International Enrollment Management Glossary
The International Enrollment Management Glossary Working Group has produced an authoritative Glossary of Terms that are used in the field of international enrollment management.
This project involves producing drafts of the Glossary and sharing them widely with the AIRC membership and key constituents to receive feedback that will inform revisions. This is a living glossary where the public may submit additional terms for consideration by using this form. All submissions will be reviewed for relevance and content by the Glossary Working Group and acceptance of new terms or edits is not guaranteed.
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Accreditation
ACCET:
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) provides institutional accreditation for organizations whose primary function is for educational purposes and also for organizations offering continuing education as a clearly identified institutional objective within the operational entity, such as in-service corporate training.
Accreditation:
Accreditation is a U.S. mechanism for validating the quality of an institution or program. Some other countries have established separate accrediting boards for their institutions or specific programs, but this is a relatively new concept internationally. Most commonly, foreign institutions that have government recognition are considered comparable to holding the equivalent of U.S. regional accreditation. U.S. accreditation at all levels of education means simply that the institution meets the minimum standards of the accrediting body, determined by the body itself and independent from law or a government entity. Accreditation is a continuous review process, requiring renewal and re-accreditation after a set period of time. It refers to the accountability of an institution and the mobility of its credits and degrees. See also, regional accreditation
ACE:
The American Council on Education (ACE) is a membership organization of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE represents all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two-year and four-year, public and private.
AIRC:
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 membership organization and Standards Development Organization. Its members are secondary and post secondary educational institutions, educational pathway providers and individuals and educational agencies that have been awarded with AIRC Certification. [AIRC]
AIRC Certification Commission:
The AIRC Certification Commission is made up of AIRC institutional member representatives with extensive experience in international recruitment. The Commission makes the final determination on the certification status for Agency Applicants for Certification. [AIRC]
APLU:
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The association's membership consists of 244 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations.
CEA:
The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) is a specialized accrediting agency that focuses on post-secondary intensive English language programs and institutions. CEA’s purpose is to provide a systematic approach by which programs and institutions can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognized for doing so.
CHEA:
The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) serves its members, students and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations and commitment to quality in higher education.
COIL:
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) connects accredited courses, linking the classrooms of two or more higher education institutions, each located in a different country or cultural setting.
Educational Institution:
A U.S.-based educational institution such as a regionally or nationally accredited college, university, intensive English program, recognized secondary school, or educational institution outside the U.S. which is recognized by a government agency or accrediting agency.(Syn. High school, Vocational School, Preparatory School, Junior College, Community College, College, University, Language Programs)
Regional accreditation:
Regional accreditation agencies oversee institutions that place a focus on academics that are state-owned or non-profit colleges or universities. There are six regional accrediting agencies for higher education institutions in the U.S. These agencies oversee institutions within their particular clusters of states. The list of regional accreditors can be found here.
Admissions Process
Admissions Funnel:
The Admission funnel (or pipeline) is a series of stages that a student moves through on their path to enrollment : prospect, inquiry, applicant, admitted, accepted the offer/deposit, enrolled. The funnel helps admissions and recruitment staff identify how to meet the needs of the student at each stage along the funnel. Source: Admissions funnel: A detailed guide to streamline the admission process (leadsquared.com).
Advanced Placement or Accelerated Programs:
May allow completion of the degree in less time by awarding credit for advanced or college-level course work completed before college entry. For example, University – or college – level proficiency can be demonstrated by taking AP exams before arriving on campus.
Advanced Registration:
Process of registering for courses, usually online, before arrival on campus. Popular courses may fill up quickly and so it is useful to be aware of the option of registering in advance.
Affiliated College:
Globally, many universities offer their undergraduate degree programs through affiliated colleges. The parent university is the degree-granting authority, but the affiliated college may oversee the actual teaching of the courses. Often, the curriculum and syllabus are determined by the parent university and merely carried out at the affiliated college. In these instances, even the final examinations are typically graded by the parent university. In some situations, however, an affiliated college may prove itself to be an exceptional institution and be granted some level of autonomy in establishing the curriculum; these institutions are usually referred to as autonomous colleges.
Agency Aggregator:
A web platform that enables agency recruiters to funnel applications through a primary host site which has commercial relationships with many university partners. Agency aggregators partner with agencies around the world as their sub-agents and some also counsel student online enquirers directly. [AIRC, PIE News]
Calendar:
In most countries, the Calendar refers to date-oriented information such as the start and end dates of the academic term, final examinations, and other schedule related information. For example, a student studying in the U.S. would search a university’s “Academic Calendar 2022-2023” to identify the dates listed above. In some countries, however, the Calendar also includes program information such as degree plans, admissions requirements, grading scales, and other information useful for foreign credentials evaluations. [Transcript Research]
Carnegie Units:
In many U.S. states, high school studies are recorded in terms of Carnegie Units, a method of quantifying coursework so that admissions processes could be standardized. One standard unit represents approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction in a subject, with the assumption that the subject is studied 4-5 periods per week (40-60 minutes per period) during a school year of 36-40 weeks. American high school students typically complete 5-6 Carnegie Units per year. [Transcript Research]
Catalog or Bulletin, or Course Catalog:
The catalog of the University is the document of authority for all students. It is an official document that details the different programs and courses of study available at a college or a university, admission requirements and prerequisites, rules and regulations.
Channel partner, [see also sub-agent]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a sub-agent is a person or agency business employed or contracted by the applicant agency to transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process. [AIRC]
Commission Payment:
a commission is the compensation paid to the educational agency entity based on the enrollment of a student at a contracted partner educational institution; commonly calculated on a percentage basis. Also called incentive compensation.
Conditional Admission:
Provided when a condition is still required before a student can enroll in a desired program. Often used for English proficiency (or ESL programs) or for final grades.
Conflict of Interest:
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or an organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in another.
Conversion (Enrollment Conversion):
The process of ensuring a prospective student moves through the admissions funnel and becomes an enrolled student.
Conversion Rate:
Percentage of a whole that takes a particular desired action (clicking through on a website ad, applying to a program etc.) For example, a conversion rate is equal to total inquiries divided by total applicants.
Credential Evaluation:
Foreign transcript evaluation is a formal comparison of educational credentials from one education system to another. A general evaluation provides a statement of equivalency or comparability while a course-by-course evaluation provides more details about specific credits and grades for academic studies.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP):
Intensive English language instruction focusing on a specific subject or industry: biology, chemistry, hotel management, tourism, etc. The programs are offered as F-1, J-1, Study & Travel, and as part of intensive instruction for various degree and certificate programs. These are increasingly being offered online.
International Credential Evaluation:
A process of analyzing and comparing educational credentials from one country to another. This process is detailed and follows a well-formulated ethical standard, completed by competent or knowledgeable individuals (credential evaluators) who understand educational systems around the world.
International Enrollment Management:
An area of university admissions that may include management of international student recruitment, enrollment management, marketing, credential evaluation, intensive English programs, sponsored program administration, and overseas advising and counseling.
Ivy League:
A group of long-established colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S. having high academic and social prestige. These eight private institutions are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world, known for their highly selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Ivy League institutions include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
Non-Discrimination:
In the U.S. educational context, recruitment and admissions are generally prohibited from discrimination based on age, race, gener, secual orientation, religion, marital staus, ethincity, disability, socioeconomic status, or other reasons.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition):
The identification of printed characters using photoelectric devices and computer software. Increasingly used in processing applications to identify key words or phrases.
Placement Tests:
Tests that assess a student's academic knowledge in a subject, and is used to "place" a student ahead of the entering class. Credit may be given based on the outcome of the placement tests. Advanced Placement tests, also known as "AP tests", are one type of placement test.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the use of another person's intellectual property - such as words and ideas - without acknowledging ownership and attempting to pass them off as one's own.
Remuneration:
an amount of money paid to someone for the work that person has done.
Scholarship:
A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students to further education. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need. Scholarships may provide a monetary award, an in-kind award (e.g., waiving of tuition fees or fees for housing in a dormitory), or a combination.
Associations
is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
AACC:
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
AASCU: The Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
is a membership association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems.
AIRC:
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 membership organization and Standards Development Organization. Its members are secondary and post secondary educational institutions, educational pathway providers and individuals and educational agencies that have been awarded with AIRC Certification. [AIRC]
CCID:
Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) is an international association of community, technical, and vocational institutions to create globally engaged learning environments.
CIQG:
The CHEA International Quality Group is CHEA’s international arm, and assists institutions and quality assurance organizations worldwide in further enhancing capacity for academic quality and advancing understanding of quality assurance internationally.
Federation of Education and Language Consulting.
EnglishUSA:
is an organization in the United States of over 200 accredited English language programs (ELPs), including pathway programs within institutions.
Federation of Education and Language Consulting.
(FELCA):
Felca is a federation of language and education consultant associations from all over the world. An association of associations, felca’s membership base is made up of national associations from top countries sending students abroad.. The members of the national associations are individual businesses whose role it is to advise and counsel students who want to travel overseas to study at a language school, school, college or university.
International ACAC (Association for College Admission Counseling):
is affiliated with the U.S.-based National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and is made up of over 3,000 professionals from more than 90 countries worldwide dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing post-secondary education.
IIE: The Institute of International Education (IIE):
is a global not-for-profit that designs and implements international education strategies and program services. IIE focuses on international student exchange and aid, foreign affairs, and international peace and security. IIE creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from various sectors (www.iie.org).
NACAC:
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is an organization of more than 25,000 college admission professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.
NACES:
The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services is an association of US-based, independent, nongovernmental organizations that provide credential evaluation services for individuals who have completed education outside the United States.
NAFSA:
is a leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world. It serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide.
NAICU:
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is a membership organization focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. Its institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities
Standards Development Organization (SDO):
A standards organization, standards body, standards developing organization (SDO), is an organization whose primary function is developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, reissuing, interpreting, or otherwise producing technical or product standards to address the needs of a group of affected adopters
TAICEP:
The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals is an international professional association that has the single purpose of supporting and serving the profession of international credential evaluation.
Campus Life
Academic Adviser:
A faculty member that provides professional evaluation and assistance to students by providing information based on students’ abilities, interests, and academic performance; provides guidance in academic advising to assigned students, makes professional referrals, maintains and ensures the confidentiality of records; acts as a guide in course selection and scheduling; assists in resolving academic problems; identifies and monitors academic progress; and serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students.
Academic Year:
The period of formal instruction, which is usually from September to May. It may be divided into terms of varying lengths, including semesters, trimesters or quarters.
Advanced Placement or Accelerated Programs:
May allow completion of the degree in less time by awarding credit for advanced or college-level course work completed before college entry. For example, University – or college – level proficiency can be demonstrated by taking AP exams before arriving on campus.
Advanced Registration:
Process of registering for courses, usually online, before arrival on campus. Popular courses may fill up quickly and so it is useful to be aware of the option of registering in advance.
