Travelling the Road Not Taken: Dr. CP Anand's Academic Journey in Finland

VISA Report | Episode # 27

Report by: Ms. Meera Hari

Intern, Office of International Programmes

Speaker: Dr CP Anand, Finland

Photos: Dr. Vijay Solomon, Ms. Meera, Dr. Rufus

“The Road Not Taken” was the subtle yet powerful message with which Dr CP Anand began his talk at the 27th edition and the first VISA session of this academic year. Dr Anand completed his B.Sc. Chemistry at Madras Christian College (2015-2018), went on to pursue his M.Sc. in Chemistry at University of Eastern Finland, and recently earned his Ph.D. in Physics from University of Oulu.

On 1 July 2026, the session was held via Zoom and commenced with an introduction by the master of ceremony, Ms Meera Hari, followed by the college prayer by Ms Yogitha, interns at the Office of International Programmes.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, who warmly welcomed everyone and spoke about the programmes offered by the IP Office.

The first VISA programme of this academic year was inaugurated by our respected Principal and Secretary, Dr Paul Wilson, who recalled encouraging the guest speaker in his academic ventures abroad and gave an overview of MCC & its legacy in sending students overseas for higher education.

Dr Vijay Solomon, Associate Dean of R&D and Coordinator of the MCC Research Colloquium, introduced the guest speaker of the session.

Dr CP Anand began by speaking about Finland’s commendable education system and his eye-opening experiences there. He highlighted various funding opportunities available for students wishing to pursue higher education abroad, mentioning several useful portals. He also explained how work-visa policies, taxation, and social benefits make Finland an ideal destination in Europe, while briefly sharing insights from his eight-year academic journey in Finland.

He spoke about life at Madras Christian College as a defining chapter of his journey, where he developed valuable skills as a resident of Bishop Heber Hall. These experiences paved the way for him to become part of a debate society in Finland, following which he participated in an international debate competition in Paris.

Pursuing B.Sc. Chemistry at Madras Christian College broadened his academic horizons. He also shared how the NIUS Programme introduced him to the field of computational research in Mumbai before he continued the rest of his academic journey in Finland.

He further spoke about his experience of applying to universities abroad and encouraged students to embrace the joy of travelling and discovering their true passions.

He concluded his session with the quote –

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one”.

Dr CP Anand then answered questions from the participants, moderated by Dr Vijay Solomon. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Meera Hari.

Dr Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, formally brought the session to a close.

VISA Episode # 23 | A Report

 

VISA – Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad

23rd Edition Report

Date:10 September 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Organised by: Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College

 The 23rd edition of the VISA Programme was conducted on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 by the Office of International Programmes in collaboration with the Department of Botany. The session aimed to provide guidance and motivation for students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad by sharing the academic journey and personal experiences of distinguished alumni.

 The programme commenced with a welcome note by the MC, Ms. Aleena Johnson, followed by the college prayer. Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, delivered the welcome address, appreciating the value of alumni mentorship in guiding students towards international academic opportunities.

 The guest speaker of the session was Ms. Sreeranjini Rameshkumar, an alumna of the Department of Botany who completed her B.Sc. (2019–2022) at MCC and is presently pursuing her Master’s in Plant Sciences at the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms Universität Bonn, Germany. In her talk, Ms. Sreeranjini expressed her gratitude to MCC for providing her with a strong academic foundation and for the encouragement received from her professors to explore higher education abroad. She began with an interest in Biotechnology, which later evolved into a passion for Molecular Plant Sciences, and explained how she carefully shortlisted universities in Germany and Italy based on academic requirements. She elaborated on the preparation process, which included taking IELTS, enrolling in online courses, completing a five-month research project, and learning basic German, all of which equipped her with valuable skills and confidence.

 The speaker emphasized the importance of early planning, consistent skill development, and proactive learning through internships and projects. She highlighted thriving research areas in Botany such as molecular genetics, systematics, and plant biotechnology, encouraging students to pursue opportunities in these emerging fields. Following her address, an interactive Q&A session was conducted where Ms. Sreeranjini responded with patience and clarity to the queries posed by students.

