International Studies Abroad (ISA) Opens New Academic Program in Partnership With Prestigious Chinese University

AUSTIN, Texas, April 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Studies Abroad (ISA), a study abroad provider based in Austin, Texas, announces the launching of its first study abroad program on the Asian continent in Shanghai, China. Starting in Fall 2010, ISA will offer U.S. and Canadian students the opportunity to attend Shanghai's prestigious East China Normal University (ECNU) among local and international students in the heart of the city. ISA is taking an active role in promoting the study of China by developing both a Chinese Language and Culture Program and an Intensive Mandarin Language Program designed for North American students.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090817/DC61264LOGO)

According to the Institute of International Education's most recent Open Doors report on international education exchange, China has replaced Australia as the fifth most popular destination for U.S. students, becoming the only non-European destination in the top five.

ISA will accommodate students at all language levels by offering courses from beginning to advanced Mandarin Chinese. While some students will choose to enroll in the intensive language program, others will take a diverse array of courses in cultural studies, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences taught in English in addition to their language studies.

"Our mission is to support and advance the field of Chinese Studies through our academic program, and to improve an understanding of China on the part of Americans by providing significant linguistic and cultural engagement outside of the classroom. This is one of ISA's most affordable semester programs, increasing access for a broader range of students," affirms ISA's Executive Vice President of Research and Special Programs, Bill Clabby.

ISA Asian Studies Director, Kim Robertson, PhD, an accomplished scholar and gifted educator with invaluable teaching experience in China, has played an active role in the development of the program. Program Director, Amy Zhang, originally from the Jiangsu province, will lead the group, adding her local expertise and experience working with international students to the team of talented individuals at ISA.

ISA students will interact with local students on a daily basis as they take courses on the ECNU campus and participate in many of the cultural activities the city has to offer. The students will be living in fully furnished apartments within walking distance of the ECNU campus.

As ISA expands into new countries and continents, the service and student support that has been the hallmark of their study abroad programs for over 20 years remains constant. ISA continues their dedication to providing university students the opportunity to discover, learn, and explore other cultures while earning college credit and receiving on-site support for the best value possible.

For more details about study abroad with ISA, please contact Dominick Luciano or visit: www.studiesabroad.com.

SOURCE International Studies Abroad (ISA)