Dinal’s life-changing experience at Montana State University

Most Sri Lankans may not even know where Montana is and if they do old Western movies come to mind with horses, cowboys, and large rolling mountains. Dinal Perera will be the first to tell you that there is much more to learn about Montana as a state and the vast opportunities at Montana State University. In his own words: “My experience has been life-changing!”

Dinal is currently working on his four-year Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Montana State University. Initially Dinal chose Montana State University because it was the most affordable option and also offered the best scholarship funding due to his high SAT score.

After closer consideration he came to appreciate the academic prowess that makes Montana State University one of the best engineering programs in the country. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranks MSU in the top 108 research universities in the nation, along with Yale, Harvard and MIT.

Last year MSU did over US$ 105 million dollars in research activity and undergraduates have many opportunities to participate. A superb undergraduate scholars program and dozens of research laboratories in new, modern facilities offer students important hands-on learning in a student centred learning environment. With ABET accreditation and a pass-rate above 90% on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, MSU offers amazing opportunities at a very affordable cost, as Dinal was excited to learn!

Dinal was eager to make the most of his education and was thrilled to be selected for the highly competitive Honours Program. The University Honours Program at Montana State University provides opportunities for high achieving students to study, conduct research, and exchange ideas in a challenging and supportive academic environment.

In addition to learning from outstanding faculty members, Honours students can attend special Honours seminars, take interdisciplinary Honours courses, and engage in independent study and research opportunities. In his first semester at MSU Dinal is already thinking of broadening his experiences and is now considering adding a minor in philosophy.

Dinal said: “Being enrolled in the Honours program challenges me every day in both my education and my way of thinking.”

Excellent professors have also made a tremendous impact on Dinal. He greatly appreciates the small class sizes and the availability of professors both in and out of the classroom.

Dinal explained: “The usual notion is that professors are angry people who are too busy, however it is amazing how easily accessible the professors at MSU are and their readiness to listen to any question I may have.”

The opportunity to work directly with world-class professors is more than most students expect in their bachelor program and is an exceptional opportunity at Montana State. He is considering an internship this summer and sees the endless opportunities available to him.

Outside of class, Dinal continues to stay busy. He is excited to be a Floor Event Organizer for his dormitory. In this position he organizes fun things for the students to do ranging from playing games to outdoor adventures. Dinal loves living in the dormitories and is excited to be going home with a friend from the dorm for Spring Break.

One reason he loves the dormitories is the weekly activities which are “a great way to relieve stress from the daily work of school”. Dinal’s parents are also happy with his choice because they know he is safe and happy. They are thankful that the staff and the people around him at MSU are very friendly and a source of comfort to him. “This is a great consolation for us as parents who are miles away.”

Going on long bike rides and hikes with his roommate and friends is also a highlight of Dinal’s experience at MSU. The campus is set in the heart of Bozeman, a small and modern city, and yet an extensive trail system gives students easy access to recreational opportunities in the nearby mountains.

A free community bus system and central location give MSU students easy access to shopping and fun activities in the ideal college town of Bozeman. This winter Dinal is eager to get out and enjoy some snow sports and might even try skiing. In the summer he is eager to go camping and check out Yellowstone National Park. The Outdoor Recreation Centre offers students organized outdoor adventures in the local area and throughout the region and is also a great place to rent gear. In just six months Dinal has fallen in love with Montana State University and its surrounding community. He credits the excellent academic programs that MSU offers, as well as the friendly people and great social life, to his enjoyment of Montana. His parents are not only content that he is safe and happy, but are also proud of his top academic achievements in making the Dean’s list in his first semester. They are confident Dinal will achieve his ambition one day and MSU is a great stepping stone to reaching his goals.