 The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Prisella. Associate Dean, Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, then shared formal announcements regarding upcoming events. With this, the programme came to a close.

VISA Episode # 22 | A Report

 VISA – Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad

22nd Edition Report

Date: 3rd September 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Organised by: Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College

 The 22nd edition of the Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad (VISA) series, organised by the Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College, was held on the 3rd of September 2025, at 7:00 PM IST

 The session started with the college prayer led by Ms. Shrestha, Intern at the Office of International Programmes, MCC. This was followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes. The MC of the event was Mr. Vishal, intern at the office of international programmes, introduced the speakers Ms. Pearlina Gracelyn, III BA English (Aided) MCC and Ms. Kuheli Ojha, III BSc Mathematics (Aided) MCC.

 Ms. Pearlina shared her experience of participating in a one- semester abroad program at LeTourneau University, Texas, USA. She highlighted the distinctive academic culture, the nature of the assignments she was required to complete, and the comparatively infrequent examinations. She also spoke about the numerous events held on and off campus, as well as the friendships she was able to form during her stay.

 Ms. Kuheli shared her summer internship experience at Colorado State University, Colorado, USA. She spoke about the guidance she received from her mentor, the manner in which the internship progressed, and the various skills she was able to acquire during the program.

 This session was followed by a Q/A and ended with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Shrestha.

VISA Episode # 21 | A Report

 VISA – Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad

21st Edition Report

Date: 28th August 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Organised by: Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College

 The 21st edition of the Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad (VISA) series, organised by the Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College, was held on the 28th of August 2025, at 7:00 PM IST.

 The session started with the college prayer led by the MC Ms. Aleena Johnson, Intern at the Office of International Programmes, MCC. This was followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes. The speaker was then introduced by Ms. Aleena.

 The guest speaker of the event was Mr. Pankaj Menon. He is a fact-checker from Delhi who specialises in "digital sleuthing" to debunk misinformation. He holds an MA in International Relations from Madras University and a BA in Journalism from MCC. He has previously worked with prominent Indian media organisations such as NDTV, Times Now, and Deccan Chronicle. Menon is currently a doctoral student at the University of Birmingham, UK.

 In his address, The speaker emphasized the profound significance of cultivating genuine interest as the foundation for pursuing education abroad. He highlighted that clarity of purpose is essential, urging students to reflect deeply on why they aspire to undertake international studies. Beyond ambition, he stressed the indispensable role of proper mentorship and guidance in navigating the complexities of academic pathways overseas. The discourse underscored that informed decision-making is not merely desirable but vital to achieving meaningful outcomes. Furthermore, he shed light on the financial responsibilities associated with studying abroad, reminding students that aspirations must be paired with pragmatic planning. He accentuated the necessity of financial preparedness as a critical pillar of sustaining education in foreign lands. Ultimately, the address conveyed that passion, purpose, guidance, and fiscal prudence together form the true compass for a successful academic journey abroad.

 The event was then followed with a Q/A session and ended with vote of thanks presented to the speaker, organisers, and the audience by Ms.Aleena.

VISA Episode # 20 | A Report

VISA – Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad

20th Edition Report

Date: 21st August 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Organised by: Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College

 The 20th edition of the Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad (VISA) series, organised by the Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College, was held on the 21st of August 2025, at 7:00 PM IST.

 The session started with the college prayer led by the MC, Ms. Shrestha, Intern at the Office of International Programmes, MCC. This was followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes. The speaker was introduced by Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of International Programmes (Aided).

 The guest speaker of the event was Mr. Darshan S. N., who just graduated with a Master’s in Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries from the University of Plymouth, UK. He is an alumnus of the Department of Zoology (Vocational), Madras Christian College (Batch of 2016–2019).

 In his address, Mr. Darshan reflected on the influence of Madras Christian College on his academic and personal journey, citing his active participation in academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular engagements. He also shared his entrepreneurial initiative in customised string art, which led to a collaboration with Funskool.

