History and Tradition Alabama State University

Alabama State University’s 142-year history is a legacy of perseverance, progress and promise. The ASU movement began with the impetus to establish a school for black Alabamians. The Civil War resulted in not only the end of slavery, but also in the opportunity for blacks to have the right to education. With the Northern victory, black Southerners, with the assistance of Northern white missionaries and the leaders of African-American churches, set out to establish educational institutions for the freedmen. ASU was born in that movement.

ASU is the global entity it is today because of the fortitude of nine freed slaves from Marion, Ala., who sought to build a school for African-Americans previously denied the right to an education. The foresight of these men, now remembered as the “Marion Nine,” created what is now known as Alabama State University.

The Marion Nine included Joey P. Pinch, Thomas Speed, Nicholas Dale, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris and Alexander H. Curtis. These co-founders and original trustees, with assistance from Marion community members, raised $500 for land, and on July 18, 1887, filed incorporation papers to establish the Lincoln Normal School at Marion.

The Lincoln School opened its doors on November 13, 1867, with 113 students. In 1873, this predecessor of Alabama State University became the nation’s first state-sponsored liberal arts institution for the higher education of blacks, beginning ASU’s rich history as a “Teacher’s College.”

Studying in Britain

Coming to Britain offers a unique opportunity not only to enjoy the wealth of cultural experiences Britain has to offer, but also to benefit from being in a country which many consider to be the 'home' of the English language. Learning or improving their English is one of the aims of many visitors to Britain. But where do you start looking for a school or teacher you can rely on? The British Council, together with ARELS (the Association of Recognized English Language Services) and BASELT (the British Association of State English Language Teaching) runs the 'English in Britain' Accreditation Scheme for centers running English language courses. Accredited centers may be private language schools, or EFL (English as a foreign language) departments in colleges of further education or universities.

'English in Britain' accreditation, as well as membership of ARELS or BASELT, offers you a guarantee that a centre meets quality standards. The British Council inspects all accredited centers every three years and, of course, they have to pass a tough initial inspection to join the Scheme.

When we inspect, we look carefully at those aspects of a centre which make a difference to their clients. We check that their publicity materials accurately reflect the reality of the centre. Inspectors check that student satisfaction is monitored and any problems are dealt with efficiently, that the premises are safe and suited to teaching, that the resources (from worksheets to computers) aren't just for show but really help you learn and that the teachers are properly qualified. Most importantly, our inspectors sit in on all the classes taking place during an inspection to make sure that the teaching is really helping the students learn.

If you're thinking of sending a young member of your family to learn English, then accreditation becomes even more important. Language schools often offer excellent courses for 'juniors' which combine a fun holiday with learning English. However, they are not normally routinely inspected by any other body apart from the British Council. Our inspectors take the care and teaching of juniors very seriously, particularly when they are staying in the school's residential or home stay accommodation. We check that the homes they stay in are suitable, that they are properly supervised at all times and that people who shouldn't work with children don't have access to them. We also check that the teachers are appropriately qualified and that the way that younger students are being taught, and the leisure activities provided, is suitable for their age group.

There are a number of resources available to help you find the course you want. A guide listing all the accredited centers, the 'English in Britain' Guide to Accredited Courses is available at British Council offices overseas and in the UK, as are the guides listing members of ARELS and BASELT, all of whom are accredited. The 2000 English in Britain Guide, available from September 1999, comes with a free CD-ROM which will help you choose an accredited course which meets your needs exactly. There are around 380 accredited EFL centers at the moment, so before you look at these resources, it will help if you have some idea of what you want. I

Study The United Kingdom

Britain's universities and colleges have long been a magnet for overseas students. From the top research universities, to colleges which pioneer the latest developments in vocational study, the United Kingdom educates under-graduates and post-graduates to world class standards.

International students coming to Britain experience a lively, demanding, world-beating education in an exciting and stimulating environment, which benefits both their careers and their personal development. They in turn contribute to the richness and diversity of intellectual and cultural life in our universities and colleges.

Guaranteed Quality

Britain's world-wide reputation for quality in education and training is well-deserved and hard-earned. UK quality standards are backed up by a rigorous and independent assessment system, so that students can be certain their vocational, undergraduate, or postgraduate qualification is officially approved and enjoys wide international recognition.
A Range of Education and Training Possibilities
One of the strengths of the British education system is its flexibility. To provide for the many different needs of a complex modern society, British education offers a range of possible routes. Here are just three:

* Students wanting a predominantly academic education may choose to follow an undergraduate degree course with the possibility of going on to postgraduate studies or research. The standard entrance qualification for university is normally three A-levels or the equivalent, such as advanced GNVQs. As an alternative to A-levels, some colleges offer access, foundation or bridging courses, which involve a range of subjects within a broad specialism, sometimes with the guarantee of a university place on completion. An English language element is often included.

* Students wanting a more vocational education can combine their training with job-related skills development.

* Combining vocational education with academic study, and gain skills in broad occupational areas, together with an academic content that is accepted as entry to a degree course.