conditional admissions, with many more programs interested in following.

Operated by the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute, the new center will provide instruction in English language and academic study skills geared toward international students while also facilitating intercultural understanding and offering support and guidance on nonacademic issues.

"The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute has long been committed to providing successful intensive English and degree-preparation programs to the best and brightest international students,” said Don Back, director of the institute. “This partnership builds upon what we have already established at Virginia Tech while also enhancing Radford’s reputation internationally for high-quality academics.”

Back said Virginia Tech will also work with Radford to market the new institute and recruit international students.

Jan 25, 2014