The speaker then outlined the significance of his gap year (2022–2023), during which he combined his academic foundation, got laboratory and soft skills, and explored aquaculture specialisations. He went ahead to describe the process of applying for a UK student visa and his subsequent enrolment in the MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries programme at the University of Plymouth. His research focused on genotoxicity in Rainbow trout gut cell lines.

The session further included his professional placement at Landcatch Natural Selection Ltd, a salmon hatchery, his eventual transition to full- time employment and a recent promotion was shared.

The presentation was followed by a Question-and-Answer session, during which the speaker responded to queries about using Artificial Intelligence efficiently in his assignments, the value of his gap year, and comparative aquaculture practices between India and the UK. He also addressed challenges faced as a postgraduate scholar abroad and shared approaches for adaptation.

 The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the MC, Ms. Shrestha.

VISA Episode # 18 | A Report

VISA Report

Episode # 18

Report by: Ms. Lekhaa, M. S

Intern, Office of International Programmes

Speaker: Ms. Jeslyn from Melbourne, Australia

On the 30th of July 2025, at 7 p.m., the office of the Dean of International Programs hosted episode 18 of the Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad (VISA) program.

The speaker for the day was Ms. Jeslyn Jayaseelan, a student at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, pursuing her masters in Marketing. She is an alumnus of the Department of Commerce, Madras Christian College. 

The EmCee for the day was Ms. Lekhaa, an intern with the office of International Programs. The program began with an opening prayer by Prof. Arun Kumar, Associate Dean of International Programs (Aided). Then, Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programs, delivered a welcome address. 

Ms. Lekhaa introduced the chief guest, Ms. Jeslyn, and handed the floor over to her. 

Ms. Jeslyn started by introducing herself and quickly mentioned what she would be talking about. 

Her journey to Australia started with her talking to her parents about finances. She considered three countries for her higher studies - US, Australia, and Ireland.

She knew she wanted to study Marketing and chose her country accordingly. She checked various factors before choosing her university - climate, Indian community, finance, and safety. 

Ms. Jeslyn applied to five colleges, but ended up selecting RMIT, because it had a good curriculum and it was situated in a good place.

She then ran through her application process, highlighting the documents she needed to submit. She also talked about an ‘autogrant VISA,’ which is a type of VISA approval in Australia where the VISA is immediately approved if all the documents are in order. 

Further, she spoke about her first days in the country, the troubles she faced, and provided strategies for new students to avoid those problems. She focused specifically on housing troubles, adapting to the city, and rewiring academically. 

Then, Ms. Jeslyn spoke about part-time jobs, highlighting that Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, which makes it easy for students to meet their expenses. She concluded her talk by mentioning her five-year plan and outlining her expenditures and the basic financial requirements. 

The session concluded with a list of announcements about the office of International Programs and a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Lekhaa. 

VISA Meet Episode # 17 | A Report

VISA Meet – Episode No. #17

23rd July 2025

Event Report: by Ms. Aleena Johnson

[Intern, Office of International Programmes]

The seventeenth episode of the VISA Meet was successfully conducted on 23rd July 2025 via the Zoom platform.

The event featured two distinguished alumni: Mr. David Rhenius D from the Department of Physics and Mr. George John Elias from the Department of Economics.

The Master of Ceremony for the session was Ms. Rishitha, Intern at the Office of International Programmes. The session commenced with a heartfelt college prayer led by Ms. Rishitha herself, setting a warm and reflective tone for the gathering.

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programmes, delivered an inspiring welcome address, followed by an introduction of the guest speakers and coordination of the event by Dr. Nirmal Thyagu from the Department of Physics.

Mr. David Rhenius is currently working as a Physics teacher at Merryland International School, Abu Dhabi, while Mr. George John Elias serves as a Junior Analyst at Stratlinx Advisory, Abu Dhabi.

