Passages of the Pathway

In 2009, the International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) in the USA launched its University Pathway Track (UPT) to provide international students with the English language training and counselling needed for a successful transition to university or college, confirms Executive Director Caroline Gear. UPT is offered as part of ILI’s Intensive English Program and is delivered in partnership with 14 colleges and universities in three states. Boston-based Cambridge College is the most recent partner, having signed an agreement in December last year.

Six years ago, ILI expanded its partnership with Springfield College to include the Pathway Program within the college’s College Language and American Studies Program (CLASP). Courses are taught on site in Springfield. “This initiative meets the SEVIS criteria for pathway programs,” Caroline explains. “It provides credit-bearing English language classes for matriculated students at Springfield College.”

As stated in the recent IALC Study Travel Research Report, student motivation is increasingly channelled towards higher education and preparing for academic study rather than on learning English as a hobby. Caroline believes, “There is excellent potential to expand pathway offerings through analysis of where students are heading and by creating curriculum to support their goals early in their academic studies, both face-to-face and virtually.”

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