The University of Illinois-Chicago and University of the Pacific in California have each entered into agreements with the company, which will provide undergraduate and graduate first-year students with English training as well as student recruitment and enrolment management services.

University of the Pacific expects the initiative will bring international student numbers up to between 14% and 17%

Writing in a blog post last month, Pamela Eibeck, president at University of the Pacific, California’s oldest university, said the partnership with Shorelight will “create a more global, diverse community, advance Pacific’s mission and elevate the university’s reputation worldwide”.

The university expects the initiative will bring international student numbers up to between 14% and 17% “in line with our peer institutions”, said Eibeck.

Similarly, Michael Amiridis, chancellor of UIC, said the partnership with Shorelight will expand the university’s support for first-year international students.

“Our collaboration with Shorelight through UIC International deepens our investment in the international community and provides new and innovative ways to give students the chance to study, work and grow with classmates who will broaden each other’s perspectives and worldview,” he said.

Both institutions expect to welcome students in spring of next year. Students will enter full-time degree courses at each institution upon completion of the IAP and meeting admission progression standards.

The new partnerships bring Shorelight’s portfolio total number of recruitment partners in the US to 10.