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In late October 2023, Dr. Changhua S. Rich, Senior Program Director, International of ACT and Chair of Asia Association of Test Publishers (A-ATP), led several of our ACT Education Solutions (AES) colleagues based in Asia to Sanya, China where they all participated in the 2023 A-ATP Annual Conference, organized by A-ATP. The AES team consisted of Susan Xu, Corporate Director (Asia), Shelly Bai, Regional Director (China), Christine Hoe, Regional Director (Southeast Asia), Karen Qi, Head of Business Development, and Echo Tang, Regional Account Manager. This year, the conference's theme, Stepping into the Future: The Next Growth of Asian Testing and Education, brought together experts in the education technology and examination sector.
ATP is a non-profit trade association representing a wide range of testing organizations in education, certification, IT, psychological testing as well as employment testing. ACT has been a member of ATP in the past decades.
ATP includes regional divisions in Europe, Asia, India, Middle East, and North America. ATP has international recognition and great respect from the global and regional testing community. Asia ATP (A-ATP) has members from China, Korea, Japan, Asia Pacific, and global testing organizations such as ACT, Pearson, Prometric, and Hogan Assessment System.
This year, A-ATP held the 2023 A-ATP Annual Conference in Sanya, Hainan, China. Around 200 participants from 10 countries attended this conference where industry thought leaders from 7 countries gave presentations.
A video recap of A-ATP can be found here.
ACT Education Solutions (AES) and The East Java Provincial Board of Muhammadiyah (PWM) Primary & Secondary Education of Muhammadiyah Department celebrate our 10th anniversary of partnership on January 6, 2024.
In 2013, the ACT English Proficiency Program (EPP) was implemented in 4 junior high schools. This partnership led to the creation of Muhammadiyah International Language Development, which was known as MILD Program and was re-branded to M-ICO (Muhammadiyah International Class Orientation) in 2019.
Dr. Arba'iyah Yusuf, M.A (Head of Primary & Secondary Education of Muhammadiyah Department – East Java) said in August 2021, "one of PWM’s goals is global citizenship education. Hopefully, in the future, our ACT EPP students will become a generation that is smart and strong, like the future leaders of Indonesia and the world."
Additionally, Prof. Achmad Jainuri, MA, Ph.D (Deputy of PWM) said, “international curriculum does not involve only the mastery of English language; there are also universal values that can be embraced, especially attitudes in everyday life. I do hope that there are more benefits gained for schools joining the ACT EPP program.”
Not only do students thrive in the ACT EPP program, but so do the teachers, as AES has provided continuous academic support through teacher training and classroom observations ranging from objectively grading to inquiry-based learning.
On July 25th, 2023, Andrew Taylor, ACT’s Vice President of Product, visited PWM, and he was welcomed by all M-ICO school principals, EPP coordinators, and teachers. Taylor added, "we have enjoyed more than 8 years of long-standing friendship with each other. This renewal agreement commits us to work together more closely towards our common goal, the pursuit of the internationalization of education.”
The ACT English Proficiency Program has had a positive impact on most M-ICO students, especially in the field of linguistics, to prepare students to compete at both national and international levels (Global Insight). For this reason, schools receive guidance and assistance from the M-ICO team and also from AES.
M-ICO is a concrete manifestation of Muhammadiyah Education's internationalization strategy which was launched by the Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP). Therefore, the M-ICO Program is expected to be the best choice and a superior program for Muhammadiyah schools in East Java.
Ms. Yenny Lajanto
- Principal of Teach Indonesia School (TIS)
"Teach Indonesia School (TIS) adopted the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program for the high school program in 2017. The implementation of the GAC program has been quite a journey, building the academic and personal growth of its students.
The GAC program with multiple subjects transcended conventional boundaries, offering a comprehensive spectrum of learnings. It encourages us to explore beyond our comfort zones, diving into disciplines such as English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Computing. This exposure not only expands knowledge but also develops critical thinking abilities, enabling students and teachers to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple perspectives – a skill that is invaluable in today's complex world.
One of the most significant impacts the GAC program bestowed upon us was the cultivation of robust study skills and effective learning habits. Through the assessments, students learned the art of time management, effective study planning, and efficient study methodologies. Its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on independent learning served as a springboard for students' transition into university life. The program's focus on research, essay writing, and presentation skills equipped us with a solid foundation, making the leap to university smoother and more manageable. The GAC program definitely prepares students for higher education.
