“Pre-consumed idea for their child’s higher education detrimental” – Ajith Abeysekera – Chairman Aspirations Education
Aspirations Education celebrating 11th year of service to the nation, will be organizing Sri Lanka’s biggest International Education Exhibition for the 9th consecutive year. In that context below are the excerpts of an interview conducted with Mr. Ajith Abeysekera – Chairman, Ms. Deepamala Abeysekera Managing Director Aspiration Education…
Q: Tell us about the Aspirations International Education Exhibition?
Over the past 8 years we have consecutively organized Sri Lanka’s largest international education exhibition, as means of guiding students and their parents to help them realize their full potential through. Our exhibition will open new avenues for Sri Lankan students to gain international education from 25 prominent universities and institutes from across the world. This year’s exhibition is themed as “The education super highway to your world of Aspirations”.
Q: What are the countries represented at the exhibition?
The exhibition promises to feature over 25 reputed international universities and institutes across Australia, US, UK, Singapore and Malaysia making it the biggest international education exhibition in Sri Lanka.
Q: When and where is the exhibition held at?
This year’s exhibition will be hosted from July 11th to 12th at The Hilton, Colombo, from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Many students and parents are not well informed of opportunities available to them in the case of not meeting the entry requirements of the local universities mainly due to lack of placement capacity. All our services to the students are offered absolutely free of charge and entrance to the education exhibition is also free.
Q: What is your advice for parents and students who visit this exhibition?
We wish to request from the parents and students to visit the exhibition open minded, not sticking to only one option or a pre-consumed idea. If you get discouraged you would not need to worry as the Aspirations Education highway will allow you to roam around the world of opportunities and help you decide what’s best for your future.
Q: How would students in Sri Lanka benefit through this exhibition?
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly expensive. This is why the university representatives will be speaking to you about the scholarship opportunities available to international students. These range from merit scholarships to sports scholarships. Offers available to the students include Charles Sturt University in Australia offers scholarships valued at $4,000, Merit based scholarships of 25% are available at Bradford College, Murdoch Institute of Technology provides scholarships valued close to AUD 2,000 for diploma programs and La Trobe University offers a Post Graduate Scholarships valued between $5000-10000 for eligible candidates.
Q: How is this year’s exhibition different from the rest of the exhibitions out there?
Our core business model is providing career guidance and counseling services to students who wish to pursue their education overseas. The Aspirations Education International Exhibition without a doubt is the largest international education exhibition in the country. There are other exhibitions which are country specific and the exhibitions where foreign universities are represented along with other local education providers. This is unique as only foreign universities and institutes are present and students can meet universities from multiple countries and continents on one stage. It is a platform for students who think of education overseas to come and explore variety of opportunities, comparing and contrasting the different options available to them world over.
Q: What more is in store for students?
Furthermore the exhibition offers a special station on Science and Medical studies this year. Aspirations Education together with the visiting universities IMU and Melaka Manipal Medical College will be conducting Medical Seminars and knowledge sharing sessions.
Q: Why is it important for students and parents to obtain consultancy?
Minority of parent’s plan their child’s future meticulously. Another minority do not plan their child’s future at all. Majority of the parents fall between the two extremes. While some parents save a significant amount for their children’s future, others plan to pass on their inheritance but almost all of them will do their best to heavily invest in their child’s education. Some rely on others for guidance and probably focus on investing as their primary responsibility. Some decide that they do not need any guidance what so ever.
Accurate information that will not mislead the public is vital in this digital age and we have to play our part in it as disseminators. We consider that interaction and obtaining ample correct information from various universities all around the globe as an essential part for not only students. Students and parents will be able to understand the pre-requisites, converse and obtain accurate guidance and consultancy from the many foreign delegates who will be offering these services completely free of charge. The parent’s responsibility not only includes understanding the importance and improving their knowledge in career guidance but it also goes far beyond obtaining mere guidance to checking the authenticity and sincerity of the sources of information they chose to rely on. When it comes to education proper direction especially career guidance and placement plays a critical role.
Q: How is Aspirations Education different?
Over the past 11 years we have built relationships with over 100 prestigious universities and institutes in Australia, UK, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Malaysia, India, China and Singapore. Students who aspire to study abroad should be given proper guidance at the right time. They should be able to get accurate and authentic information with regards to options available. This is an expertise our organization has accumulated over the years. Our Chairman and Managing Director have over 16 years of experience counseling over 25,000 students. Truthful guidance will help students with lower costs, increased chances of university acceptance, cultural adaptability and even increased chances of financial assistance. Proper counseling in the areas of both education and careers help students pick the university that best meets their needs maximizing the chances of financial assistance and career opportunities. Comprehensive guidance will not mislead students at the crucial juncture in their lives, which can break or make their future; this is what we believe in.
Q: How can we get more information about the exhibition?
You can simply log on to www.aspirtions.edu.lk/2014, our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/aspirationseducation call on 0777 539 888, reach us on email on info@aspirations.edu.lk or visit us at No. 267/ 20 Samagi Mawatha, Nawala Road, Nawala.