They spoke about the various opportunities and scopes for studying and working abroad, especially in the UAE, and shared insights on how to identify the right kind of placements. They emphasized that the UAE is emerging as one of the top destinations for both education and employment abroad, citing its demand for high-quality talent and government support for students and professionals.

They highlighted that the cost of education in the UAE is relatively lower than in many other countries and that scholarships are widely available. Moreover, they explained that the UAE's job market is highly diversified, not limited to the petroleum or oil industry.

A particular focus was given to the teaching profession in the UAE, noting that it offers excellent exposure to different cultures, attractive salaries, and good career prospects. They advised students to pursue regular degrees or a B.Ed. rather than correspondence courses, as the latter may reduce chances of securing good positions abroad.

They concluded their talk with a powerful reminder –

“Dreams are closer than we imagine — we just need to open our eyes and seek them out.”

The session ended with a lively and informative Q&A segment, moderated by Dr. Nirmal Thyagu, where participants had the opportunity to engage with the speakers and clarify their doubts. The Meet ended with the Vote of thanks by Ms. Shrestha, Intern, Office of International  Programmes. 

VISA Meet | Episode # 16 | A Report

VISA Episode # 16

A Report

By Ms. Lekhaa M. S

[Intern with the Office of International Programmes, MCC]

Speaker: Ms. Elkah Mariam Thomas, Hoseo University, South Korea

On the evening of 16th July, 2025, the Office of International Programmes, Madras Christian College hosted episode 16 of Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad (VISA), with Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas.

The MC for the event was Ms. Shrestha, intern of the Office of International Programs. The event started out with the college prayer by Ms. Shrestha, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programs.

Professor Joshua went on to introduce the resource person of the day, Ms Elka Mariam Thomas. She is a teaching assistant and is part of the Office of International Studies, Hoseo University, South Korea. She is pursuing her PhD in Hoseo University.

Ms. Elka started by suggesting that interested students learn Korean before coming to the university, as it opens a lot of opportunities for part time jobs. She also informed that the Undergraduate program in Hoseo University is for 4 years. She stressed the need for a Korean Proficency Certificate, to ensure admission.

Then, she went on to talk about the English and Korean track classes. The English track courses would be taught in English and Korean track in Korean. 

She also said that Undergraduate students would not have classes on all days of the week, further freeing their schedules for part-time work opportunities. Masters and PhD students would only have 3 or 4 subjects per day.    

Ms. Elka spoke of her struggles learning Korean, stressing upon the fact that her PhD classes was in Korean. She said her guide and mentors were very helpful, correcting her when she made mistakes. She said that PhD scholars do not have regular exams, but rather have to present reports.

Then, she went on to talk about the admission process. It starts with application submission, then document screening, including marks, extra curriculars, and other achievements. After this, there is an interview before admission is confirmed.

She talked about the eligibility criteria for the tracks, then informed the gathering that TOPIK level 3 is compulsory for HoSeo Korean track classes, while IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for the English track.

Ms. Elka further went on to surprise the group with scholarship opportunities, based on TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL scores. She also said that for Undergraduate courses, maintaining a higher GPA means earning a higher scholarship, while there is a consistent 40% reduction in fees from the second semester on in Masters courses. 

Then, Ms. Elka talked about the documents required to gain admission in HoSeo University. These documents need to be submitted through post. 

She then shared the list of courses for the English and Korean track for the Masters program.

Following her talk, Ms. Elka accepted questions. Dr. Millicent Serena, Associate Dean of the Office of International Programs started by asking about the cost of studying in HoSeo University. Ms. Elka replied saying that without a scholarship, the fees per semester would be around 3.5 INR, not including accommodation. Ms. Keerthana and Ms. Madeeha also asked a few questions.

Joshua asked how to learn Korean from India. Ms. Elka said that the Korean classes offered in MCC would help. Further, students can use Duolingo or Youtube videos to learn. She also added that she learned Korean in Korea, by speaking to Koreans.

