ACT Goes Global
with International Subsidiary

When fully realized, the new company will have two subsidiaries, the first of which—ACT Education Solutions, Limited—focuses primarily on the needs of educational institutions. The second, as yet to be incorporated, will serve primarily employers.

ACT Education Solutions, Limited, is incorporated in Hong Kong. Initially, its focus is on helping international students whose first language is not English prepare for study at English-speaking universities. To that end, ACT Education Solutions, Limited, has acquired the assets of Australia-based Campus Group International Education Services, Inc. (CGIES). That company's premier program is a nine-month university preparation program, taught and evaluated in English, that leads to the award of the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC). The GAC program provides international students with the skills that they need to enroll in and succeed at English-speaking colleges and universities. As part of the program, all students take the ACT Assessment. The GAC is offered in 11 countries. GAC graduates are eligible to study at participating universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Participating institutions have access to a website that permits direct communication with students who have completed the GAC program. Students, in turn, have the opportunity to communicate directly with participating universities about study opportunities.

ACT Education Solutions, Limited, also offers an English language preparation program, which is designed to equip non-English speakers with the language skills required to enter the GAC program, and a Global Graduate Preparation Program (GGPP-MBA), which is designed for students preparing for MBA studies in the United States. The business-oriented subsidiary initially is focused on helping employers in non-English speaking countries identify and eliminate the gaps in their employees' English skills. A new assessment system called English WorkKeys has been developed and marketed in Europe. ACT expects English WorkKeys to be a valuable tool for employers around the world.

“We are enthusiastic about our new initiatives,” said Richard L. Ferguson, ACT chief executive officer and chairman. “Our creation of this new international company and its subsidiaries is a bold step aimed at fulfilling our corporate mission by serving students and institutions worldwide.”