“Do your homework before you decide where to study” ❤️

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 persons 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 programme ended with a group photo with the dignitaries and all the participants.