INTO University Partnerships is stepping up to facilitate the US visa application process for international students through its innovative Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) programme, targeting particularly those regions where visa acquisition is a notable challenge.

The PASS programme by INTO University Partnerships is specifically crafted to provide in-depth visa assistance and advice to international students aspiring to further their education in the US. This complimentary offering has proved instrumental for over 2000 students from a diverse array of nations including India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, aiding them in securing their F-1 visas.

The programme distinguishes itself by offering a detailed, interactive simulation of the interview process, conducted by a team of adept advisors, thus going beyond the standard visa guidance. It incorporates tailored mock interview sessions, interactive workshops, and comprehensive webinars that cover the visa application process in depth.

Jacquie Serr, Vice President of Enrolment at INTO University Partnerships, underscored the importance of tailored support: “When it comes to a students’ enrolment journey, it is vital that we meet them where they are, offering support and services in areas of high stress. The US visa process and how decisions are made on an F-1 visa can be confusing for students and their families to navigate. What makes PASS different is that we take the time to work individually with students – each student, their goals and background are unique, and so is each 1:1 session our advisors have with students. Human interaction is important here, not just for visa success but for student success.”

Laura Nye, Manager of the PASS Programme, shed light on the initiative’s primary focus: “The US international student visa application and interview is a complicated and challenging process for many students. Our primary goal with the PASS program is to build students’ confidence throughout the visa process as they prepare to embark on their academic journey in the US.”

Initiated in 2020 to support students from regions with traditionally low US visa approval rates, the PASS programme has rapidly developed into an essential support mechanism, significantly increasing the likelihood of visa approval for participants.

The programme’s webinars delve into a wide range of topics, from the nuances of the F1 visa application process to a detailed review of documents, followed by an opportunity for students to engage in a Q&A session.

Elaborating on the programme’s comprehensive nature, Laura Nye added: “Our program is designed to cover every aspect of the US visa process for students. We provide students with comprehensive information and the opportunity to address any concerns or questions they may have. We also facilitate connections with student experience teams at our partner universities and provide insights into campus resources. This ensures a smooth transition into university life, where students can leverage the available support.”

The PASS programme includes personalised mock interview sessions with INTO University Partnerships’ visa experts, preparing students for their visa interviews by enhancing their confidence and ability to clearly communicate their academic aspirations.

Student testimonials, such as those from Emmanuel from Nigeria, Muhammed from Pakistan, and Pablo from Colombia, highlight the programme’s effectiveness in improving interview preparedness and overall confidence, contributing to successful visa outcomes.

The positive impact of the programme is also acknowledged by INTO’s partner universities in the US, which have seen an increase in campus diversity thanks to the enrolment of talented international students.

Representatives from The University of Alabama and INTO Hofstra University, Vince Milam and Oscar Del Rio respectively, praised the PASS programme for its pivotal role in enhancing student confidence and interview success.

Since its establishment in 2005, INTO University Partnerships has facilitated the educational ambitions of over 150,000 students from 180 countries, partnering with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia.

The NILE arm of INTO University Partnerships, which focuses on teacher training, is pivotal in the launch of a groundbreaking TEFL programme in partnership with English UK.

Named AccessTEFL, this initiative is set to carve out pathways for prospective English language teachers in the UK, incorporating in-job training within a comprehensive CPD scheme.

AccessTEFL is designed to serve as an entry point for individuals who have not yet acquired a TEFL certificate, providing them with TEFLi status and making them eligible under the criteria set by Accreditation UK for teaching roles.

The scheme will be run by English UK, with day-to-day support, oversight and moderation from teacher training specialists from NILE – Norwich Institute for Language Education, part of the INTO University Partnerships group.

With its prestigious background in delivering professional development for English language teachers, having trained over 70,000 professionals from in excess of 90 countries since 1995, NILE is at the forefront of the sector.

The impetus for this initiative came from the periodic review by Accreditation UK, which recommended the adoption of an ‘apprentice teacher’ model due to its significant benefits.

Following this, English UK put forth an affordable qualification pathway aimed at enlarging the pool of qualified ELT teachers, making the profession more accessible, and enhancing the support system for entrants. Participants will be guided by NILE’s experienced teaching professionals, gaining essential skills relevant to the UK ELT context, with their employing schools providing the necessary mentoring and professional development.

Thom Kiddle, NILE’s Director, commented on the collaboration: “We are excited to be working on a new project with the team at English UK – developing and managing a situated and supported CPD scheme, AccessTEFL, for new teachers joining English UK schools.”

“The scheme, to be launched later this year, will ensure new entrants to the profession are supported with structured, focused development activities, observation and feedback while they learn their craft and help accredited English UK members recruit teachers in combination with the traditional TEFLi routes.”

The AccessTEFL course involves 40 hours of theoretical study and 80 hours of practical teaching experience, during which participants will be mentored and will engage with other teaching professionals. The core subjects include The English Language, The English Language Learner, The English Language Classroom, and Reflective Practice.

Reflecting on the initiative, Jodie Gray, the Chief Executive of English UK, said: “We are delighted to launch ATEFL after many months planning. Many ELT centres have been struggling to hire enough qualified teachers to meet increasing student demand, and that could impede the continuing growth of UK ELT.”

“We believe ATEFL is a great way for centres to grow and develop their own staff, supporting people who are keen to teach English in the UK but who do not have a conventional TEFLi qualification. This is an affordable and accessible way for centres to train high-quality staff as part of their staff CPD, and we hope that as many as possible will be able to take advantage of it.”