UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY

IAA facilitates university program partnerships for international students to pursue undergraduate study at both their home university and an American university.

The pathway is an educational road map designed for students who wish to pursue an American bachelor degree efficiently and affordably. Students completing the program will have the following distinctive benefits:

  • Linguistic and Academic Readiness: Our Academic English Program, taught by native speakers, focuses on students’ ability to produce proficient English language communication. This is of primary importance not only for high academic performance, but also for success in acculturation to the entire academic community.
  • Solid Course Content Foundation: The pathway courses are taught by qualified international faculty, bringing high-quality U.S. college coursework directly to program participants.
  • Course credit/Waiver: College courses in general education offer opportunities for credit transfer and/or waiver of requirements  
  • No loss of Credit: The pathway 2+2 program has been mapped by the partner universities. Program coursework completed are transferable to the American university with no loss of credit.

Pathway 2 + 2

The IAA American Degree Pathway is a 2-year program of study of intensive Academic English and approximately 20 articulated courses taken at the Chinese University, translating to approximately 60 credits or up to 2 years of transferable credits to the IAA Partner American University.  The purpose of the Pathway is to prepare Chinese students for preferred admission to competitive American universities, as well as a direct pathway with transferable coursework to IAA’s partnered American universities.

The Pathway curriculum includes a 4-course sequence in the IAA Academic English Program, which is designed to prepare students for university level analytical and research writing; critical inquiry; and English proficiency skills necessary for American university academic work in all fields of study.

Under articulation arrangements with the IAA Partner American University, students will transfer directly into a field of specialization with at the IAA Partner American University, thus enabling students to meet all requirements needed for award of a US Bachelor’s degree in 4 academic years of study: 2 years of study in China and 2 years of study in the US.

Year 1 & 2

Year 1 and Year 2 In China:

The IAA 2+2 American Degree Pathway is comprised of:

  1. Academic English Skills: 0 credit (240 hours)
  2. Liberal Arts and Science: 36 credits
  3. Major courses: 24 credits
  4. Test Prep: 0 credit (120 hours)

Total: Up to 60 credits are transferable to the IAA Partnered American University

Year 3 & 4

Year 3 and Year 4 In US:

Students will complete all remaining credit and major requirements of bachelor’s degrees in the campus of the American University. Student will take:

  1. 30 – 42 credits in Major studies
  2. 18 – 24 graduation or Minor graduation credits

Partner School FAQ

IAA will review the current curriculum of the partner Chinese university to develop a “Program Curriculum Study Plan” together with an articulation table for course recognition and transfer to the American Universities. 

IAA will liaise with partner Chinese university on matters relating to the proper conduct of the Programs, including but not limited to the assessment and selection of students, Pathway promotion, academic oversight, and instructor training.

The Academic Governance Committee comprising of both Chinese university and IAA personnel will meet at least twice per semester to discuss academic matters and implement policies for effective teaching and management. IAA will arrange for visits by American Universities’ faculty and administrators to observe and evaluate the instruction of the Program courses at the partner Chinese university.  

Academic Support: Chinese university will monitor student progress and offer counselling and tutoring, if needed.  IAA will help establish the Academic Support Center on the facilities of the Chinese university.

Learning Management System: IAA will provide the eLnet access to each student and faculty member for the purpose of enhance students’ learning experience, making course evaluation and conducting academic oversight. In the event that the Chinese university is unable to fine suitably qualified foreign faculty, they may use the IAA online courses conducted via video conferencing.