Coastal Carolina University has established the Global Achievement Pathway (GAP) program, which is designed to serve international students and support the continued internationalization of its campus. The program provides the opportunity for international students to begin their path to a U.S. college degree through immersive English and cultural engagement programming while transitioning into an American university environment.

According to a 2020 Institute of International Education Open Doors report, South Carolina ranked 33 in the U.S. with 6,493 international students, which was a 7.1 percent increase over 2019. Those students contributed nearly $2 million to the state's economy. CCU has the third largest number of international students in the Palmetto State, with more than 200 students from 56 countries. It has student exchange programs with partners in 20 locations worldwide.

"We are pleased to be able to serve this need in our area," said Leisha B. DeRiso, CCU's director of international recruitment and admissions. "The Global Achievement Pathway program provides international students with the opportunity to get specialized English support while transitioning into their college courses, giving them the foundation needed to be most successful. Like the Bridge Program with Horry-Georgetown Technical College and our other transfer options, this is another way CCU is fulfilling its commitment to diversity by providing the best education pathways possible for all students."

CCU's GAP program was developed to support students who are working to complete English proficiency to advance their academic career. International students who fall within certain English proficiency guidelines will be admitted into one of two levels at CCU: TEAL (introductory) or COASTAL (intermediate). In both levels, students will get English language support and earn credits toward a bachelor's degree in their chosen program from the first day of classes. Depending on a student's level of English proficiency, either one or two semesters will be spent in the GAP program before entering CCU courses full-time.

"This program will not only offer exceptional cultural engagement opportunities for students in the GAP program, but will further enhance the diversity of students on our campus as a part of the University's strategic plan," said Darla Domke-Damonte, CCU's associate provost for global initiatives.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world's largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, released data in November 2019 showing more than 1 million international students at U.S. colleges and universities contributed nearly $41 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 458,290 jobs during the 2018-2019 academic year.