Simon Fraser University and Navitas Mark a Decade of Successful Partnership at Fraser International College, Canada's Flagship Pathway Program

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - Apr 4, 2016) - Fraser International College (FIC), a collaboration between Navitas, a global higher education partnering organization, and Simon Fraser University (SFU), will mark 10 years of student success with an anniversary celebration this week.

The partnership began in 2006, launching Canada's first Pathway program for international students. In that first year, FIC opened its doors to 85 international students. Today its enrollment comprises more than 2,500 students from over 60 countries, making it one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Ninety-five per cent of FIC students matriculating to SFU degree programs have completed their degrees.

FIC students benefit from an integrated and structured "Pathway" program comprised of intensive English language instruction, academic course content, study skills development, and high levels of social and academic support. The program gives international students the unique opportunity to demonstrate their ability to succeed in SFU's rigorous environment before enrolling in a degree program.

"SFU's partnership with Navitas has increased our ability to recruit international students who are well prepared to enter SFU's programs and who meet the high standards that we require," says SFU Vice-President Academic Jon Driver. "As the reputation of FIC has grown, we have been able to recruit students from a greater range of countries, and to diversify our undergraduate student body. We are building connections to many countries through our international alumni, and this will increase opportunities for international exchanges of students and researchers."

FIC Director and Principal Christa Ovenell says FIC students consistently demonstrate successful outcomes after transfering to SFU.

"High levels of personalized support mean that FIC students achieve excellent academic results when they progress to the University," she says. "They are also better prepared to engage quickly and deeply with our community, taking full advantage of the broad range of opportunities available to them at SFU. Our FIC alumni run clubs, sit on Senate, go on exchanges, and participate in global competitions, adding to the richness and diversity of perspectives on campus and beyond."

The 10^th anniversary celebration will kick off with a gala tomorrow evening at the Diamond Alumni Centre, which will be attended by SFU and FIC faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Fast Facts:

FIC opened its doors to 85 students in 2006 and its current enrollment comprises more than 2,500 students from over 60 countries. 

More than 1,300 former FIC Pathway students have earned SFU degrees and over 2,500 are currently enrolled at the University.

International students at SFU represent more than 17 per cent of its undergraduate enrollment. The average across Canada is 11 per cent, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education.

SFU is known for its commitment to internationalization as a means to increase intercultural understanding -- the school's motto challenges students, faculty and community members to "Engage the world." 

About Simon Fraser University:
As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university -- to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is Canada's leading comprehensive research university and is ranked one of the top universities in the world. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities -- Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey -- SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 35,000 students, and boasts more than 135,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.

About Fraser International College and Navitas 
Launched in 2006 as Canada's first Pathway program for international students, Fraser International College is located on the campus of Simon Fraser University. The program currently enrolls more than 2,500 students from over 60 countries. FIC was established by Navitas, a global higher education organization that has partnered with universities for over twenty years to increase international students' access to higher education and prepare them for future success. The Navitas & SFU collaboration supports the University's internationalization goals resulting in a stronger, more diverse international student population; improved academic outcomes; increased global profile for the institution; and sustainable revenue streams for reinvestment in key areas of the university.