AIC formalizes agreement with GCM
03 May 2008
SPRINGFIELD--American International College took a giant step toward becoming a truly international college by formalizing an agreement to bring undergraduate and graduate international students to campus. The college entered a partnership with Global Campus Management of Australia that could result in up to 100 new undergraduate students and even more graduate students.
The official signing took place Friday, April 25 in Adams Hall.
Gregory T. Schmutte, vice president of Academic Affairs at AIC, said the college is very excited about the new partnership. "This will allow us to further diversify the campus, a campus is already one of the most diverse in the Northeast," Schmutte said.
Global Campus Management Pty Ltd, headquartered in Australia, develops programs designed for students who may or may not speak English as their first language and who desire to study in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
Mark Skinner, CEO and Chairman of Global Campus Management, said "As part of the agreement, we will recruit, process admission files, and manage student services for international students. It is an exciting partnership between GCM USA and American International College to further internationalize AIC, he said."
Skinner said AIC will be their only college partner on the east coast. "We have been looking for a partnership school in the U.S. who shares the same values as GCM, and we think we have found a perfect partner in AIC," he said.
Skinner said by bringing in students from all over the world they would be creating a multicultural environment that could have substantial impact, culturally. "It will be a great experience for all students," he said.
Vince Maniaci, president of AIC, said the new agreement is an excellent opportunity to exercise its historic sensibilities. "We were founded as a school for immigrants in the 1800s, and this is just another way for us to get back to our roots," he said.
Maniaci said international diversification is good for AIC and the city. "Our vision for Springfield also includes international growth, and by expanding our international student population we are providing more opportunities for exposure, increased business and educational opportunities.
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