Smooth pathway to a US degree

THE high currency exchange rate and diverse education system are the usual suspects that deter many students from pursuing a degree in the US. However, in recent years, many local institutions have devised programmes to help Malaysian students assume a fast, affordable and smooth pathway to an American degree.
The American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) in Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) is one such programme. Emphasising well-rounded, interactive learning, synonymous with the American education system, students are required to be active participants and contribute to learning, both inside and outside of the class.
The ADTP also continuously assesses students, rewarding consistent hard work as opposed to last-minute burning of the midnight oil.
Learning is progressive without being too restrictive, and students can select from a wide variety of subjects before deciding on their major area of study.
ADTP students will also be required to spend up to two years studying at MCKL premises, before transferring to a university in the US to complete their degree.
MCKL has partnered with 17 American universities in this programme; more partnerships are in the pipeline.
There are also many opportunities to perform research, take up internship and receive practical training.
Opportunities are aplenty for students to apply for scholarships as well as financial aid.
A huge advantage that comes with studying in the US is the availability of Optional Practical Training (OPT), where graduates will gain industrial experience in the US besides widening their network in respective fields.
According to Timothy Ong, who read architecture in Kent State University after completing his studies in MCKL: "I easily got two internship offers in the semester ...and there is a good variety of international and local firms here in the US, with job opportunities".
Lim Kai Shin (pix, far right) is a nursing student in Kent State University.
She shares her experience as a student, working and studying there: "I work on campus in the health centre. I am very blessed to have received the scholarship and the on-campus job. With the scholarship and income I have, I was able to become financially independent.
"Occasionally, my parents still pay for some unexpected expenses such as my flight ticket home, but other than that, I have been able to take care of my tuition fees and living expenses without their support."
MCKL's ADTP accepts intakes in January, March and July.
It also has pre-university programmes such as Cambridge A-levels, Australian Matriculation (WACE), Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Certified Accounting Technician, UK (CAT) programmes. For more, log on to www.mckl.edu.my.