Blended Learning:
Blended learning combines in-person teaching with asynchronous learning methods, where students work on online exercises and watch instructional videos during their own time.
Calendar:
In most countries, the Calendar refers to date-oriented information such as the start and end dates of the academic term, final examinations, and other schedule related information. For example, a student studying in the U.S. would search a university’s “Academic Calendar 2022-2023” to identify the dates listed above. In some countries, however, the Calendar also includes program information such as degree plans, admissions requirements, grading scales, and other information useful for foreign credentials evaluations. [Transcript Research]
Carnegie Units:
In many U.S. states, high school studies are recorded in terms of Carnegie Units, a method of quantifying coursework so that admissions processes could be standardized. One standard unit represents approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction in a subject, with the assumption that the subject is studied 4-5 periods per week (40-60 minutes per period) during a school year of 36-40 weeks. American high school students typically complete 5-6 Carnegie Units per year. [Transcript Research]
Certificate Programs:
These programs are offered as short-term programs or to supplement degree programs. These are becoming increasingly popular as employers are looking to hire specific skill sets, which may be certified through a certificate program and not always obtained through a 4-year degree.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute and requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses.
Coeducational:
An institution that includes members of both genders.
College:
College refers to post-secondary study in the U.S. and is often used interchangeably with university; in other countries outside the U.S., it can refer to both upper secondary and post-secondary studies. In some countries such as India and Nepal, college is actually used to refer to either upper secondary or post-secondary studies, depending on the institution and program. As a result, it is usually best to refer to “upper secondary” and “post-secondary” or “university-level” studies to be more precise. [Transcript Research]
Cooperative Education:
A program of study during which students spend part of their time in a professional environment outside the university. Under this program of study, the duration of a bachelor's degree may be five years. Students may be able to earn money working full–time during the co-op term.
Contact Hours:
In the U.S., contact hours refer to the classroom period. This is generally represented as 1 hour of in-class instruction. Typically, a 3-credit hour course will meet 3 times a week for one hour (or once per week for 3 hours) over a semester of 15 or 16 weeks, resulting in 45-48 contact hours for a 3-credit course. [Transcript Research]
Culture Shock:
The feelings of alienation, loneliness and confusion that can often result from an encounter with another culture. International students may experience culture shock to varying degrees.
DEI - Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI):
is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals, including people of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. This also covers people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and expertise. JEDI is another common term used to represent similar means and stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dormitory, or Dorm or Residence Hall:
Housing facilities on the campus of a college or university. Generally owned and leased by the university, they include single-sex or shared accommodation and bathrooms, and may also include common rooms, gym facilities, cafeterias, etc.
Edtech, or “education technology,":
is the combination of internet technology tools and educational practices aimed at facilitating and enhancing learning.
Faculty-led Program (study abroad):
Programs that offer a short-term study abroad experience that is organized and led by an institution’s faculty. Taking students from the same institution, a faculty-led program is an academic course that generally combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning abroad. The experience can be as short as one week or span over an entire summer. For students who have never traveled internationally, these programs can be a good way to get one’s feet wet in a safe and supervised setting.
Fraternity / Sorority:
A fraternity or sorority, commonly called a Greek organization, is a brotherhood or sisterhood formed around common goals and aspirations. These men and women make a commitment to each other for life. The members that form a fraternity or sorority share their efforts, friendship, and knowledge.
Freshman:
Freshman is commonly in use as a U.S. English idiomatic term to describe a beginner or novice, someone who is naive, a first effort, instance, or a student in the first year of study (generally referring to high school or university study). High school first year students are almost exclusively referred to as freshmen, or in some cases by their grade year, 9th graders.
Gender-inclusive housing (GIH); also Gender-neutral, or all-Gender:
This type of housing allows students to live together in a safe space (a dorm, housing community, apartment or room) regardless of their sex, gender identity or gender expression . All students assigned to a GIH suite must opt-in and have a mutual roommate request.
Grant:
A sum of money given for a specific purpose, for example, for research, scholarship, building a facility, laboratories, acquiring books for libraries, etc.
HBCU (Historically Black College or University):
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” In the past, these institutions admitted only Black students. There are more than 100 HBCUs across the U.S., and today they admit learners regardless of race.
Honors:
A program of study wherein the entire cohort takes challenging and accelerated coursework. Students are usually invited to the honors programs by the college after demonstrating superior academic achievement in their first two years of study.
Hybrid Learning:
Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software. In some cases, hybrid classes include asynchronous learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions.
Intensive English Language Program (IEP):
An IEP is a full-time educational program that provides non-native English-speaking international students with instruction in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. These programs focus on English for high-level daily communication and academic study, and serve students with varying levels of English proficiency. IEPs can be stand-alone programs, accredited by an IEP accreditor, such as CEA or ASSET, or they can be a department of an educational institution (for example, many University Extension Centers will run IEP programs.
Ivy League:
A group of long-established colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S. having high academic and social prestige. These eight private institutions are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world, known for their highly selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Ivy League institutions include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Junior :
A junior is a student in their third year of study (generally referring to high school or college/university study) as coming immediately before their senior year. Juniors are considered upperclassmen.
Major (declaring a major):
The subject area in which the student will be taking the maximum number of courses and credits. Generally speaking, a student is expected to declare a major in the second year of college.
Minor (declaring a minor):
The subject in which the student takes the second greatest concentration of course work and credits. For example, a student may major in art and minor in business.
Non-Discrimination:
In the U.S. educational context, recruitment and admissions are generally prohibited from discrimination based on age, race, gener, secual orientation, religion, marital staus, ethincity, disability, socioeconomic status, or other reasons.
Online Learning:
Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e- learning” among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning”.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the use of another person's intellectual property - such as words and ideas - without acknowledging ownership and attempting to pass them off as one's own.
Postsecondary:
Postsecondary Education, also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree.
Resident Adviser or Assistant:
A person designated to assist students in campus dormitories and the first point of contact for anything connected with residing in the dorms. Most often, resident assistants are senior students who receive free accommodation in exchange for their work. International students may have the option of applying for a resident assistant position after the first or second year of study.
Room and Board Fees:
Fees a university or college charges to live in on-campus housing (Room) and to purchase a meal plan to cover the cost of food (Board).
Semester:
A period of study lasting from 15 to 16 weeks, followed by a break. An academic year usually comprises two or more semesters.
Semester Hours:
Semester hours are a method of quantifying the time spent studying a particular subject in a higher education program. In this system, the academic year is typically divided into two, 15- or 16-week semesters: fall and spring. A bachelor degree typically requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. One year of full-time study in this system is typically comprised of 30 credit hours, or 15 credits per semester.
Senior:
In United States education, a senior is a student in the fourth year of study (generally high school or college/university study). In high school, the twelfth grade is usually the fourth and final year of a student's high school period and is referred to as student's senior year. Where as in higher education, the fourth year of an undergraduate program is known as senior year. Many bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in these four years. Students in their senior year will often be looking into job placements or post-graduate educational opportunities such as graduate school, medical school, or law school Scholars.
Service-Learning:
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.
Sophomore:
In the United States, a sophomore is a student in the second year of study at high school (tenth grade or Class-10) or college. Second year students are sophomores, or 10th graders.
Transfer Students:
Students who have completed some part of their studies at one institution and wish to transfer their credits to complete their education at another institution.
Transcript:
In the US, a transcript is an academic record that typically includes subjects studied, grades earned, and credentials earned, if applicable. It may also include the major field of study, grading definitions, scholarships or honors received, term dates, cumulative Grade Point Average, and other relevant information.
Tuition Fee:
The amount that has to be paid to an educational institution, which covers instruction and training, but not the cost of books and other materials.
Graduate
Academic Year:
The period of formal instruction, which is usually from September to May. It may be divided into terms of varying lengths, including semesters, trimesters or quarters.
Affiliated College:
Globally, many universities offer their undergraduate degree programs through affiliated colleges. The parent university is the degree-granting authority, but the affiliated college may oversee the actual teaching of the courses. Often, the curriculum and syllabus are determined by the parent university and merely carried out at the affiliated college. In these instances, even the final examinations are typically graded by the parent university. In some situations, however, an affiliated college may prove itself to be an exceptional institution and be granted some level of autonomy in establishing the curriculum; these institutions are usually referred to as autonomous colleges.
Audit or Course Audit:
The process of attending university-level classes without receiving credit towards a degree. A student may desire to audit a class to obtain a preview of the subject and decide whether to pursue it further.
B-School:
Business school where one can earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or pursue research.
Blended Learning:
Blended learning combines in-person teaching with asynchronous learning methods, where students work on online exercises and watch instructional videos during their own time.
Calendar:
In most countries, the Calendar refers to date-oriented information such as the start and end dates of the academic term, final examinations, and other schedule related information. For example, a student studying in the U.S. would search a university’s “Academic Calendar 2022-2023” to identify the dates listed above. In some countries, however, the Calendar also includes program information such as degree plans, admissions requirements, grading scales, and other information useful for foreign credentials evaluations. [Transcript Research]
Concentration:
A concentration refers to a subject or study within a specific major.
Cooperative Education:
A program of study during which students spend part of their time in a professional environment outside the university. Under this program of study, the duration of a bachelor's degree may be five years. Students may be able to earn money working full–time during the co-op term.
Course:
Within an education programme, educational activities may be grouped into sub-components variously described in national contexts as ‘courses’, ‘modules’, ‘units’ and/or ‘‘subjects’. In the International Standard of Educational Classification (ISCED), a ‘course’ is equivalent in meaning to a ‘module’, ‘unit’ and/or ‘subject’. An education programme may have major components not normally characterized as courses – for example, play-based activities, periods of work experience, research projects, and preparation of dissertations. (UNESCO 2011)
Credit:
A credit represents quantitative data for coursework that is recorded on educational documents. The credit hour is the quantifying unit of measure of a US postsecondary education program. In the US, this measures the contact hour, or teaching hours, with the assumption that there is a fixed correlation between time spent in the classroom and time spent on outside preparation, such as homework, reading, studying, research, papers, and homework assignments. See also Contact Hours.
Edtech, or “education technology,":
is the combination of internet technology tools and educational practices aimed at facilitating and enhancing learning.
Elective:
Elective course is a course that is not specifically designated as part of a degree requirement. In some cases, electives can be choices in a field of study.
Faculty-led Program (study abroad):
Programs that offer a short-term study abroad experience that is organized and led by an institution’s faculty. Taking students from the same institution, a faculty-led program is an academic course that generally combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning abroad. The experience can be as short as one week or span over an entire summer. For students who have never traveled internationally, these programs can be a good way to get one’s feet wet in a safe and supervised setting.
Graduate:
In the U.S., associate and bachelor’s degree studies are generally referred to as undergraduate level while graduate certificate, master, and doctorate degree programs are usually referred to as graduate programs. In many other countries, “graduate” programs refer to those (bachelor-level) programs completed after graduation from (upper) secondary education, and those studies completed at a level beyond the bachelor degree are referred to as “post-graduate” programs.
