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Tuesday, 6 May 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
bo, Sri Lanka that attended Gateway College in Colombo who is currently studying Biological Sciences at University of Toledo (UT). Mark Schroeder is the Director of International Admissions at UT and has been with UT for 12 years. He has travelled and recruited students from over 35 countries for the University. Here are excerpts of the interview Mark did with Sandali for his blog:
Q: So, you’ve been here four months. What surprised you most about the US, Toledo and UT?
A: The US, it would be the diverse culture. There is a huge variety of people in the US and they are friendly, welcoming and approachable people are. Toledo was really cold. I got here in the middle of the worst winter in 70 years. I had never seen snow. But it was a totally new experience so I really enjoyed it. It was fun and dreadful all at the same time. I got a lot of support from the Lankan community at UT.
Q: Well, I have lived here for 14 years and that was the worst winter I’ve ever seen, I’m sure next year will be back to normal winter. How about UT itself?
A: My first impression of UT was it was like Hogwarts! The architecture of the stone buildings and gothic style was very pretty, not creepy, especially University Hall. There are just a lot of things to do every day. You have to balance your studies but you can really get involved. The first couple of weeks I was a little lost, I had to use a map but the students always helped me out and tell me exactly where to go. Especially the people on my floor in the dorm. The girls there are really great. We meet every morning and night for breakfast and dinner and to chat and catch up on the day. Most of my friends are from Cleveland which is about two hours away.
Q: So about the Lankan students at UT, the Lankan community, how did they help you?
A: Well they welcomed me and showed me around. It always makes me feel like home and giving me Lankan food when I miss it. It was not hard to be here because I knew there were others who were already succeeding. There are three other undergraduates from Sri Lanka and around 20 graduate students as well as three professors. Everyone is very family oriented and it really helps to not feel homesick. I was really shocked to find this many Sri Lankans here! I did not expect this so it was very nice. Even though the professors are in chemistry and engineering and i’m in biology I always know I can go to them. Two weeks ago we had a Sinhalese New Year’s celebration, Avurudu, with the UT group and the Lankans at Bowling Green State University.
Q: I’ve heard that you have been very active with the International Student Association activities; can you tell me about those?
A: I really just got involved last month. I’ve participated in the African Cultural Night. I got to be a model at the event in the traditional costume show. And I also had a great time with ‘Holi Toledo!’ a celebration put on by the Indian Student Association to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours. This was fun as many students on campus threw the colours on each other and many American students went in for it as well. It was very fun. I went to a cooking class at Pam’s Kitchen, in downtown and did a tour of the art museum through the Eberly Centre for Women at UT. Q: I know you also enjoy basketball, did you see many games?
A: Yes, I went to almost all the home games, both men’s and women’s. The team spirit is great and as students we get in free! I really like the players and how proud they are to be from UT. Everything is very organised and you can tell sports are very important and a big part of the UT spirit.
Q: Well that’s a lot of activities, but how about studies, this is your main purpose of being here?
A: Yes, of course. It was a tough transition; I was not used to managing the different classes and time requirements. The classes are quite challenging and teachers expect a lot from you. As a biology major I really feel I have to stay on top of things. My favourite class is sociology and the most challenging is my calculus course. I am thinking about changing my major to nursing which has great job prospects both in Sri Lanka and in the US and all my classes from biology fit well into the program.
Q: I know you have only been here the first semester but what advice do you have for Sri Lankan students that would be interested in coming to UT?
A: The biggest difference is the help with studying and classes. First the professors have their office hours where they encourage you to come and talk to them one on one about class and what you are having problems with. Also there is free tutoring at the library and supplemental instruction sessions that are also there to help you with the classes. The academic support outside the classroom is excellent.
Q: I understand that you are running for a leadership position in the International Student Association?
A: Yes! I am running for three positions; president, media advisor, and secretary.
Q: Good luck with the elections! Alright, last question. What would be your message to parents of Sri Lankan students that are considering UT for their child?
A: I think UT is a good option when considering a school. Many Sri Lankan parents will only look at rankings when considering a school. But there are over 4,700 schools in the United States. There can be no way that all of them can be ranked. The facilities, faculty and classroom experience is excellent. The value of the education based on the costs is the most impressive thing. UT is like a hidden gem. I highly encourage those parents to really look deeper than the ranking list and admit they don’t know everything about the American system of these excellent schools.
