To experience a unique learning opportunity!

VISA – Ms. Swapna Sundar | A Report

23rd Sept 2024

Dear All,

Thank you for participating in today’s VISA – Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad Episode # 8 with Ms. Swapna Sundar, Alumna, Department of Political Science.

Minutes of the Meeting

Speaker: Ms. Swapna Sundar

(Studies: BA Political Science in MCC

Pursued Law at Dr. Ambedkar Govt. Law College, Chennai

Masters in Law, Brussels School of International Studies

Teaching Assistant, Kent Law School, University of Canterbury)

College Prayer given by Global Student Ambassador Sabarinathan

Welcome Address given by Dean of International Programs, Dr. Samuel Rufus

Introduction of speaker by Professor Diviyan from the Department of Political Science

Ms. Swapna Sundar’s Talk

Slide 1 - Why Study Abroad?

* As a student looking to pursue higher education overseas, ask yourself why you want to study abroad.

* May be to experience a unique learning opportunity or to settle abroad or for experience and exposure. Make choices for universities based on your decisions.

Slide 2 - What to Study? Academic Choices

* Professional Degrees - be mindful of pursuing professional degrees abroad with the intention of returning to home country, as equalisation exams are necessary before one can practice.

* Regulation and Laws - be mindful of the laws regarding return to home country.

* Future Career Path - Sketch out a suitable path for yourself to help with making academic choices.

Slide 3 - Funding Your Education

* Scholarships - Research and apply early for scholarships that suit your profile. As India is no longer classified as an underdeveloped or developing country, scholarship opportunities have come down, but there are still good ones.

* Student Loans - Be mindful of your ability to pay back.

Slide 4 - Living Options

* Guest Homes and Hostels - diverse living space with opportunities to interact with people from various cultures

* College campus and Student Residence - spaces sanctioned by the university with opportunities to interact with students from the same university

* Shared Housing - spaces that enable camaraderie on the basis of sharing a living space.

Slide 5 - Travel on a Budget

* Travelling by Parental Support

* Explore the city - take time to explore travel facilities offered to students, especially in Europe and utilise wisely.

* Travel Safe - look for trustable group tours and solo travel with caution.

Slide 6 - Cost Management

* Live like Students - Embrace a simple lifestyle - choose valuable experiences over comfort

* Budget wisely - especially in a shared living space (and even otherwise), manage finances wisely.

* Odd jobs - working part time helps the budget.

Slide 7 - Relationships and Social Life

* Personal Relationships - Be mindful of the kind of company you make

* Social life - do not do anything that would land you in trouble. Be mindful of the fact that you are in another country.

* Legal Awareness - be mindful of the law when it comes to international students in that country as opposed to locals. Don’t jeopardise your visa status or future plans.

Q&A session with the students

Vote of Thanks by Lakshmi

MC & Minutes: Ms. Lakshmi Ramaswami, II MA English

Report of the Meeting: Mr. T. Abraham

We shall meet again next week on yet another Episode of ‘VISA’.

Best wishes,

Office the Dean of International Programmes

MCC