30/05/2013
Top tier schools of higher education and elite colleges in the US are taking encouraging steps towards ensuring overseas students have the English language skills they need for academic success – according to Cambridge Assessment English, a department of England’s prestigious Cambridge University.
Speaking at the 65th Annual Conference & Expo of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, as the event gets underway in St Louis Missouri, Beryl Meiron, Cambridge English’s Senior Consultant for the USA, said
"When students come to study in the US it’s important they have the right depth and breadth of English language knowledge so they can cope both academically and socially. As schools in the US reach out across the world to international students, we’re hearing from faculty and admissions professionals that academically successful students need comprehensive, high-level English language skills. We find this increased awareness very encouraging."
The comments come at a time when Cambridge Assessment English is reporting a greater awareness from US institutions of the high-level Cambridge English: Advanced exam. The exam is now recognised by a number of top tier schools and smaller elite colleges in the US – and recent adopters include University of Virginia, Fordham University, Concordia College and Claremont McKenna College. Beryl Meiron says the most recent adopter this week at the NAFSA meeting is the University of West Virginia.
"Cambridge English Advanced is a high-level test that provides more than just a snapshot of English language ability. It ensures that students have the skills they need to communicate in academic and social contexts. It’s ideal for universities who want to be sure their students have the English they need for success and the growing number of adoptions we’re seeing in the US is a step in the right direction." Cambridge English: Advanced is recognised by more than 3,000 universities, employers and government agencies worldwide.