Grant:
A sum of money given for a specific purpose, for example, for research, scholarship, building a facility, laboratories, acquiring books for libraries, etc.
Honors:
A program of study wherein the entire cohort takes challenging and accelerated coursework. Students are usually invited to the honors programs by the college after demonstrating superior academic achievement in their first two years of study.
Intensive English Language Program (IEP):
An IEP is a full-time educational program that provides non-native English-speaking international students with instruction in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. These programs focus on English for high-level daily communication and academic study, and serve students with varying levels of English proficiency. IEPs can be stand-alone programs, accredited by an IEP accreditor, such as CEA or ASSET, or they can be a department of an educational institution (for example, many University Extension Centers will run IEP programs.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
MOOC (massive open online course), or open online course:
is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Internet.
Online program management (OPM):
providers are service providers that work with colleges and universities globally to take new academic programs online. Services include market research, student recruitment and enrollment, course design and technology platforms, student retention, and placement of students in employment or training opportunities.
Private University:
or private college, is a university or college whose funding comes from tuition, investments, and private donors, not from taxpayers.
Public University:
or public college, is a university or college that is in state ownership or receives significant public funds through a national or subnational government, as opposed to a private university.
Semester:
A period of study lasting from 15 to 16 weeks, followed by a break. An academic year usually comprises two or more semesters.
Service-Learning:
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.
STEM-Designated Degree Program:
Students graduating from a STEM-designated degree program qualify for up to three years stay working in the U.S. post-graduation.
Teaching Assistant (TA):
is typically a graduate student who assists a professor with instructional responsibilities. A TA often assists the professor with creating and delivering learning materials in a course. TAs may help develop assignments, quizzes and exams to meet a course’s objectives.
Transcript:
In the US, a transcript is an academic record that typically includes subjects studied, grades earned, and credentials earned, if applicable. It may also include the major field of study, grading definitions, scholarships or honors received, term dates, cumulative Grade Point Average, and other relevant information.
Tuition Fee:
The amount that has to be paid to an educational institution, which covers instruction and training, but not the cost of books and other materials.
University:
A university is a higher education institution that offers degree programs, typically at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Marketing
Contract:
A binding agreement between two or more persons or parties; a business arrangement for the supply of goods or services at a fixed price. A contract between an educational institution and an educational agency typically includes general scope of services, roles and responsibilities, quality assurance measures, method of monitoring obligations, outline of length of agreement, termination or separation conditions, commission terms, withdrawal/refund terms, dispute resolution process, payment process, recognition of agency status (certificate of representation), marketing/publication expectations, intellectual property clauses, legalities (liabilities), placement policies or conditions, application/enrollment processes, contingencies for remote learning, designated contact person, training and support expectation, transparency (website and publications), termination clause, and other site specific terms.
Impressions:
Digital marketing term describing the opportunity for an ad to be seen, heard or influence a potential customer. Impressions are the ads loaded on a webpage or search engine results feed or social media page. The number of impressions is a measure used to build brand awareness and is not the same as clicks which may measure engagement and interest (see Conversions).
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual property for certification purposes includes: (a) Copyrightable material produced from creative and scholarly activity, such as text (manuscripts, manuals, books, and articles); videos and motion pictures; music (sound recordings, lyrics, and scores); images (print, photographs, electronic, and art); and computer software (programs, databases, web pages, and courseware); and (c) Trademarked materials, such as words, names, symbols or logos, domain names, trade dress, and slogans or any combination of words which has been adopted by the University to identify itself and to distinguish itself and its sponsorship from others.
International Enrollment Management:
An area of university admissions that may include management of international student recruitment, enrollment management, marketing, credential evaluation, intensive English programs, sponsored program administration, and overseas advising and counseling.
Non-Degree
Certificate Programs:
These programs are offered as short-term programs or to supplement degree programs. These are becoming increasingly popular as employers are looking to hire specific skill sets, which may be certified through a certificate program and not always obtained through a 4-year degree.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP):
Intensive English language instruction focusing on a specific subject or industry: biology, chemistry, hotel management, tourism, etc. The programs are offered as F-1, J-1, Study & Travel, and as part of intensive instruction for various degree and certificate programs. These are increasingly being offered online.
Form DS-2019:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”, is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that an exchange visitor has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form DS-2019 is needed to apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 visa). There is a category of J-1 exchange visitors that can be students (degree or non-degree seeking) and/or student interns.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
MOOC (massive open online course), or open online course:
is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Internet.
Obtaining a Visa
Affidavit of support:
A signed document pledging financial support to a student for studies. An affidavit is generally required of anyone other than the parents who undertake to support the student. It should include all the relevant details of the student and the sponsor. It is issued by the sponsor showing sponsorship for the visa applicant which shows that they have enough income or source of money to support the applicant while he/she is staying in the U.S.
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO):
The person on campus who gathers and reports information on exchange visitors to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists exchange in the visa process. An institution’s ARO will be listed on the immigration document, the Form DS2019.
CIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS):
is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system.
Compliance (visa/F-1):
This relates to the U.S. government requirements for international students regarding the number of credits necessary to maintain an active F-1 status. (e.g. 12 credits, 9 credits seated, etc.)
Conditional Admission:
Provided when a condition is still required before a student can enroll in a desired program. Often used for English proficiency (or ESL programs) or for final grades.
Core Course of Study:
Also called core curriculum, core course of study refers to a series or selection of courses that all students are required to complete before they can move on to the next level in their education.
Cost of an I-20:
This refers to the amount of funding (US Dollars) that an international student must have in the bank to show that he/she/they can afford the tuition and living expenses for one year in the U.S.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Curricular Practical Training is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or other type of required internship or practicum that a sponsoring employer offers through agreements with a student’s school
Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
The DHS is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security and disaster prevention and management. The Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a unit within DHS (see SEVP).
Department of State (DOS):
The U.S. federal executive department responsible for the nation’s foreign policy and international relations. The department is in charge of issuing immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Designated School Official (DSO):
The person on campus who gathers and reports information on international students to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists international students in the visa and employment authorization process. An institution’s DSO will be listed on important immigration documents such as an I-20.
F-1 Visa:
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows a student to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
Form DS-2019:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”, is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that an exchange visitor has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form DS-2019 is needed to apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 visa). There is a category of J-1 exchange visitors that can be students (degree or non-degree seeking) and/or student interns.
Form I-20:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that the student has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form I-20 is needed to apply for a student visa (F-1 visa).
Full-time Student:
A full-time student is one who is taking a full load of courses. International students can enroll only as full-time students, which in the U.S. is defined as taking a minimum of 12 units/credit hours of study per term.
ICE:
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE's stated mission is to protect the United States from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.
Intensive English Language Program (IEP):
An IEP is a full-time educational program that provides non-native English-speaking international students with instruction in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. These programs focus on English for high-level daily communication and academic study, and serve students with varying levels of English proficiency. IEPs can be stand-alone programs, accredited by an IEP accreditor, such as CEA or ASSET, or they can be a department of an educational institution (for example, many University Extension Centers will run IEP programs.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
Non-immigrant:
The U.S. government uses the term non-immigrant (or nonimmigrant) to refer to foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States temporarily for a specific purpose (eg. tourism, business, temporary work, or study). By contrast, the term immigrant refers to foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States permanently. Once a person has entered the U.S. in non-immigrant status, they are restricted to the activity or reason for which they were allowed entry. Most non-immigrant visas are issued only to applicants who can demonstrate their intentions to return to their home country.
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO):
Each SEVP certified school must have one PDSO. PDSO serves as the main point of contact for SEVP, updates, adds and deletes information from a school’s I-17, and files the school’s recertification package. Also has all the capabilities within SEVIS as a DSO.
Responsible Officer (RO):
RO serves as a main point of contact for the Department of State (DOS). Each certifying school must have one RO. The RO is responsible for filing the Annual Report and Redesignation applications. The RO also has the same capabilities as an ARO within SEVIS.
SEVP:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a unit within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers SEVIS. SEVP provides oversight of U.S. institutions to ensure they remain in compliance with federal regulations.
SEVIS:
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the federal database used by U.S. institutions to maintain information on nonimmigrant students on F visas. SEVIS is used to track current information on students (such as address, phone number, major, entry and departure records, etc.). It is through SEVIS that SEVP-approved institutions can issue the Form I-20 for students to apply for a visa.
STEM:
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The term serves as an umbrella for a number of fields, including information technology, software development, computer network architecture, information security, and others.
STEM-Designated Degree Program:
Students graduating from a STEM-designated degree program qualify for up to three years stay working in the U.S. post-graduation.
Requirements
Catalog or Bulletin, or Course Catalog:
The catalog of the University is the document of authority for all students. It is an official document that details the different programs and courses of study available at a college or a university, admission requirements and prerequisites, rules and regulations.
Compliance (visa/F-1):
This relates to the U.S. government requirements for international students regarding the number of credits necessary to maintain an active F-1 status. (e.g. 12 credits, 9 credits seated, etc.)
Conditional Admission:
Provided when a condition is still required before a student can enroll in a desired program. Often used for English proficiency (or ESL programs) or for final grades.
Core Course of Study:
Also called core curriculum, core course of study refers to a series or selection of courses that all students are required to complete before they can move on to the next level in their education.
Cost of an I-20:
This refers to the amount of funding (US Dollars) that an international student must have in the bank to show that he/she/they can afford the tuition and living expenses for one year in the U.S.
Course articulation:
The process by which one institution matches its courses or requirements to coursework completed at another institution and awards a student credits when completed.
Form DS-2019:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”, is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that an exchange visitor has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form DS-2019 is needed to apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 visa). There is a category of J-1 exchange visitors that can be students (degree or non-degree seeking) and/or student interns.
Form I-20:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that the student has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form I-20 is needed to apply for a student visa (F-1 visa).
Full-time Student:
A full-time student is one who is taking a full load of courses. International students can enroll only as full-time students, which in the U.S. is defined as taking a minimum of 12 units/credit hours of study per term.
Major (declaring a major):
The subject area in which the student will be taking the maximum number of courses and credits. Generally speaking, a student is expected to declare a major in the second year of college.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
Minor (legal):
All U.S. states define an "age of majority", usually 18. Persons younger than this age are considered minors, and must be under the care of a parent or guardian unless they are emancipated. In the U.S., minors cannot legally sign a document, and, therefore, must obtain a signature from their parental / legal guardian.
Structure
AACC:
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
AASCU:
The Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a membership association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems.
CCID:
Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) is an international association of community, technical, and vocational institutions to create globally engaged learning environments.
CIQG:
The CHEA International Quality Group is CHEA’s international arm, and assists institutions and quality assurance organizations worldwide in further enhancing capacity for academic quality and advancing understanding of quality assurance internationally.
