Burma Study Abroad Website

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

True or False?

Information about education is free.

True.  However, Mahawthahta has discovered that many Burmese are unaware of this and resort to paying for many "free" things such as application forms, contact information, etc.  Even information for visa procedures is available to the public and free.

 

I should apply for a scholarship before applying to a school.

False.  Generally, institutions and scholarship funders will not consider supporting you if you are not admitted to a school.  (Some scholarship programs such as OSI's may award you a grant pending acceptance.)

 

Most scholarships will pay for my travel from Burma.

False.  Rarely will you find any scholarship which will pay for your travel.

 

I should not always believe what I read/hear about a country/city/people.

True.  For example, Odessa, Texas, and not New York City, is the murder capitol of the United States.

 

Western girls are "easy".

False.  Despite what you may see in the movies, Mahawthahta advises Burmese men to read up on how seriously sexual harassment is treated in many western countries.  Be careful not to misinterpret cues when dealing with culturally more demonstrative westerners.

 

Blacks are dangerous and bad.

False.  Mahawthahta is sad at the color prejudice that an average Burmese seems to possess innately and displays without thinking in multi-culture situations.

 

 

Q. What are the differences in grading between Burma and other countries?

A. In most Western countries, students are not graded according to a pass/fail system (with distinctions). Instead, students are given grades on a scale from A to F. A is the highest going down to F. There is no E, but an F is a failing grade. You must maintain at least a C average to graduate, and a B+ average if you are an undergraduate who hopes to apply to graduate school.

 

Q. What are the differences between the university system in Burma and in other countries?

A. Most universities outside of Burma operate on the semester system, and students take a certain number of credits each semester. The number of credits is determined by the number of hours that class meets per week. For each course, students are graded on several tests, papers, and class participation throughout the semester. Universities in the West generally offer summer school courses, so students who would like to get through school more quickly can attend these classes.

 

Q. If I am an international student, where can I find scholarship information?

A. You can apply for scholarships at the university and to scholarships for Burmese students. There are also some websites which list scholarships for international students. Contact other Burmese who have studied abroad to find out how they financed their educations.

(See sections on Scholarships by Country, Requirements and Other Information by Country and Advice from Burmese Students Abroad.)

 

Q. If I am a permanent resident of a country outside Burma, where can I find scholarship information?

A. You can apply for scholarships at the university and to scholarships for Burmese students. You can also apply for loans from the national (and sometimes state or provincial) government. Contact other Burmese who have studied in the same country to find out how they financed their educations.

(See sections on Scholarships by Country, Requirements and Other Information by Country and Advice from Burmese Students Abroad.)

 

Q. Can I work while I'm studying?

A. If you are studying in a Western country, you can probably work part-time while studying. There are usually a number of jobs on campus (working in the library, computer lab, department offices, etc.) or near the campus (in restaurants and stores). Graduate students may be able to work as research or teaching assistants. Some universities have work-study programs which ensure part-time jobs for students in order to help finance their educations. Just make sure you do not work so many hours that you cannot keep up with your school work. Twenty hours a week is usually the maximum students can handle.

 

Q. Should I work while I'm studying?

A. Although Burmese culture does not induce students to work while studying, it is good for Burmese studying abroad to work if they can handle the load while studying for the following reasons:

Most students in western countries, rich or poor, work sometimes while studying at a university because working teaches you how to manage money, to be disciplined and punctual, live independently, learn to work with others, to be tolerant, to appreciate your education by contributing to your own education, and learn to save money.

Work experience will add to a well-rounded resume for future educational and or employment opportunities.  With the value of kyats so depressed, even with a poor paying job abroad, you can still send a few dollars to your relatives at home to help them out.

 

Q. Is it better to live on or off campus?

A. There are two good reasons for living in a dormitory (hostel) on campus: first, it's easier to make friends, and second, it's very convenient. If you live off-campus, however, you can often save a lot of money on rent and food costs. This is especially true if you share an apartment or house with other students. If possible, try to live on campus your first year and consider moving off campus after that.  Also, you can learn English by renting a room in a local family house.

 

Q. What expenses will I be responsible for?

A. Unless you have a scholarship, you will have to pay for everything.  In most cases you will have to pay for tuition, books and stationery, health insurance, accommodation, food, travel from your home to the university, and other miscellaneous expenses such as movies and warm coat if you live in a cold climate. See each country listed above for approximate expenses for each country. For tips on how to keep your costs down, go to: www.debtfreegrad.com .

(See Financing your Education in Tips for Burmese Students in Burma of General Information section and Advice from Burmese Students Abroad section.)

 

 

 

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