Study
Abroad Seminar
24 June
25 | A Report
By Ms. Lekhaa
M. S
Writing
Intern, Office of International Programmes, MCC
On the
24th of June 2025, the
Office of the Dean of International Programmes hosted its first study abroad
seminar of the academic year. This seminar focused on higher studies in the USA
and South Korea.
The
resource people
for the programme were Dr. Sanjay Purushotham, India’s liaison, International
Affairs, Dallas Baptist University; Dr. Robert C. Williams, founder and
president of Pennsylvania Center for International Exchange and Partnership
(PCIEP); and Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas, teaching assistant, Office of
International Studies, Hoseo University.
The
Associate Dean
of International Programs (SFS), Dr. Millicent Serena, was the MC of the event.
The programme started formally, with an opening prayer by Associate Dean of
Internation Programs (Aided), Dr. Arun Kumar, followed by a warm welcome to the
visiting dignitaries by Dr. Serena. She then requested Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean
of International Programs, Madras Christian College, to address the gathering.
Dr. Rufus
talked about
the Office of International Programs, stating that it is connected with more
than 35 global institutions with similar values, in hopes to achieve global
competence.
The Office
offers study abroad programs, staff exchange programs, study abroad seminars,
VISA (Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad) programs, joint research
collaborations, etc.
Following
the Dean’s address,
interns of the Office introduced the speakers of the day and mementoes were
presented to the speakers to honour and felicitate them. Ms Andrea introduced
Dr. Sanjay Purushotham. Ms. Prisilla introduced Dr. Robert C. Williams and Dr.
Rufus presented a memento. Ms. Tejashree introduced Ms. Elka and Dr. Arun and
Dr. Serena proceeded to felicitate her.
“Do your
homework
before you decide where to study,” said Dr. Sanjay Purushotham, from Dallas
Baptist University. Dr. Sanjay was the first speaker of the day.
He spoke
about the importance of planning ahead and provided students a list of
questions that they should ask before choosing a university.
Some of the
questions he posed were about the location of the university, climate, cost of
living and crime rate around the university, as well as the age and ranking of
the university.
He declared
that “despite the turmoil and turbulence in the country, the US is still widely
chosen by students to pursue their higher education.” He provided a plan of
when each step in our admission and selection process should be completed, to
ensure a smooth and seamless experience.
He went on
to talk about the Dallas Baptist University, founded in 1898. The university
holds over 4500 students, 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 35 master’s degree
programs, and 2 doctoral programs.
The campus
is 15 minutes away from the Dallas airport and has a sprawling campus of 360
acres. It has been called one of the most beautiful and safest college campuses
in Texas. Over 2500 students live on campus in fully furnished, clean places –
dorms or apartments, according to their budget and need. Dr. Sanjay also talked
about the cost of studying in the US, mentioning the credit system and touching
on STEM and non-STEM programs.
The talk
ended with a video of the Dallas Baptist University campus, sprawling, lush,
and green, housing lakes, parks, coffee shops, and even a bike trail. A student
testimonial from Ivana mentioned the beautiful sunrise and sunset seen from the
campus.
Next, Ms.
Pearlina, who was fresh off the heels of her return from LeTourneau University,
Texas, addressed the gathering. A student of English Literature, she spent her
fourth semester abroad.
She talked
about some of the differences between the college system in the US and India,
especially the exam and homework system. She told the audience that she
experienced a personal transformation and formed bonds with people from all
around the world.
“Once you
have a dream or desire, pursue it. What would you do when you fall in love? –
Pursue it! It’s just like that,” declared Dr. William Roberts, father to four
daughters. “It all starts with a dream. Dreams manifest your next step.”
His
fascination with the US began at age 9, when he watched the first landing on
the moon. He began to wonder about the country and began to dream of going
there himself.
He talked to
the audience about the World Education Services (WES). He informed the audience
that some universities need transcripts to be assessed by the WES, to make sure
that students are eligible for the courses they apply for.
“Presidents
may come and go. The political climate may change. But, you need to pursue your
dream,” he said. “Keep your purpose in your heart and mind. Seek opportunities
and don’t be shy. Come out of your comfort zone and develop new skills.”
He told the
audience to take advantage of every offer that comes their way. He talked about
the graduate assistantship that offers tuition waivers and stipends. He ended
his talk with a small anecdote about a student that he sent to Madras Christian
College as part of the student exchange program.
This student
was once part of Dr. Serena’s class. Both had joy in their eyes as Dr. Robert
talked about this boy’s transformation.
“It will
chase you, don’t chase it,” said Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas. She spoke about her
experience and how she ended up in South Korea.
Ms. Elka is
an alumni of Madras Christian College. She worked in the Department of Commerce
and in the school of continuing education. She always planned to go abroad to
pursue her doctoral program.
Initially,
she intended to go to the US, after waiting for 2 years to be accepted in
Madras Christian College.
Her
application and admission in Hoseo University was very sudden and unexpected.
She made a quick decision to take the spot and hopped on a plane to South
Korea. She took a Korean language course to facilitate her integration into the
community. She worked as a teaching assistant while writing her thesis.
She said she
adjusted to society thanks to her social nature. She conversed very easily with
teachers and was never ashamed of who she was.
Once the
speakers of the day were done with their talks, the mic was passed around the
room, through the audience, allowing them to ask questions.
The program
ended with a group photo with the dignitaries and all the participants.