CIS:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system.
Classification of Indian Cities:
Ranking system by the government of India to determine pay rates. Often used for recruitment purposes. Source: Classification of Indian cities - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute and requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Curricular Practical Training is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or other type of required internship or practicum that a sponsoring employer offers through agreements with a student’s school
Department of Education:
The United States Department of Education promotes student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
The DHS is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security and disaster prevention and management. The Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a unit within DHS (see SEVP).
Department of State (DOS):
The U.S. federal executive department responsible for the nation’s foreign policy and international relations. The department is in charge of issuing immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Designated School Official (DSO):
The person on campus who gathers and reports information on international students to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists international students in the visa and employment authorization process. An institution’s DSO will be listed on important immigration documents such as an I-20.
Diploma Mill:
Diploma or degree mills are companies that issue academic credentials – diplomas, certificates, and/or transcripts – for a fee. They simply sell paper without requiring their so-called students to attend courses or take exams. These types of diploma-for-money companies generally operate via flashy websites, toll-free numbers, and post office boxes. Some diploma mills state that they are awarding their credentials on the basis of distance education, but no coursework is ever required. Some of the more insidious diploma mills even have degree verification services, provide fake syllabi for non-existent courses, sell recommendation letters from faculty they don't have, and provide other services that allow the customer to more easily pass off their faked documents as earned credentials. [Transcript Research]
Distance Education:
Distance education, or distance learning, is a method of delivering education to students who are not physically sitting together in the same classroom or lecture hall as the instructor. In modern times, distance education is increasingly being done online and through virtual universities, but distance education is a long-standing tradition around the world. Correspondence courses, radio, and television have all been widely used for generations. See also Virtual University. [Transcript Research]
EducationUSA:
Branch of the Department of State (DOS) that features information for international students about studying in the U.S. For U.S. higher education professionals, provides information on recruitment and resources for meeting campus internationalization goals.
Educational Institution:
A U.S.-based educational institution such as a regionally or nationally accredited college, university, intensive English program, recognized secondary school, or educational institution outside the U.S. which is recognized by a government agency or accrediting agency.(Syn. High school, Vocational School, Preparatory School, Junior College, Community College, College, University, Language Programs)
EnglishUSA :
is an organization in the United States of over 200 accredited English language programs (ELPs), including pathway programs within institutions.
Federation of Education and Language Consulting (FELCA):
Felca is a federation of language and education consultant associations from all over the world. An association of associations, felca’s membership base is made up of national associations from top countries sending students abroad.. The members of the national associations are individual businesses whose role it is to advise and counsel students who want to travel overseas to study at a language school, school, college or university.
FERPA:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student” https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/ferpafaq.pdf).
Fulbright Program:
Founded by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, this is one of several U.S. cultural exchange programs with the goal to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. Via the program, competitively-selected U.S. citizens, including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists, may receive scholarships or grants to study, conduct research, teach, or exercise their talents abroad; citizens of other countries may qualify to do the same in the United States. A Fulbright Scholarship is considered one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world, providing approximately 8,000 grants annually. The Fulbright Program is administered by cooperating organizations that include the Institute of International Education and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and operates in over 160 countries around the world.
Global English:
In Global English sentences are short, word order is consistent and predictable and the passive voice is avoided. The relationship between a sentence’s subject and modifiers is explicit. No metaphors or other types of figurative language are used. Everything is literal and logical. It clarifies written English so that it is more easily understood by non-native speakers and lends itself more readily to translation. Source: What is Global English? (unitedlanguagegroup.com)
Grading System:
Academic grading in the United States commonly takes on the form of five, six or seven letter grades. Traditionally, the grades are A+, A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D− and F, with A+ being the highest and F being lowest. In some cases, grades can also be numerical.
Graduate:
In the U.S., associate and bachelor’s degree studies are generally referred to as undergraduate level while graduate certificate, master, and doctorate degree programs are usually referred to as graduate programs. In many other countries, “graduate” programs refer to those (bachelor-level) programs completed after graduation from (upper) secondary education, and those studies completed at a level beyond the bachelor degree are referred to as “post-graduate” programs
HBCU (Historically Black College or University):
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” In the past, these institutions admitted only Black students. There are more than 100 HBCUs across the U.S., and today they admit learners regardless of race.
Higher Education Institutions:
There exist a variety of types of higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world. The most well-known is the university, but other examples include post-secondary colleges, higher schools, community colleges, polytechnics, and comprehensive universities.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996):
A U.S. federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge (www.cdc.gov)
Hybrid Learning:
Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software. In some cases, hybrid classes include asynchronous learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions.
ICE:
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE's stated mission is to protect the United States from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.
In-Country Representative:
In the international student recruitment context, a country representative serves as the primary representative of a college or university in an international student recruiting region. Tasks may vary and may include managing local agents and distributors, partner development, brand building and reputation management. Often, establishing an in-country representative avoids the need to establish a local, legal entity and the tax implications therein.
Intensive English Language Program (IEP):
An IEP is a full-time educational program that provides non-native English-speaking international students with instruction in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. These programs focus on English for high-level daily communication and academic study, and serve students with varying levels of English proficiency. IEPs can be stand-alone programs, accredited by an IEP accreditor, such as CEA or ASSET, or they can be a department of an educational institution (for example, many University Extension Centers will run IEP programs.
International Trade Administration (ITA):
Promotes trade and investment, strengthens international competitiveness in U.S. industry, and ensures fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The ITA strives to foster economic growth and prosperity through global trade (www.trade.gov).
IIE:
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a global not-for-profit that designs and implements international education strategies and program services. IIE focuses on international student exchange and aid, foreign affairs, and international peace and security. IIE creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from various sectors (www.iie.org).
IRS:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government body, or Federal agency, that collects and supervises taxes from individuals residing in the U.S.
Ivy League:
A group of long-established colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S. having high academic and social prestige. These eight private institutions are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world, known for their highly selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Ivy League institutions include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Junior College:
In the U.S., a junior college typically offers post-secondary education that may transfer to a university-degree program or simply result in an associate degree. In other countries, however, a junior college may actually offer studies at the upper secondary level, post-secondary level, or vocational studies at both levels. Some countries may even offer all three levels from the same physical institution.
Ministry of Education:
In most of the world, educational institutions are overseen by a branch of the national government known most often as the Ministry of Education (MOE). In some countries, primary and secondary education, higher educational, and vocational and technical education all fall under the same overarching authority that governs all educational levels. In other countries, each of these units may have its own governmental authority. This government agency is most often referred to as the Ministry of Education, but it may also be known as the Higher Education Commission, the University Grants Commission, the Secretary of Education, the Ministry of Education and Research, and other variations.
Minor (legal):
All U.S. states define an "age of majority", usually 18. Persons younger than this age are considered minors, and must be under the care of a parent or guardian unless they are emancipated. In the U.S., minors cannot legally sign a document, and, therefore, must obtain a signature from their parental / legal guardian.
Minor (declaring a minor):
The subject in which the student takes the second greatest concentration of course work and credits. For example, a student may major in art and minor in business.
Mission:
A mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, and its reason for being. At a minimum, the mission statement should define who your primary customers are, identify the services your business provides, and describe the geographical location in which you operate. A mission statement is different from a motto, which is a brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal.
MOOC (massive open online course), or open online course:
is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Internet.
MOU:
A memorandum of understanding (MOU or MoU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties. MOUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect, stronger than a gentlemen's agreement. Often, MOUs are the first steps towards a legal contract.
NACAC:
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is an organization of more than 25,000 college admission professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.
NACES:
The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services is an association of US-based, independent, nongovernmental organizations that provide credential evaluation services for individuals who have completed education outside the United States.
NAFSA:
is a leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world. It serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide.
NAICU:
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is a membership organization focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. Its institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
Non-immigrant:
The U.S. government uses the term non-immigrant (or nonimmigrant) to refer to foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States temporarily for a specific purpose (eg. tourism, business, temporary work, or study). By contrast, the term immigrant refers to foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States permanently. Once a person has entered the U.S. in non-immigrant status, they are restricted to the activity or reason for which they were allowed entry. Most non-immigrant visas are issued only to applicants who can demonstrate their intentions to return to their home country.
Online Learning:
Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e- learning” among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning”
Online program management (OPM):
providers are service providers that work with colleges and universities globally to take new academic programs online. Services include market research, student recruitment and enrollment, course design and technology platforms, student retention, and placement of students in employment or training opportunities.
Open Doors:
Open Doors® is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities. This survey of international exchange activity and trends in the United States and abroad is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.
Pathway Program:
Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. These programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.
Pathway Program Providers:
Third party corporate entities which partner with universities to recruit for and deliver first-year programs that combine credit-bearing academic course work and developmental English classes for nonnative speakers.
Peer-to-Peer:
existing or done between peers. In the context of international enrollment management it refers to mentoring or advising prospective or current students by enrolled students.
Postsecondary:
Postsecondary Education, also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree.
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO):
Each SEVP certified school must have one PDSO. PDSO serves as the main point of contact for SEVP, updates, adds and deletes information from a school’s I-17, and files the school’s recertification package. Also has all the capabilities within SEVIS as a DSO.
Private University:
or private college, is a university or college whose funding comes from tuition, investments, and private donors, not from taxpayers.
Public University:
or public college, is a university or college that is in state ownership or receives significant public funds through a national or subnational government, as opposed to a private university.
Recognition:
Recognition is the method of determining an educational institution's validity to offer educational programs in the country where it is located. In most countries outside of the US, recognition is conferred by a governmental agency.
Responsible Officer (RO):
RO serves as a main point of contact for the Department of State (DOS). Each certifying school must have one RO. The RO is responsible for filing the Annual Report and Redesignation applications. The RO also has the same capabilities as an ARO within SEVIS.
Scope of Operation:
All of the of its activities related to international student recruitment, including its geographic scope/physical locations
Secondary School:
Secondary school refers to the education after primary or elementary school but before university-level studies. In many countries, secondary education is offered in two stages: lower and upper secondary. Lower secondary education is generally comparable to junior high or middle school in the US, while upper secondary education is similar to senior high school.
Senior International Officer (SIO):
Title given to the position responsible for the comprehensive internationalization of an institution. This position will usually be involved in some aspect of identifying/developing/approving/sustaining international agreements–including agent agreements.
Service-Learning:
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.
SEVP:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a unit within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers SEVIS. SEVP provides oversight of U.S. institutions to ensure they remain in compliance with federal regulations.
SEVIS:
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the federal database used by U.S. institutions to maintain information on nonimmigrant students on F visas. SEVIS is used to track current information on students (such as address, phone number, major, entry and departure records, etc.). It is through SEVIS that SEVP-approved institutions can issue the Form I-20 for students to apply for a visa.
Social Security Number:
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents, including international full-time students. Its primary purpose is to track individuals who earn income of any kind in the United States for taxation purposes.
