The International Knowledge Centre scholarships

Updated on: Thursday, February 16, 2012

While exploring his overseas study options in 1991, then 18 yr old Girish Ballolla could only seek information from his aunt who lived in the US or at a local library. But that didn't stop him from finding a program and a university he liked. Fast forward to 2009 where he founded Gen Next Education, Inc. a Minnesota, US based international education company dedicated to enhancing the access to and quality of education for people around the world.

Earlier this year, his company opened The International Knowledge Center (IKC) in Bangalore, which serves as the official liaison office for foreign universities in India. As education, especially higher education, is undergoing major reforms in this country, Gen Next Education is poised to impact the ecosystem by leveraging expertise and intellectual property from partner universities across the world. By facilitating collaborations between high schools and colleges in India and abroad, the company is focused on creating several opportunities to globalize student experiences - from overseas study to short term experiences abroad to in-country programs -in order to prepare global citizens who are equipped to work in the increasingly global economy.

You would think that with the internet and Google, it would be very easy to find pertinent information about overseas study options. But a simple search yields millions of results, overwhelming anyone who's looking for information, says Girish. And to add to the confusion, there's an education fair every other week where college representatives tout glossy brochures and on the spot admissions offers. In addition, a number of commission-based agents have set up shop; often, their main motivation is the commissions that foreign institutions pay for every student they enrol on campus.

So what led to the creation of IKC? I wanted to alleviate all these issues that students and families are facing, Girish says. Why should students or parents have to pay to learn about their options?Why can't the universities who are serious about recruiting Indian students provide information and resources for students directly? These were the questions that led me to create the IKC. I was very particular about not charging students any money or charging universities a commission for every student they enrolled, he concludes.

Scholarships

The International Knowledge Center announces one million dollars in special scholarship opportunities to Indian students who apply to these schools. As merit-based scholarships, they will be awarded based on students holistic qualifications, including academics, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and potential for success at the university. Scholarships range from $15,000 per year for four years ($60,000 total) to $25,000 per year for four years ($100,000 total).

Special Programmes for Indian Students

In addition to exploring overseas study options, Indian students can participate in several international programmes.

STEAM: Short Term Experience Abroad Module

This program has been developed for degree students in India who are interested in adding an international perspective to their educational experience. Students will travel to the US for a 4 week intensive programs that includes academic coursework, service learning opportunities, social and cultural exploration and interacting with students from around the world. This year, STEAM will take place at the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota during the months of May and June. Admissions for these programs open January 1, 2012, and closes March 3. STEAM will cost Rs 2,50,000 and is inclusive of airfare, food, accommodations, and course fees.

CEP: College Exploratory Programme

Designed for 10th and 11th standard students, this program is for those who are interested in studying abroad after high school. Participants will explore 8-12 colleges and universities in the US on a 3 week trip visiting small, medium and large universities across the US in order to get a taste of what kind of college or university is a right fit for them. The program will begin in New York, travel west, and end in California. In addition to exploring college campuses, students will also have the opportunity to partake in excursions such as touring New York City, Niagara Falls, the Mall of America, and the Grand Canyon. This year, the program dates are April 14-May 5. CEP will cost Rs 2,50,000 and is inclusive of airfare, domestic transportation in the US, room and board, and admissions to cultural activities etc. There will be 2 CEP programs to accommodate the various school calendars. CEP 1: From April 14 - May 5. Deadline is February 29. CEP 2: From June 9 - June 30. Deadline is March 31.

(www.ikcblr.com)

Courtesy: Myeducationtimes.com

Times of India

The International Knowledge Centre scholarships

More Education news