By Shruti Menon Seeboo
For Mauritian students eager to expand their horizons and experience world-class education, the Study in the USA Fair 2024 offers a unique opportunity. On November 26, 2024, Campus Abroad Mauritius will host this exclusive event at the Hennessy Park Hotel, bringing together representatives from 15 prestigious US universities. It’s a chance to explore the diverse opportunities for higher education in the United States and connect with top institutions offering life-changing academic programs. As the Assistant Recruitment Director at INTO University Partnerships, Omar Ratib is at the forefront of helping international students navigate the complexities of studying abroad. We spoke with Omar about INTO’s mission, the services it offers to international students, and how it prepares them for success in the global job market.
When asked about the mission of INTO, Omar shared: “INTO’s mission is to enhance global educational access by partnering with universities in the UK, US, and Australia to expand their international reach through our rich insight and a commitment to delivering the best international student experiences in inspirational study environments.”
INTO focuses on working with partner universities to create a range of preparatory academic programs and services tailored to meet students’ needs, including pre-arrival support, well-being, and career assistance. Omar emphasised the importance of INTO’s expanding network of university-based study centres and education agents worldwide. Omar highlighted that INTO’s approach aims to help international students achieve academic and career success at world-class universities. He said, “What distinguishes INTO is its focus on creating adaptive, personalised education experiences for our students that address academic, linguistic, cultural, and wellbeing needs, helping students successfully integrate into university life abroad.”
INTO works closely with universities to design specialised programs that cater to international students’ specific needs. When asked to walk through the process of how INTO collaborates with its partners, Omar explained: “INTO collaborates closely with partner universities to design specialised programmes that address the unique needs of international students. This process typically begins with a needs assessment, identifying gaps in academic, language, and cultural readiness.”
This collaborative model is essential for creating pathway programs that help students bridge the gap between secondary education and university-level study. According to Omar, “INTO’s work with the partner universities focuses on creating tailored pathway programmes that combine English language training, foundational academic coursework, and personalised support services. Programmes are customised to align with university standards while equipping students for success in their chosen fields.” In addition to the preparatory programs, Omar also highlighted INTO’s “Direct Entry” option, which helps students apply directly to their chosen degree programs offered by partner universities.
INTO offers comprehensive support services at every stage of a student’s academic journey. Omar elaborated on the support students receive before, during, and after their studies.
Before Studies: INTO provides pre-arrival resources such as academic assessments and pre-departure webinars, guidance on visa processes, and preparation for cultural transition to ensure students are ready for life abroad.
During Studies: INTO centres at partner universities offer orientation programmes, academic advising, English language support, and career counselling. This assistance helps students adjust to academic expectations and build their skills.
After Studies: INTO offers career support, networking opportunities, and resources for transitioning into employment or further education.
For international students considering studying in the U.S., INTO’s pathway programs offer distinct advantages. Omar explained the value of choosing an INTO partner university: “Choosing to begin your studies at one of our INTO Centres in the US offers international students several advantages over direct admission. INTO programmes provide structured academic and English language support, helping students bridge any academic gaps before transitioning to full-degree programmes.”
He continued to outline the additional benefits: “Additionally, INTO offers extensive student support services such as personalised advising, visa assistance, and career planning, and a range of pre-arrival programmes, creating a more supportive, inclusive environment for adjusting to university life in the US. This approach eases cultural adaptation and boosts students’ confidence, making their academic journey more manageable and successful.”
Omar acknowledged the common challenges that international students face when studying in the U.S., particularly around language barriers, cultural adjustments, and academic adaptation. He explained how INTO addresses these challenges: “INTO offers robust English language training, cultural orientation, and academic support tailored to each student’s needs. Specialised support services, including academic advising, social integration programmes, and mental health resources, help students manage the stress of adjusting to a new environment and education system. These structured resources foster confidence and help students thrive academically and socially throughout their studies.”
INTO’s support has led to a number of success stories, including alumni who have gone on to excel in their careers. Omar shared a testimonial from Maya, a French student who studied at George Mason University. He said, “Maya, a French alumna who completed her studies at George Mason University, landed an impressive role with Deloitte, a whole year before her graduation. Her journey was shaped by invaluable internships and career fairs organised by Mason’s Career Services, which helped her gain industry insights and prepare for a successful career. Maya credits much of her success to her mentor, Professor Kelly Westland, from the Business School, who provided unwavering support throughout her journey.”
Next,Omar discussed how INTO ensures that its programs align with the academic, cultural, and career needs of international students. He stated, “INTO ensures its programmes meet international students’ needs by continually adapting to academic, cultural, and career demands. This includes developing curriculum pathways that improve English proficiency and academic readiness, while cultural immersion programmes help students adjust to life in a new country.”
He also highlighted the integration of career preparation through guidance on job markets and internship opportunities. He said, “Career preparation is integrated through guidance on job markets and internships with several programmes having the opportunity for students to pursue a placement. INTO works closely with partner universities to ensure each programme is tailored to equip students with the skills needed for both academic and professional success.”
When asked how INTO selects its partner universities, Omar explained: “INTO selects partner universities based on their commitment to international student success, academic quality, and capacity for supporting diverse student populations. Key criteria include academic reputation, student support services, and the university’s ability to integrate INTO’s tailored programmes to deliver their campuses.”
These partnerships ultimately benefit students by providing them with the right resources and support to ensure long-term success. “These partnerships benefit students by offering a supportive, structured transition into higher education, with language and academic preparatory programmes that help ensure long-term success during their university studies and in future careers,” explained Omar.
Furthermore, Omar discussed the uniqueness of INTO’s partnerships with U.S. universities such as Marshall University, the University of Oklahoma, and Washington State University, stating that, “INTO’s partnerships with universities stand out due to their strong support systems, diverse campus environments, and commitment to international student success. Many of our partner universities offer tailored academic programmes, cultural integration opportunities, and career services to help international students adjust and thrive both academically and socially.” He added, “INTO provides preparatory programmes on their campuses that smooth the transition, ensuring students are well-prepared for their degree programmes and future professional endeavours.”
Lastly, Omar shared how INTO helps students with the application and visa process, he said, “INTO helps students with the application and visa process by offering step-by-step guidance, including document preparation and submission. We provide advice on securing the appropriate visa, help with the application to the partner university, and assist in preparing for interviews and ensuring all requirements are met. This personalised support ensures a smoother transition from application to arrival in the US.”