Standards Development Organization (SDO):
A standards organization, standards body, standards developing organization (SDO), is an organization whose primary function is developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, reissuing, interpreting, or otherwise producing technical or product standards to address the needs of a group of affected adopters.
STEM:
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The term serves as an umbrella for a number of fields, including information technology, software development, computer network architecture, information security, and others.
STEM-Designated Degree Program:
Students graduating from a STEM-designated degree program qualify for up to three years stay working in the U.S. post-graduation.
Sub-agent [see also, channel partner]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a sub-agent is a person or agency business employed or contracted by the applicant agency to transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process.
Super agent [other terms: primary agent, master agent]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a super agent partners with sub-agents or channel partners in various markets transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process, such as programs representation, student application assistance, marketing and more.
TAICEP:
The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals is an international professional association that has the single purpose of supporting and serving the profession of international credential evaluation.
Third-party recruiters:
In the international student recruitment context, third party recruiters are agencies, organizations, or individuals recruiting or referring international students for enrollment into academic programs.
Transfer Students:
Students who have completed some part of their studies at one institution and wish to transfer their credits to complete their education at another institution.
Transcript:
In the US, a transcript is an academic record that typically includes subjects studied, grades earned, and credentials earned, if applicable. It may also include the major field of study, grading definitions, scholarships or honors received, term dates, cumulative Grade Point Average, and other relevant information.
Tuition Fee:
The amount that has to be paid to an educational institution, which covers instruction and training, but not the cost of books and other materials.
U.S. Commercial Service:
Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration that offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. Companies can find assistance locally in more than 100 U.S. Commercial Service offices nationwide and in more than 70 international offices (www.trade.gov).
Undergraduate
AACC:
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
Academic Year:
The period of formal instruction, which is usually from September to May. It may be divided into terms of varying lengths, including semesters, trimesters or quarters.
Affiliated College:
Globally, many universities offer their undergraduate degree programs through affiliated colleges. The parent university is the degree-granting authority, but the affiliated college may oversee the actual teaching of the courses. Often, the curriculum and syllabus are determined by the parent university and merely carried out at the affiliated college. In these instances, even the final examinations are typically graded by the parent university. In some situations, however, an affiliated college may prove itself to be an exceptional institution and be granted some level of autonomy in establishing the curriculum; these institutions are usually referred to as autonomous colleges.
Articulation Agreement:
An agreement between a community college and a four-year university (public or private/independent) to establish the formal process of reviewing courses for equivalency between a community college and university.
Audit or Course Audit:
The process of attending university-level classes without receiving credit towards a degree. A student may desire to audit a class to obtain a preview of the subject and decide whether to pursue it further.
B-School:
Business school where one can earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or pursue research.
Baccalaureate Degree:
A degree awarded upon completion of approximately four years of full-time study in the liberal arts and sciences or professional studies. A baccalaureate degree, also known as a bachelor's degree, is an academic degree that higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, award to students upon graduation from an undergraduate program.
Bachelor:
The Bachelor degree is a benchmark credential in the U.S. that represents graduation from a university undergraduate program. This is typically a 4-year program of study representing 120-144 semester credits.
Blended Learning:
Blended learning combines in-person teaching with asynchronous learning methods, where students work on online exercises and watch instructional videos during their own time.
Calendar:
In most countries, the Calendar refers to date-oriented information such as the start and end dates of the academic term, final examinations, and other schedule related information. For example, a student studying in the U.S. would search a university’s “Academic Calendar 2022-2023” to identify the dates listed above. In some countries, however, the Calendar also includes program information such as degree plans, admissions requirements, grading scales, and other information useful for foreign credentials evaluations. [Transcript Research]
College:
College refers to post-secondary study in the U.S. and is often used interchangeably with university; in other countries outside the U.S., it can refer to both upper secondary and post-secondary studies. In some countries such as India and Nepal, college is actually used to refer to either upper secondary or post-secondary studies, depending on the institution and program. As a result, it is usually best to refer to “upper secondary” and “post-secondary” or “university-level” studies to be more precise. [Transcript Research]
Community College:
sometimes known as a junior college, is a higher education institution that provides a two-year curriculum that can lead to an associate's degree. Other programs in place include a transfer program towards a four-year degree and occupational programs, one and two-year programs of study.
Concentration:
A concentration refers to a subject or study within a specific major.
Cooperative Education:
A program of study during which students spend part of their time in a professional environment outside the university. Under this program of study, the duration of a bachelor's degree may be five years. Students may be able to earn money working full–time during the co-op term.
Course:
Within an education programme, educational activities may be grouped into sub-components variously described in national contexts as ‘courses’, ‘modules’, ‘units’ and/or ‘‘subjects’. In the International Standard of Educational Classification (ISCED), a ‘course’ is equivalent in meaning to a ‘module’, ‘unit’ and/or ‘subject’. An education programme may have major components not normally characterized as courses – for example, play-based activities, periods of work experience, research projects, and preparation of dissertations. (UNESCO 2011)
Credit:
A credit represents quantitative data for coursework that is recorded on educational documents. The credit hour is the quantifying unit of measure of a US postsecondary education program. In the US, this measures the contact hour, or teaching hours, with the assumption that there is a fixed correlation between time spent in the classroom and time spent on outside preparation, such as homework, reading, studying, research, papers, and homework assignments. See also Contact Hours.
Edtech, or “education technology,":
is the combination of internet technology tools and educational practices aimed at facilitating and enhancing learning.
Elective:
Elective course is a course that is not specifically designated as part of a degree requirement. In some cases, electives can be choices in a field of study.
Faculty-led Program (study abroad):
Programs that offer a short-term study abroad experience that is organized and led by an institution’s faculty. Taking students from the same institution, a faculty-led program is an academic course that generally combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning abroad. The experience can be as short as one week or span over an entire summer. For students who have never traveled internationally, these programs can be a good way to get one’s feet wet in a safe and supervised setting.
Freshman:
Freshman is commonly in use as a U.S. English idiomatic term to describe a beginner or novice, someone who is naive, a first effort, instance, or a student in the first year of study (generally referring to high school or university study). High school first year students are almost exclusively referred to as freshmen, or in some cases by their grade year, 9th graders.
Full-time Student:
A full-time student is one who is taking a full load of courses. International students can enroll only as full-time students, which in the U.S. is defined as taking a minimum of 12 units/credit hours of study per term.
Grade Point Average (GPA):
An American system of recording academic standards. It is a numerical measure obtained by multiplying the numerical grade received in each course by the number of credit hours and arriving at the average.
Graduate:
In the U.S., associate and bachelor’s degree studies are generally referred to as undergraduate level while graduate certificate, master, and doctorate degree programs are usually referred to as graduate programs. In many other countries, “graduate” programs refer to those (bachelor-level) programs completed after graduation from (upper) secondary education, and those studies completed at a level beyond the bachelor degree are referred to as “post-graduate” programs.
HBCU (Historically Black College or University):
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” In the past, these institutions admitted only Black students. There are more than 100 HBCUs across the U.S., and today they admit learners regardless of race.
Higher Education Institutions:
There exist a variety of types of higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world. The most well-known is the university, but other examples include post-secondary colleges, higher schools, community colleges, polytechnics, and comprehensive universities.
Honors:
A program of study wherein the entire cohort takes challenging and accelerated coursework. Students are usually invited to the honors programs by the college after demonstrating superior academic achievement in their first two years of study.
Ivy League:
A group of long-established colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S. having high academic and social prestige. These eight private institutions are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world, known for their highly selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Ivy League institutions include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Junior:
A junior is a student in their third year of study (generally referring to high school or college/university study) as coming immediately before their senior year. Juniors are considered upperclassmen.
Major (declaring a major):
The subject area in which the student will be taking the maximum number of courses and credits. Generally speaking, a student is expected to declare a major in the second year of college.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
Micro-credential Programs:
Similar to certificate programs but a bit more formal. Universities are offering these micro-credential programs to students who may be majoring in chemistry but would like to have some business/finance qualifications. These generally take longer to complete than a certificate program (usually a semester or two).
Minor (declaring a minor):
The subject in which the student takes the second greatest concentration of course work and credits. For example, a student may major in art and minor in business.
MOOC (massive open online course), or open online course:
is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Internet.
Online program management (OPM):
Online program management providers are service providers that work with colleges and universities globally to take new academic programs online. Services include market research, student recruitment and enrollment, course design and technology platforms, student retention, and placement of students in employment or training opportunities.
Pathway Program:
Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. These programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.
Pathway Program Providers:
Third party corporate entities which partner with universities to recruit for and deliver first-year programs that combine credit-bearing academic course work and developmental English classes for nonnative speakers.
Postsecondary:
Postsecondary Education, also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree.
Private University:
or private college, is a university or college whose funding comes from tuition, investments, and private donors, not from taxpayers.
Public University:
or public college, is a university or college that is in state ownership or receives significant public funds through a national or subnational government, as opposed to a private university.
Room and Board Fees:
Fees a university or college charges to live in on-campus housing (Room) and to purchase a meal plan to cover the cost of food (Board).
Secondary School:
Secondary school refers to the education after primary or elementary school but before university-level studies. In many countries, secondary education is offered in two stages: lower and upper secondary. Lower secondary education is generally comparable to junior high or middle school in the US, while upper secondary education is similar to senior high school.
Semester:
A period of study lasting from 15 to 16 weeks, followed by a break. An academic year usually comprises two or more semesters.
Semester Hours:
Semester hours are a method of quantifying the time spent studying a particular subject in a higher education program. In this system, the academic year is typically divided into two, 15- or 16-week semesters: fall and spring. A bachelor degree typically requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. One year of full-time study in this system is typically comprised of 30 credit hours, or 15 credits per semester.
Senior:
In United States education, a senior is a student in the fourth year of study (generally high school or college/university study). In high school, the twelfth grade is usually the fourth and final year of a student's high school period and is referred to as student's senior year. Where as in higher education, the fourth year of an undergraduate program is known as senior year. Many bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in these four years. Students in their senior year will often be looking into job placements or post-graduate educational opportunities such as graduate school, medical school, or law school Scholars.
Service-Learning:
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.
Sophomore:
In the United States, a sophomore is a student in the second year of study at high school (tenth grade or Class-10) or college. Second year students are sophomores, or 10th graders.
Transfer Students:
Students who have completed some part of their studies at one institution and wish to transfer their credits to complete their education at another institution.
Transcript:
In the US, a transcript is an academic record that typically includes subjects studied, grades earned, and credentials earned, if applicable. It may also include the major field of study, grading definitions, scholarships or honors received, term dates, cumulative Grade Point Average, and other relevant information.
Tuition Fee:
The amount that has to be paid to an educational institution, which covers instruction and training, but not the cost of books and other materials.
Undergraduate Study:
Four years of study after high school leading to a bachelor's degree.