Dr. Millicent Serena concluded the segment asking about the job opportunities in Korea. Ms. Elka said the opportunities depend on your Korean proficiency.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Millicent Serena.

VISA Meet | Episode # 15 | A Report

VISA Programme – 9th July 2025

“Miles Away, Dreams Closer”

Mr. Adems Jimmy George | NUS Singapore

Episode No. #15

Report by Ms. Aleena Johnson

[Intern, Office of International Programmes]

The fifteenth episode of the VISA Meet was successfully conducted on Wednesday, 9th July 2025 through the Zoom platform. The event featured our distinguished alumnus, Mr. Adems Jimmy George from the Department of Economics.

The session commenced with a heartfelt college prayer led by Ms. Shrestha, setting a warm and reflective tone for the gathering.

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programmes, welcomed the participants with an inspiring welcome address, after which Dr. D. Merlin Juliet Arul Thangam, Head of the Department of Economics, introduced the chief guest.

Mr. Adems Jimmy George is currently pursuing his MSc in Finance at the NUS Business School, Singapore. He has also been selected for the prestigious two-week Tsinghua PBCSF Summer Programme, hosted by the PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University, China.

An alumnus of the Economics Department at MCC (Batch 2019–2022), Mr. Adems brought a wealth of experience and inspiration to the session.

In his address, he emphasized the importance of mental health, staying grounded, and engaging in regular self-evaluation. He encouraged students to observe the world around them, build meaningful connections, and focus on skill development—two factors he identified as key to success.

Acknowledging the common uncertainties students often face about their future, he reminded them that it's perfectly normal to question one's path. However, he stressed that it is never too late to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with determination.

Mr. Adems posed a vital question to the participants: “Why International Studies?” He urged students to reflect deeply on their motivations for pursuing education abroad, emphasizing the need for clear goals and informed decisions.

He also warned against fraudulent schemes that exploit the aspirations of students under the guise of study-abroad opportunities. He advocated for a strong academic record, urging students to focus on maximizing their GPA, engaging in research projects, internships, and other academic activities.

He further encouraged participation in paper presentations and the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to enhance exposure and build global connections.

He concluded his talk with the powerful reminder that while dreams may seem miles away, with the right efforts and mindset, they are always within reach.

The Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Merlin Juliet Arul Thangam, was lively and informative, allowing participants to interact directly with the speaker.

The event was formally concluded with a sincere vote of thanks by Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of International Programmes (Aided).

The session was deeply motivating and left a lasting impact on all attendees, serving as a reminder that dedication, clarity, and action can bring even the most distant dreams closer to reality.

VISA Meet | Episode # 14 | A Report

VISA Programme – Episode # 14

Speaker: Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy | Germany

Report by Ms. Keerthana

Wednesday, 2nd July 2025 | 7 pm

[Intern, Office of International Programmes, MCC]

VISA - Virtual Interactions with Scholars Abroad

The 14th edition of the VISA Programme was successfully conducted on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, by the Office of International Programmes in collaboration with the Department of Physics (Aided).

The session aimed to bridge the gap between aspiring students and experienced alumni studying abroad by offering guidance on academic pathways, admission procedures, opportunities, and their personal experiences.

The session commenced with a welcome note from the MC, Ms. Rishitha, followed by the college prayer by Ms. Prisella.

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the value of alumni-led mentorship in preparing students for global education.

Following this, Dr. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of the Office of International Programmes, made a formal announcements on the upcoming events and encouraged student involvement. Dr. Nirmal Thyagu N from the Department of Physics (Aided) then introduced the speaker Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy, an alumnus of the department.

Mr. Renjith Mathew Roy completed his B.Sc. in Physics at Madras Christian College and pursued his M.Sc. at Universität Stuttgart, Germany. He is currently engaged in doctoral research at the Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart.

In his session, Mr. Renjith introduced four core elements that contribute to a successful journey: VISA (Purpose of your visit), Vision (building a vision during your Bachelors), “Love Two Subjects”, and Master’s Career Abroad. He also presented a planning timeline, recommending that students start preparing by the second year of their undergraduate programme.

