Wednesday, June 25, 2025

VISA MEET | 13th Edition | A Report

VISA MEET | 13th Edition

A Report | 25th June 2025

Ms. Aleena Johnson

Intern, Office of the Dean of International Programmes

[The First VISA Meet of the New Academic Year]

On Wednesday, 25th of June 2025, the Office of the Dean of International Programmes hosted the 13th edition of the VISA MEET through Zoom platform.

The objective of the VISA Meets is to facilitate interactions between our present students and past students who are pursuing higher studies abroad or well placed in reputed corporate sectors /institutions abroad.

The resource person of the day was Ms. Priya Dharshini Augusthian who is pursuing her PhD with Dublin city University, Ireland, sponsored by the Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme.

The event was compered by Ms. Aakhila. The programme started formally, with the college prayer by Aleena Johnson, followed by a warm welcome address by Dean of the International Programmes, Dr. Rufus.

The Inaugural address was given by the principal, Dr. Paul Wilson. He emphasized on making our college to meet global standards in which the role of programmes like VISA programme are very much important.

Introduction to our distinguished speaker Ms. Priya Dharshini was given by Dr. Vijay Solomon, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Coordinator, MCC Research Colloquium.  Ms. Priya Dharshini had completed both her BSc and MSc from the Department of Chemistry, Madras Christian College. 

Ms. Priya Dharshini is pursuing her PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland sponsored by the Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme. She is also a member of the Centre for the advancement of STEM teaching and learning (CASTeL DCU). She shared her experiences of travelling from Chennai to Dublin coined has “My leaps into different unknowns”.

She emphasized on the importance of gathering all the experience that is available in MCC.

“Do not constrain yourself to one path.” She urged to try all the experience available in the college.

During her MCC life she almost participated in 11 academic conferences, almost 5 volunteering and service-learning programmes, 9 online and offline courses, 2 internships and lots more. She urged to grow skills and expand abilities.

She emphasized on following the guiding principles of the institution – Academic Excellence, Spiritual Vitality and Social Relevance. She concluded with a Bible Verse “Whatever your hand finds to do it, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

The Q & A session was coordinated by Dr. Vijay Solomon where Ms. Priya Dharshini clarified the doubts of the students regarding the study in Ireland and foreign scholarships.  Prof. Arun Kumar, Associate Dean of International Programmes, gave the announcements.

The meeting officially concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Millicent Serena, Associate Dean, International Programmes.  

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Study Abroad Seminar | A Report

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. 

Friday, June 6, 2025

Interactions with NTU Team (Cave Gareth) on Service Learning | A Report

Interactions with NTU Team (Cave Gareth) on Service Learning | A Report

6th June 2025  

MCC in collaboration with NTU has proposed to offer an online valueadded course titled Modern Day Materials.

This will be a sixhour program delivered over six weeks (1hour per week), designed for undergraduate chemistry students. [with equal representation from both NTU and MCC]

We hope to enroll 12 students from each institution, alongside one faculty member from eachideally Dr.Vijay Solomon from MCC, given the courses strong computational focus.

During the course, mixed student teams (2 from NTU + 2 from MCC) will prepare and deliver joint online presentations, which will be subsequently graded as well.

We intend to collaboratively design the course module, with a planned launch in August. It is an online course, and there is no registration fee for participants.

As part of the program, the NTU Team (12 students + faculty) will visit MCC in the following semester and we are looking forward to having a few MCC students through funding in NTU.

Additionally, the NTU team has requested access to the servicelearning program video, related photos, and published papers on the servicelearning initiative and other chemical education or teachinglearning methods so that they can be shared with NTU students to get their attention.

I would like to formally request the sharing of those materials.

Furthermore, we wish to nominate Dr. Vijay Solomon as the official point of contact to coordinate with NTU faculty and ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.

Interactions with Dr. Ruth Kattumuri | A Report

 6th June 2025 | International Guest House











Thursday, June 5, 2025

Interactions with University of Liverpool (Dept of Music)

Interactions with University of Liverpool, UK (Dept of Music)

A Report

5th June 2025

The meeting with the University of Liverpool - Dept of Music (PGT Programmes), started at 2.30 pm today.

Dr. Daniel Evans, Dr. Belinda and Dr. Rufus represented MCC.

Dr. Daniel presented the music scenario in MCC, and pitched for various avenues in which both institutions can collaborate.

Dr. Lee, representing the University of Liverpool, and his colleagues, pitched their various offerings for MCC.

It was decided that, Dr. Lee will draft an MoU in this regard, and Dr. Daniel will also keep them posted.








Report on Zoom Meet (second round) with Ben-Gurion University, Israel

Report on Zoom Meet (second round) with Ben-Gurion University, Israel

5th June 2025 | 11.30 am

The second round of discussions with Ben-Gurion University started at 11.30 am today. The MCC team was represented by our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson.

1. A one-credit skill-development programme of 30-hours duration on hydroinformatics was envisaged.

2. It was proposed that, students from BGU can come to MCC to do their research projects, and vice versa, to get to know the laboratories, the environment, etc.

3. It was suggested that MCC Meston School of Teaching and Learning co-create a curriculum with BGU – that will appeal to the faculty from across India, for a one-year PG Diploma programme on Educational Management and Leadership.

4. It was decided that the MoU draft be analysed and sent back to BGU for prospective signing.

Dr. Belinda also introduced the Service Learning Programmes and the International Interdisciplinary Internships that we offer in MCC, and welcomed students from BGU for such immersion programmes.

Dr. Subaniya presented on the various activities of MCC-Meston Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Principal Dr. Wilson suggested that, we invite the director of BTSB for the next meeting with BGU.

The meeting ended at 12.30 pm.

Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of International Programmes coordinated the meeting.