University:
A university is a higher education institution that offers degree programs, typically at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Search Alphabetically:
A
AACC:
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
AASCU:
The Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a membership association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems.
Academic Adviser:
A faculty member that provides professional evaluation and assistance to students by providing information based on students’ abilities, interests, and academic performance; provides guidance in academic advising to assigned students, makes professional referrals, maintains and ensures the confidentiality of records; acts as a guide in course selection and scheduling; assists in resolving academic problems; identifies and monitors academic progress; and serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students.
Academic Year:
The period of formal instruction, which is usually from September to May. It may be divided into terms of varying lengths, including semesters, trimesters or quarters.
ACCET:
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) provides institutional accreditation for organizations whose primary function is for educational purposes and also for organizations offering continuing education as a clearly identified institutional objective within the operational entity, such as in-service corporate training.
Accreditation:
Accreditation is a U.S. mechanism for validating the quality of an institution or program. Some other countries have established separate accrediting boards for their institutions or specific programs, but this is a relatively new concept internationally. Most commonly, foreign institutions that have government recognition are considered comparable to holding the equivalent of U.S. regional accreditation. U.S. accreditation at all levels of education means simply that the institution meets the minimum standards of the accrediting body, determined by the body itself and independent from law or a government entity. Accreditation is a continuous review process, requiring renewal and re-accreditation after a set period of time. It refers to the accountability of an institution and the mobility of its credits and degrees. See also, regional accreditation
ACE:
The American Council on Education (ACE) is a membership organization of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE represents all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two-year and four-year, public and private.
Admissions Funnel:
The Admission funnel (or pipeline) is a series of stages that a student moves through on their path to enrollment : prospect, inquiry, applicant, admitted, accepted the offer/deposit, enrolled. The funnel helps admissions and recruitment staff identify how to meet the needs of the student at each stage along the funnel. Source: Admissions funnel: A detailed guide to streamline the admission process (leadsquared.com).
Advanced Placement or Accelerated Programs:
May allow completion of the degree in less time by awarding credit for advanced or college-level course work completed before college entry. For example, University – or college – level proficiency can be demonstrated by taking AP exams before arriving on campus.
Advanced Registration:
Process of registering for courses, usually online, before arrival on campus. Popular courses may fill up quickly and so it is useful to be aware of the option of registering in advance.
Affidavit of support:
A signed document pledging financial support to a student for studies. An affidavit is generally required of anyone other than the parents who undertake to support the student. It should include all the relevant details of the student and the sponsor. It is issued by the sponsor showing sponsorship for the visa applicant which shows that they have enough income or source of money to support the applicant while he/she is staying in the U.S.
Affiliated College:
Globally, many universities offer their undergraduate degree programs through affiliated colleges. The parent university is the degree-granting authority, but the affiliated college may oversee the actual teaching of the courses. Often, the curriculum and syllabus are determined by the parent university and merely carried out at the affiliated college. In these instances, even the final examinations are typically graded by the parent university. In some situations, however, an affiliated college may prove itself to be an exceptional institution and be granted some level of autonomy in establishing the curriculum; these institutions are usually referred to as autonomous colleges.
Agency [see Educational Agency]
Agency Aggregator:
A web platform that enables agency recruiters to funnel applications through a primary host site which has commercial relationships with many university partners. Agency aggregators partner with agencies around the world as their sub-agents and some also counsel student online enquirers directly. An aggregator will rely on its online presence, marketing and sub-agency partners to source students for its institutional partners. Aggregators may have hundreds of institutional partners globally and hundreds to thousands of sub-agency partners.[AIRC, PIE News]
AIRC:
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 membership organization and Standards Development Organization. Its members are secondary and post secondary educational institutions, educational pathway providers and individuals and educational agencies that have been awarded with AIRC Certification. [AIRC]
AIRC Certification Commission:
The AIRC Certification Commission is made up of AIRC institutional member representatives with extensive experience in international recruitment. The Commission makes the final determination on the certification status for Agency Applicants for Certification. [AIRC]
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO):
The person on campus who gathers and reports information on exchange visitors to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists exchange in the visa process. An institution’s ARO will be listed on the immigration document, the Form DS2019.
APLU:
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The association's membership consists of 244 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations.
Articulation [see course articulation]:
Articulation Agreement:
An agreement between a community college and a four-year university (public or private/independent) to establish the formal process of reviewing courses for equivalency between a community college and university.
Audit or Course Audit:
The process of attending university-level classes without receiving credit towards a degree. A student may desire to audit a class to obtain a preview of the subject and decide whether to pursue it further.
B
B-School:
Business school where one can earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or pursue research.
Baccalaureate Degree:
A degree awarded upon completion of approximately four years of full-time study in the liberal arts and sciences or professional studies. A baccalaureate degree, also known as a bachelor's degree, is an academic degree that higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, award to students upon graduation from an undergraduate program.
Bachelor:
The Bachelor degree is a benchmark credential in the U.S. that represents graduation from a university undergraduate program. This is typically a 4-year program of study representing 120-144 semester credits.
Blended Learning:
Blended learning combines in-person teaching with asynchronous learning methods, where students work on online exercises and watch instructional videos during their own time.
C
Calendar:
In most countries, the Calendar refers to date-oriented information such as the start and end dates of the academic term, final examinations, and other schedule related information. For example, a student studying in the U.S. would search a university’s “Academic Calendar 2022-2023” to identify the dates listed above. In some countries, however, the Calendar also includes program information such as degree plans, admissions requirements, grading scales, and other information useful for foreign credentials evaluations. [Transcript Research]
Carnegie Units:
In many U.S. states, high school studies are recorded in terms of Carnegie Units, a method of quantifying coursework so that admissions processes could be standardized. One standard unit represents approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction in a subject, with the assumption that the subject is studied 4-5 periods per week (40-60 minutes per period) during a school year of 36-40 weeks. American high school students typically complete 5-6 Carnegie Units per year. [Transcript Research]
Catalog or Bulletin, or Course Catalog:
The catalog of the University is the document of authority for all students. It is an official document that details the different programs and courses of study available at a college or a university, admission requirements and prerequisites, rules and regulations.
CCID:
Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) is an international association of community, technical, and vocational institutions to create globally engaged learning environments.
CEA:
The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) is a specialized accrediting agency that focuses on post-secondary intensive English language programs and institutions. CEA’s purpose is to provide a systematic approach by which programs and institutions can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognized for doing so.
Certificate Programs:
These programs are offered as short-term programs or to supplement degree programs. These are becoming increasingly popular as employers are looking to hire specific skill sets, which may be certified through a certificate program and not always obtained through a 4-year degree.
Channel partner, [see also sub-agent]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a sub-agent is a person or agency business employed or contracted by the applicant agency to transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process. [AIRC]
CHEA:
The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) serves its members, students and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations and commitment to quality in higher education.
CIQG:
The CHEA International Quality Group is CHEA’s international arm, and assists institutions and quality assurance organizations worldwide in further enhancing capacity for academic quality and advancing understanding of quality assurance internationally.
CIS:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system.
Classification of Indian Cities:
Ranking system by the government of India to determine pay rates. Often used for recruitment purposes. Source: Classification of Indian cities - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute and requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses.
Coeducational:
An institution that includes members of both genders.
COIL:
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) connects accredited courses, linking the classrooms of two or more higher education institutions, each located in a different country or cultural setting.
College:
College refers to post-secondary study in the U.S. and is often used interchangeably with university; in other countries outside the U.S., it can refer to both upper secondary and post-secondary studies. In some countries such as India and Nepal, college is actually used to refer to either upper secondary or post-secondary studies, depending on the institution and program. As a result, it is usually best to refer to “upper secondary” and “post-secondary” or “university-level” studies to be more precise. [Transcript Research]
Commission Payment:
A commission is the compensation paid to the educational agency entity based on the enrollment of a student at a contracted partner educational institution; commonly calculated on a percentage basis. Also called incentive compensation.
Community College:
sometimes known as a junior college, is a higher education institution that provides a two-year curriculum that can lead to an associate's degree. Other programs in place include a transfer program towards a four-year degree and occupational programs, one and two-year programs of study.
Compliance (visa/F-1):
This relates to the U.S. government requirements for international students regarding the number of credits necessary to maintain an active F-1 status. (e.g. 12 credits, 9 credits seated, etc.)
Cooperative Education:
A program of study during which students spend part of their time in a professional environment outside the university. Under this program of study, the duration of a bachelor's degree may be five years. Students may be able to earn money working full–time during the co-op term.
Conditional Admission:
Provided when a condition is still required before a student can enroll in a desired program. Often used for English proficiency (or ESL programs) or for final grades.
Conflict of Interest:
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or an organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in another.
Contact Hours:
In the U.S., contact hours refer to the classroom period. This is generally represented as 1 hour of in-class instruction. Typically, a 3-credit hour course will meet 3 times a week for one hour (or once per week for 3 hours) over a semester of 15 or 16 weeks, resulting in 45-48 contact hours for a 3-credit course. [Transcript Research]
Contract:
a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties; a business arrangement for the supply of goods or services at a fixed price. A contract between an educational institution and an educational agency typically includes general scope of services, roles and responsibilities, quality assurance measures, method of monitoring obligations, outline of length of agreement, termination or separation conditions, commission terms, withdrawal/refund terms, dispute resolution process, payment process, recognition of agency status (certificate of representation), marketing/publication expectations, intellectual property clauses, legalities (liabilities), placement policies or conditions, application/enrollment processes, contingencies for remote learning, designated contact person, training and support expectation, transparency (website and publications), termination clause, and other site specific terms.
Conversion (Enrollment Conversion):
The process of ensuring a prospective student moves through the admissions funnel and becomes an enrolled student.
Concentration:
A concentration refers to a subject or study within a specific major.
Conversion Rate:
Percentage of a whole that takes a particular desired action (clicking through on a website ad, applying to a program etc.) For example, a conversion rate is equal to total inquiries divided by total applicants.
Core Course of Study:
Also called core curriculum, core course of study refers to a series or selection of courses that all students are required to complete before they can move on to the next level in their education.
Cost of an I-20:
This refers to the amount of funding (US dollars) that an international student must have in the bank to show that he/she/they can afford the tuition and living expenses for one year in the U.S.
Course:
Within an education programme, educational activities may be grouped into sub-components variously described in national contexts as ‘courses’, ‘modules’, ‘units’ and/or ‘‘subjects’. In the International Standard of Educational Classification (ISCED), a ‘course’ is equivalent in meaning to a ‘module’, ‘unit’ and/or ‘subject’. An education programme may have major components not normally characterized as courses – for example, play-based activities, periods of work experience, research projects, and preparation of dissertations. (UNESCO 2011)
Course articulation:
The process by which one institution matches its courses or requirements to coursework completed at another institution and awards a student credits when completed..
Credential Evaluation:
Foreign transcript evaluation is a formal comparison of educational credentials from one education system to another. A general evaluation provides a statement of equivalency or comparability while a course-by-course evaluation provides more details about specific credits and grades for academic studies.