Expanding on the core theme of study abroad opportunities, the speaker covered pathways for undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral education, in addition to industrial roles and internships. He also outlined how various state governments in Germany offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. Detailed information was shared regarding expenses including tuition, cost of living, and the blocked account requirement.

In the latter part of the session, the speaker discussed how to write an effective SOP, maintain motivation throughout the UG years, and prepare mentally and academically for studying abroad. He also gave a brief overview of his current university and the focus of his doctoral research.

Following his presentation, Dr. Nirmal Thyagu N expressed appreciation for Mr. Renjith’s insightful and comprehensive talk and initiated an interactive Q&A session. Students actively participated by posing questions related to career opportunities, admissions, and future planning, all of which were addressed clearly and patiently by the speaker.

The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Millicent Serena A, Associate Dean of the Office of International Programmes. She extended her heartfelt thanks to the speaker, organizing team, faculty, and participants for making the event informative and meaningful. 

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.  

VISA Meet - 12th Edition | A Report

Minutes of the Session 

VISA Edition no. 12 - 05/03/2025 

Dr. Jaywant Michael

[Transcript by Mr. Abraham, Intern, Office of the Dean IP, MCC]

The session was started by Ms. Zibiah Merin Kuriakose, Global Student Ambassador and Intern, I M.A. English (Aided) and the college prayer was read by Mr. Sabarinathan M, Global Student Ambassador and Intern, III BBA (SFS).

Then, Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programmes offered the welcome address and formally introduced Dr. Jaywant Michael who is our alumnus and had completed his B.A. Economics from Madras Christian College.

He was also a resident of the Selaiyur Hall. He has completed his MBA with Indiana University, USA. He has worked in India, the US, Canada, the UAE and Qatar in a range of industries including banking, pharmaceuticals and education; and has over three decades of professional experience in leadership, training and higher education.

Since 1997 Dr. Jaywant has been involved in equipping bankers and potential bankers in the UAE and Qatar, for the banking industry. He is now currently working as a senior lecturer in the field of banking and technology at University of Doha for Science and Technology, Qatar (UDST).

Dr. Jaywant’s talk was focussed on his journey from MCC to the world. He began his talk by taking us through his unexpected academic journey, particularly his schooling, which had started in a girls school and finally came to an end at the Kendriya Vidyalaya. He described himself to be from a hinglish background and he was a bookworm and also an introvert at this point.

Dr. Jaywant spoke about his transformation which was rendered by MCC and Selaiyur Hall. He witnessed a 360 degree transformation and described such a transformation to be a depressing experience for many. Then, he talked about the people who were an essential part aiding in his path of transformation - his professors, wardens, classmates and hallmates.

Then, Dr. Jaywant spoke about,

Why Higher Studies? - In which he described the four main reasons to consider higher studies which are personal growth, research contributions, to increase market value and career advancement.

Where Do I Study? - The factors which he considered for his higher studies based upon the need either for the full-time/ part-time programme, bachelor/ married and the financial need.

Why Study Overseas? - By giving us the following reasons to consider studying abroad,

(i) Leaving India is Higher Education - Immersive global experience.

(ii) Access to Premium Resources more affordable - World class labs, libraries, research facilities.

(iii) New Learning Paradigms & Approaches - Different teaching styles, critical thinking emphasis.

(iv) Larger Pool of Quality Education Opportunities - Access to top global institutions.

Dr. Jaywant talked about how he got his scholarship and presented to us his little-known scholarship secret where he described how one should approach the institution directly for getting a scholarship.

Finally, Dr. Jaywant thanked Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph (Associate Dean IP), Dr. Samuel Rufus (Dean IP) and Dr. Paul Wilson (Principal and Secretary) for giving him this wonderful opportunity.

The talk was followed by a Q and A session and was concluded by the vote of thanks given by Ms. Zibiah Merin Kuriakose,Global Student Ambassador and Intern, I M.A. English (Aided).