UC offers scholarships to countries in South Asia

By Cassandra Mascarenhas

Furthering overseas education prospects for students in the South Asian region, the University of Cincinnati recently introduced an experimental scholarship scheme in Sri Lanka, India and Nepal, offering an annual grant of $12,000 which amounts to a 50 per cent tuition waiver on selected disciplines.

The list of programmes which a student can pursue in order to be eligible for the scholarship include information technology, sport administration, business economics, information systems, chemistry, physics, mathematics, urban planning, urban studies, art history, fine arts, fashion design, architecture, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering technology.

University placement advisors Scholarships for USA (Pvt) Ltd. who have formulated close ties with the University of Cincinnati – having sent several students from Sri Lanka to the prestigious establishment – are now looking to help more Sri Lankan students make the most of this opportunity.

Minimum requirements entail students submitting their official O Level scores, A/AS Level scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores along with an online application for admission and application fee. However, the minimum requirements will depend on the specific programme that the student is interested in.  Generally they will need about a 6.0 on the IELTS or 79 on TOEFL. Students should also take the Math Placement test or SAT exam in order to be considered for scholarships. Furthermore, those hoping to be eligible for the scholarship will need to have high results on the Advanced Level subjects (between A-C) in order to be admitted.

A Sri Lankan student who was accepted into the University of Cincinnati with the assistance of Scholarships for USA over two years ago, Joanna Lindamulage explained how studying in the US has opened up new avenues for her.  After completing her high school education in 2007 at Devi Balika and Bishops College respectively, she joined ANC in order to major in chemical engineering after which she decided to complete her degree in the US.

“I chose the University of Cincinnati mainly because of their Cooperative Education programme which allows you to study and obtain hand-on work experience as well.  My dad is an engineer too and he told me that I could get a degree from any school but not the degree plus the working experience which is important as an engineer and so I applied to UC in 2009,” she explained.

“It’s been challenging! First because of the language and culture and I didn’t know anything there and I didn’t know anybody but there were lots of other Sri Lankans who helped me out and they are still helping me. UC is a big university but my experience has been positive – I really like it and it was challenging but definitely paid off in the end. At first it was a bit of a culture shock and even now I wouldn’t say that I blend into the culture but I’m living my own life in my own way.”

Joanna went on to say that studies at UC are very similar to what she followed at ANC, not the subject material but the way of studying which consists of quizzes every week, assignments and a mid-term exam and then a final exam; a structure similar to ANC but added that the material is way more challenging. She also felt that without the help of other students she wouldn’t have been able to succeed.

“The co-op programme works like this: I study for three months and then I go for co-op for three months and in this programme I work as a chemical engineer. I really like it although again it was challenging because I didn’t know anything as an engineer but they were really nice and I learned a lot and am still learning a lot. It is a big plant so I am engaged in different work every time I return and I actually worked as an actual engineer – real hands-on experience,” Joanna described. “I have been at UC for two and a half years and I have two more years to complete with co-op and studies. They have already offered me a fulltime job when I graduate and have told me I can choose the plant at which I can work but I haven’t decided yet as to what I’m going to do.”

When hearing about her success at UC it is hard to believe that she initially harboured doubts about choosing to study in the States; however this was the case as she knew that UC was an expensive school and when she was back in Sri Lanka, she could not imagine how she could afford that much, confused about if she would be able to earn that much after she graduated and if it was actually an investment or a waste.

She soon found out that her doubts were unnecessary as with the money she earned from my co-op, she was able to pay for her tuition, housing, food, insurance and car all on her own and after her first year of university, Joanne was completely financially independent.

“To anybody who would consider coming here, what I can say is yes, it’s a big challenge but it is the most amazing opportunity of your life.  You don’t have to be the richest or the smartest to win that challenge but be the most courageous and never give up.  You will not be alone. There are many people in Sri Lanka who can help you apply and get top scholarships and there are many friendly people at UC that will help you,” she stated encouragingly.