Credit:
A credit represents quantitative data for coursework that is recorded on educational documents. The credit hour is the quantifying unit of measure of a US postsecondary education program. In the US, this measures the contact hour, or teaching hours, with the assumption that there is a fixed correlation between time spent in the classroom and time spent on outside preparation, such as homework, reading, studying, research, papers, and homework assignments. See also Contact Hours.
Culture Shock:
The feelings of alienation, loneliness and confusion that can often result from an encounter with another culture. International students may experience culture shock to varying degrees.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Curricular Practical Training is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or other type of required internship or practicum that a sponsoring employer offers through agreements with a student’s school
D
DEI - Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI):
is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals, including people of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. This also covers people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and expertise. JEDI is another common term used to represent similar means and stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Department of Education:
The United States Department of ED promotes student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
The DHS is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security and disaster prevention and management. The Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a unit within DHS (see SEVP).
Department of State (DOS):
The U.S. federal executive department responsible for the nation’s foreign policy and international relations. The department is in charge of issuing immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Designated School Official (DSO):
The person on campus who gathers and reports information on international students to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists international students in the visa and employment authorization process. An institution’s DSO will be listed on important immigration documents such as an I-20.
Diploma Mill:
Diploma or degree mills are companies that issue academic credentials – diplomas, certificates, and/or transcripts – for a fee. They simply sell paper without requiring their so-called students to attend courses or take exams. These types of diploma-for-money companies generally operate via flashy websites, toll-free numbers, and post office boxes. Some diploma mills state that they are awarding their credentials on the basis of distance education, but no coursework is ever required. Some of the more insidious diploma mills even have degree verification services, provide fake syllabi for non-existent courses, sell recommendation letters from faculty they don't have, and provide other services that allow the customer to more easily pass off their faked documents as earned credentials. [Transcript Research]
Distance Education:
Distance education, or distance learning, is a method of delivering education to students who are not physically sitting together in the same classroom or lecture hall as the instructor. In modern times, distance education is increasingly being done online and through virtual universities, but distance education is a long-standing tradition around the world. Correspondence courses, radio, and television have all been widely used for generations. See also Virtual University. [Transcript Research]
Dormitory, or Dorm or Residence Hall:
Housing facilities on the campus of a college or university. Generally owned and leased by the university, they include single-sex or shared accommodation and bathrooms, and may also include common rooms, gym facilities, cafeterias, etc.
E
Edtech, or “education technology":
is the combination of internet technology tools and educational practices aimed at facilitating and enhancing learning.
EducationUSA:
Branch of the Department of State (DOS) that features information for international students about studying in the U.S. For U.S. higher education professionals, provides information on recruitment and resources for meeting campus internationalization goals.
Educational Agency:
For the purposes of AIRC Certification and members, an educational agency is a public or private organization, company or association that represents, recruits and refers students into accredited educational institutions on a fee for service basis. There are many types of agencies, including small, boutique agencies (employing 30 or fewer employees, with one office); one-country agencies (includes multiple branches in one country and most student clients are based in that country); one-region agency (includes multiple branches and most student clients are based in a region made up of multiple countries); global agencies (includes multiple branches globally and student clients are sourced globally); and agency aggregators (see the definition for aggregators above). (Syn. Agency, Agent, Third Party Representative, Recruitment Partner)
Educational Institution:
A U.S.-based educational institution such as a regionally or nationally accredited college, university, intensive English program, recognized secondary school, or educational institution outside the U.S. which is recognized by a government agency or accrediting agency.(Syn. High school, Vocational School, Preparatory School, Junior College, Community College, College, University, Language Programs)
Elective:
Elective course is a course that is not specifically designated as part of a degree requirement. In some cases, electives can be choices in a field of study.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP):
Intensive English language instruction focusing on a specific subject or industry: biology, chemistry, hotel management, tourism, etc. The programs are offered as F-1, J-1, Study & Travel, and as part of intensive instruction for various degree and certificate programs. These are increasingly being offered online.
EnglishUSA:
is an organization in the United States of over 200 accredited English language programs (ELPs), including pathway programs within institutions.
F
F-1 Visa:
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows a student to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
Faculty-led Program (study abroad):
Programs that offer a short-term study abroad experience that is organized and led by an institution’s faculty. Taking students from the same institution, a faculty-led program is an academic course that generally combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning abroad. The experience can be as short as one week or span over an entire summer. For students who have never traveled internationally, these programs can be a good way to get one’s feet wet in a safe and supervised setting.
FELCA:
Felca is a federation of language and education consultant associations from all over the world. An association of associations, felca’s membership base is made up of national associations from top countries sending students abroad.. The members of the national associations are individual businesses whose role it is to advise and counsel students who want to travel overseas to study at a language school, school, college or university.
FERPA:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student” https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/ferpafaq.pdf).
Form DS-2019:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”, is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that an exchange visitor has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form DS-2019 is needed to apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 visa). There is a category of J-1 exchange visitors that can be students (degree or non-degree seeking) and/or student interns.
Form I-20:
Also known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” is the document issued by SEVP-accredited institutions in the U.S. that certifies to the U.S. government that the student has met the academic and financial requirements to enter the country. A Form I-20 is needed to apply for a student visa (F-1 visa).
Fraternity / Sorority:
A fraternity or sorority, commonly called a Greek organization, is a brotherhood or sisterhood formed around common goals and aspirations. These men and women make a commitment to each other for life. The members that form a fraternity or sorority share their efforts, friendship, and knowledge.
Freshman:
Freshman is commonly in use as a U.S. English idiomatic term to describe a beginner or novice, someone who is naive, a first effort, instance, or a student in the first year of study (generally referring to high school or university study). High school first year students are almost exclusively referred to as freshmen, or in some cases by their grade year, 9th graders.
Fulbright Program:
Founded by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, this is one of several U.S. cultural exchange programs with the goal to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. Via the program, competitively-selected U.S. citizens, including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists, may receive scholarships or grants to study, conduct research, teach, or exercise their talents abroad; citizens of other countries may qualify to do the same in the United States. A Fulbright Scholarship is considered one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world, providing approximately 8,000 grants annually. The Fulbright Program is administered by cooperating organizations that include the Institute of International Education and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and operates in over 160 countries around the world.
Full-time Student:
A full-time student is one who is taking a full load of courses. International students can enroll only as full-time students, which in the U.S. is defined as taking a minimum of 12 units/credit hours of study per term.
Funnel:
See Admissions Funnel.
G
Gender-inclusive housing (GIH); also Gender-neutral, or all-Gender:
This type of housing allows students to live together in a safe space (a dorm, housing community, apartment or room) regardless of their sex, gender identity or gender expression . All students assigned to a GIH suite must opt-in and have a mutual roommate request.
Global English:
In Global English sentences are short, word order is consistent and predictable and the passive voice is avoided. The relationship between a sentence’s subject and modifiers is explicit. No metaphors or other types of figurative language are used. Everything is literal and logical. It clarifies written English so that it is more easily understood by non-native speakers and lends itself more readily to translation. Source: What is Global English? (unitedlanguagegroup.com)
Grade Point Average (GPA):
An American system of recording academic standards. It is a numerical measure obtained by multiplying the numerical grade received in each course by the number of credit hours and arriving at the average.
Grading System:
Academic grading in the United States commonly takes on the form of five, six or seven letter grades. Traditionally, the grades are A+, A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D− and F, with A+ being the highest and F being lowest. In some cases, grades can also be numerical.
Graduate:
In the U.S., associate and bachelor’s degree studies are generally referred to as undergraduate level while graduate certificate, master, and doctorate degree programs are usually referred to as graduate programs. In many other countries, “graduate” programs refer to those (bachelor-level) programs completed after graduation from (upper) secondary education, and those studies completed at a level beyond the bachelor degree are referred to as “post-graduate” programs.
Grant:
A sum of money given for a specific purpose, for example, for research, scholarship, building a facility, laboratories, acquiring books for libraries, etc.
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HBCU (Historically Black College or University):
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” In the past, these institutions admitted only Black students. There are more than 100 HBCUs across the U.S., and today they admit learners regardless of race.
Higher Education Institutions:
There exist a variety of types of higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world. The most well-known is the university, but other examples include post-secondary colleges, higher schools, community colleges, polytechnics, and comprehensive universities.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996):
A U.S. federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge (www.cdc.gov)
Honors:
A program of study wherein the entire cohort takes challenging and accelerated coursework. Students are usually invited to the honors programs by the college after demonstrating superior academic achievement in their first two years of study.
Hybrid Learning:
Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software. In some cases, hybrid classes include asynchronous learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions.
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ICE:
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE's stated mission is to protect the United States from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.
Impressions:
Digital marketing term describing the opportunity for an ad to be seen, heard or influence a potential customer. Impressions are the ads loaded on a webpage or search engine results feed or social media page. The number of impressions is a measure used to build brand awareness and is not the same as clicks which may measure engagement and interest (see Conversions).
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual property for certification purposes includes: (a) Copyrightable material produced from creative and scholarly activity, such as text (manuscripts, manuals, books, and articles); videos and motion pictures; music (sound recordings, lyrics, and scores); images (print, photographs, electronic, and art); and computer software (programs, databases, web pages, and courseware); and (c) Trademarked materials, such as words, names, symbols or logos, domain names, trade dress, and slogans or any combination of words which has been adopted by the University to identify itself and to distinguish itself and its sponsorship from others.
In-Country Representative:
In the international student recruitment context, a country representative serves as the primary representative of a college or university in an international student recruiting region. Tasks may vary and may include managing local agents and distributors, partner development, brand building and reputation management. Often, establishing an in-country representative avoids the need to establish a local, legal entity and the tax implications therein.
Intensive English Language Program (IEP):
An IEP is a full-time educational program that provides non-native English-speaking international students with instruction in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. These programs focus on English for high-level daily communication and academic study, and serve students with varying levels of English proficiency. IEPs can be stand-alone programs, accredited by an IEP accreditor, such as CEA or ASSET, or they can be a department of an educational institution (for example, many University Extension Centers will run IEP programs.
International ACAC (Association for College Admission Counseling):
is affiliated with the U.S.-based National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and is made up of over 3,000 professionals from more than 90 countries worldwide dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing post-secondary education.
International Credential Evaluation:
A process of analyzing and comparing educational credentials from one country to another. This process is detailed and follows a well-formulated ethical standard, completed by competent or knowledgeable individuals (credential evaluators) who understand educational systems around the world.
International Enrollment Management:
An area of university admissions that may include management of international student recruitment, enrollment management, marketing, credential evaluation, intensive English programs, sponsored program administration, and overseas advising and counseling.
International Trade Administration (ITA):
Promotes trade and investment, strengthens international competitiveness in U.S. industry, and ensures fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The ITA strives to foster economic growth and prosperity through global trade (www.trade.gov).