In addition, the GAC program also encourages growth in leadership skills, teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability through engaging projects and activities. These experiences certainly enrich the students’ academic journey and prepare them for the challenges of the professional world.
Many TIS students are accepted into universities with scholarships and commending praise. TIS Alumni also shared how the valuable learning and experiences gained as they study at the university level greatly benefited them and enabled them to be competent academically and non-academically.
The journey takes hard work and perseverance to develop, yet the school is grateful for the opportunities it provides and the foundation it laid for our endeavors. The program's approach has been instrumental in shaping us and equipping us to build and empower the next generation with well-rounded quality. Thank you, GAC!"
- Ms. Yenny Lajanto
Ana Papic
- GAC Director of Studies & Teacher of Study Skills for Independent Learning
- Dongguan Hanlin Experimental School
"I am from Croatia and have been in education for 20 years. I joined the GAC team at Dongguan Hanlin Experimental School in early 2022.
I perceive the GAC program as an invaluable pathway, a stepping stone that guides our students towards a future of living and studying abroad. The GAC program is not just a curriculum; it’s a journey that equips our students with essential tools for success in their future universities. The program fosters independence, hones critical thinking, academic writing and computer literacy, while refining life skills such as public speaking, effective communication, planning and time management.
As educators, we understand the importance of preparing our students not just academically, but also emotionally and practically. The program serves as a compass for their future university experience. It provides them with a clear understanding of what lies ahead, and this is its true value.
My team and I strive to provide our students with maximum academic and emotional support thus giving them a greater fighting chance and providing them with the necessary tools to navigate an international landscape.
I truly love the fact that we are helping them open the doors to limitless possibilities."
- Ana Papic
Nellie Enriquez Zinser
- High School Principal & Director of Studies for GAC
- Torreblanca
"I have been working with GAC as Director of Studies for the past 11 years, I have witnessed how our students acquire several abilities that make their university studies much easier and get incredible results.
Every year we receive a report from our partner university (Universidad Panamericana) about our students' performance, and every year we get excellent feedback about their academic achievements, how committed they are regarding their studies, and the quality of their work. Our students stand out from the crowd!
It is also visible how all the abilities they are developing during their years as GAC students are reflected in all their subjects, not only in GAC classes.
We are convinced that this certification gives a jump start to our students for their university study and their future."
- Nellie Enriquez Zinser
José Miguel Rubio Merlo
- Student at Colegio Euro Texcoco, Mexico
"Studying the GAC program has been an emotional rollercoaster that has undoubtedly helped me grow as a person while bettering my abilities in multiple fields. My generation was the second one to have this program within the high school, so everyone was rather new to how it worked. Thus we faced many challenges that had us constantly improving our academic abilities in ways we’d never imagined. I cannot deny that GAC has taught me and my classmates a plethora of useful things that we will never forget, and, in fact, we will keep using for the rest of our lives.
GAC is a great program that prepares you for college academic life, teaching you many things outside of the common high school curriculum. Even if it sometimes gets too difficult or too stressful, you will always have your teachers and your friends by your side to help you overcome any problem.
It sure has been a journey of learning and self-discovery, that might be what this is all about."
- José Miguel Rubio Merlo
| Name | City |
|---|---|
| Daystar Academy | Beijing |
RMIT University
As a global university of technology, design, and enterprise, RMIT University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational courses that are global in focus and practical in application. RMIT is a dual–sector university offering recognized pathway options that allow students to study vocational courses that lead on to undergraduate study. RMIT has the No. 1 graduate employment rate in Australia as per QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Bachelor Degree Programs
RMIT offers a wide range of bachelor, associate, and honours degrees in about 18 study areas such as Architecture, Design, Information Technology, Business, Engineering, Science, etc., which are offered across 4 academic colleges and 16 academic schools. RMIT courses are designed alongside industry to equip students with practical skills and professional knowledge to succeed in their future careers. For a complete list of RMIT undergraduate programs, please visit the following site.
Academic Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of ≥2.6
Please note some programs require a higher Cumulative GPA. Once you have found the academic entry requirement for your preferred RMIT program, the equivalent GAC score can be found here.
Minimum English Proficiency
- TOEFL (iBT) 79
- Minimum score of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5
- No band less than 6.0
Some programs will require higher English requirements. GAC students are required to meet the standard English requirements by providing the results of an RMIT University recognized English profinciency test. More details can be found here.