IIE:
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a global not-for-profit that designs and implements international education strategies and program services. IIE focuses on international student exchange and aid, foreign affairs, and international peace and security. IIE creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from various sectors (www.iie.org).
IRS:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government body, or Federal agency, that collects and supervises taxes from individuals residing in the U.S.
Ivy League:
A group of long-established colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S. having high academic and social prestige. These eight private institutions are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world, known for their highly selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Ivy League institutions include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
J
Junior:
A junior is a student in their third year of study (generally referring to high school or college/university study) as coming immediately before their senior year. Juniors are considered upperclassmen.
Junior College:
In the U.S., a junior college typically offers post-secondary education that may transfer to a university-degree program or simply result in an associate degree. In other countries, however, a junior college may actually offer studies at the upper secondary level, post-secondary level, or vocational studies at both levels. Some countries may even offer all three levels from the same physical institution.
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M
Major (declaring a major):
The subject area in which the student will be taking the maximum number of courses and credits. Generally speaking, a student is expected to declare a major in the second year of college.
Matriculation:
The action of matriculating. To matriculate is to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university. Matriculated students are those who have met the college or university admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree. Non-degree (non-matriculated) students are those who are enrolled for credit courses but who are not officially registered in a degree program.
Micro-credential Programs:
Similar to certificate programs but a bit more formal. Universities are offering these micro-credential programs to students who may be majoring in chemistry but would like to have some business/finance qualifications. These generally take longer to complete than a certificate program (usually a semester or two).
Ministry of Education:
In most of the world, educational institutions are overseen by a branch of the national government known most often as the Ministry of Education (MOE). In some countries, primary and secondary education, higher educational, and vocational and technical education all fall under the same overarching authority that governs all educational levels. In other countries, each of these units may have its own governmental authority. This government agency is most often referred to as the Ministry of Education, but it may also be known as the Higher Education Commission, the University Grants Commission, the Secretary of Education, the Ministry of Education and Research, and other variations.
Minor (legal):
All U.S. states define an "age of majority", usually 18. Persons younger than this age are considered minors, and must be under the care of a parent or guardian unless they are emancipated. In the U.S., minors cannot legally sign a document, and, therefore, must obtain a signature from their parental / legal guardian.
Minor (declaring a minor):
The subject in which the student takes the second greatest concentration of course work and credits. For example, a student may major in art and minor in business.
Mission:
A mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, and its reason for being. At a minimum, the mission statement should define who your primary customers are, identify the services your business provides, and describe the geographical location in which you operate. A mission statement is different from a motto, which is a brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal.
MOOC (massive open online course):
or open online course is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the Internet.
MOU:
A memorandum of understanding (MOU or MoU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties. MOUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect, stronger than a gentlemen's agreement. Often, MOUs are the first steps towards a legal contract.
N
NACAC:
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is an organization of more than 25,000 college admission professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.
NACES:
The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services is an association of US-based, independent, nongovernmental organizations that provide credential evaluation services for individuals who have completed education outside the United States.
NAFSA:
is a leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world. It serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide.
NAICU:
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is a membership organization focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. Its institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
Non-Discrimination:
In the U.S. educational context, recruitment and admissions are generally prohibited from discrimination based on age, race, gener, secual orientation, religion, marital staus, ethincity, disability, socioeconomic status, or other reasons.
Non-immigrant:
The U.S. government uses the term non-immigrant (or nonimmigrant) to refer to foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States temporarily for a specific purpose (eg. tourism, business, temporary work, or study). By contrast, the term immigrant refers to foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States permanently. Once a person has entered the U.S. in non-immigrant status, they are restricted to the activity or reason for which they were allowed entry. Most non-immigrant visas are issued only to applicants who can demonstrate their intentions to return to their home country.
O
OCR (Optical Character Recognition):
The identification of printed characters using photoelectric devices and computer software. Increasingly used in processing applications to identify key words or phrases.
Online Learning:
Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e- learning” among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning”
Online program management (OPM):
providers are service providers that work with colleges and universities globally to take new academic programs online. Services include market research, student recruitment and enrollment, course design and technology platforms, student retention, and placement of students in employment or training opportunities.
Open Doors:
Open Doors® is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities. This survey of international exchange activity and trends in the United States and abroad is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
A temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
P
Pathway Program:
Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. These programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.
Pathway Program Providers:
Third party corporate entities which partner with universities to recruit for and deliver first-year programs that combine credit-bearing academic course work and developmental English classes for nonnative speakers.
Peer-to-Peer:
existing or done between peers. In the context of international enrollment management it refers to mentoring or advising prospective or current students by enrolled students.
Placement Tests:
Tests that assess a student's academic knowledge in a subject, and is used to "place" a student ahead of the entering class. Credit may be given based on the outcome of the placement tests. Advanced Placement tests, also known as "AP tests", are one type of placement test.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the use of another person's intellectual property - such as words and ideas - without acknowledging ownership and attempting to pass them off as one's own.
Postsecondary:
Postsecondary Education, also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree.
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO):
Each SEVP certified school must have one PDSO. PDSO serves as the main point of contact for SEVP, updates, adds and deletes information from a school’s I-17, and files the school’s recertification package. Also has all the capabilities within SEVIS as a DSO.
Private University:
or private college, is a university or college whose funding comes from tuition, investments, and private donors, not from taxpayers.
Public University:
or public college, is a university or college that is in state ownership or receives significant public funds through a national or subnational government, as opposed to a private university.
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R
Recognition:
Recognition is the method of determining an educational institution's validity to offer educational programs in the country where it is located. In most countries outside of the US, recognition is conferred by a governmental agency.
Regional accreditation:
Regional accreditation agencies oversee institutions that place a focus on academics that are state-owned or non-profit colleges or universities. There are six regional accrediting agencies for higher education institutions in the U.S. These agencies oversee institutions within their particular clusters of states. The list of regional accreditors can be found here.
Remuneration:
an amount of money paid to someone for the work that person has done.
Resident Adviser or Assistant:
A person designated to assist students in campus dormitories and the first point of contact for anything connected with residing in the dorms. Most often, resident assistants are senior students who receive free accommodation in exchange for their work. International students may have the option of applying for a resident assistant position after the first or second year of study.
Responsible Officer (RO):
RO serves as a main point of contact for the Department of State (DOS). Each certifying school must have one RO. The RO is responsible for filing the Annual Report and Redesignation applications. The RO also has the same capabilities as an ARO within SEVIS.
S
Room and Board Fees:
Fees a university or college charges to live in on-campus housing (Room) and to purchase a meal plan to cover the cost of food (Board).
S
S
Scholarship:
A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students to further education. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need. Scholarships may provide a monetary award, an in-kind award (e.g., waiving of tuition fees or fees for housing in a dormitory), or a combination.
Scope of Operation:
All of the of its activities related to international student recruitment, including its geographic scope/physical locations
Secondary School:
Secondary school refers to the education after primary or elementary school but before university-level studies. In many countries, secondary education is offered in two stages: lower and upper secondary. Lower secondary education is generally comparable to junior high or middle school in the US, while upper secondary education is similar to senior high school.
Semester:
A period of study lasting from 15 to 16 weeks, followed by a break. An academic year usually comprises two or more semesters.
Semester Hours:
Semester hours are a method of quantifying the time spent studying a particular subject in a higher education program. In this system, the academic year is typically divided into two, 15- or 16-week semesters: fall and spring. A bachelor degree typically requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. One year of full-time study in this system is typically comprised of 30 credit hours, or 15 credits per semester.
Senior:
In United States education, a senior is a student in the fourth year of study (generally high school or college/university study). In high school, the twelfth grade is usually the fourth and final year of a student's high school period and is referred to as student's senior year. Where as in higher education, the fourth year of an undergraduate program is known as senior year. Many bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in these four years. Students in their senior year will often be looking into job placements or post-graduate educational opportunities such as graduate school, medical school, or law school Scholars.
Senior International Officer (SIO):
Title given to the position responsible for the comprehensive internationalization of an institution. This position will usually be involved in some aspect of identifying/developing/approving/sustaining international agreements–including agent agreements.
Service-Learning:
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP):
A unit within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers SEVIS. SEVP provides oversight of U.S. institutions to ensure they remain in compliance with federal regulations.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS):
The federal database used by U.S. institutions to maintain information on nonimmigrant students on F visas. SEVIS is used to track current information on students (such as address, phone number, major, entry and departure records, etc.). It is through SEVIS that SEVP-approved institutions can issue the Form I-20 for students to apply for a visa.
Social Security Number:
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents, including international full-time students. Its primary purpose is to track individuals who earn income of any kind in the United States for taxation purposes.
Sophomore:
In the United States, a sophomore is a student in the second year of study at high school (tenth grade or Class-10) or college. Second year students are sophomores, or 10th graders.
Standards Development Organization (SDO):
A standards organization, standards body, standards developing organization (SDO), is an organization whose primary function is developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, reissuing, interpreting, or otherwise producing technical or product standards to address the needs of a group of affected adopters.
STEM:
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The term serves as an umbrella for a number of fields, including information technology, software development, computer network architecture, information security, and others.
STEM-Designated Degree Program:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program List is a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields of study for purposes of the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension described at 8 CFR 214.2(f).
Sub-agent [see also, channel partner]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a sub-agent is a person or agency business employed or contracted by the applicant agency to transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process.
Super agent [also known as primary agent]:
For AIRC’s purposes, a super agent partners with sub-agents or channel partners in various markets transact the whole, or part of the student recruitment process, such as programs representation, student application assistance, marketing and more.
T
TAICEP:
The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals is an international professional association that has the single purpose of supporting and serving the profession of international credential evaluation.
Teaching Assistant (TA):
is typically a graduate student who assists a professor with instructional responsibilities. A TA often assists the professor with creating and delivering learning materials in a course. TAs may help develop assignments, quizzes and exams to meet a course’s objectives.
Third-party recruiters:
In the international student recruitment context, third party recruiters are agencies, organizations, or individuals recruiting or referring international students for enrollment into academic programs.
Transfer Students:
Students who have completed some part of their studies at one institution and wish to transfer their credits to complete their education at another institution.
Transcript:
In the US, a transcript is an academic record that typically includes subjects studied, grades earned, and credentials earned, if applicable. It may also include the major field of study, grading definitions, scholarships or honors received, term dates, cumulative Grade Point Average, and other relevant information.
Tuition Fee:
The amount that has to be paid to an educational institution, which covers instruction and training, but not the cost of books and other materials.
U
Undergraduate Study:
Four years of study after high school leading to a bachelor's degree.
University:
A university is a higher education institution that offers degree programs, typically at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
U.S. Commercial Service:
Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration that offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. Companies can find assistance locally in more than 100 U.S. Commercial Service offices nationwide and in more than 70 international offices (www.trade.gov).
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Y
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