Thu Ra studies his course handbook, which promises a recognised degree. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

THU Ra was 21 when he applied for an engineering degree at a Singapore polytechnic through an agency based in Yangon.

The agency discussed with him all that was needed after admission into the school, which included registration, visa approval and, of course, his administration fees. After being accepted into the course, he sent everything that was required, along with his money and high expectations for a better future, only to hear back that he would not be allowed to attend the school. No explanation was given.

“Although I lost a lot, money was not an issue,” Thu Ra said. “All of the energy and time I had spent on applying to get in was wasted. It all went down the drain. My self-esteem was shattered, and for what? I have no idea.”

Thu Ra planned to study in Singapore and from there move on somewhere else to further his education and, eventually, his career.

“What really gets to me is that the agency told me everything had been approved and when I looked into it, the whole transaction hadn’t been authorised by the polytechnic. I was already an emotional wreck preparing to leave my country for the first time. I won’t put my trust in those sorts of agencies again.”

Than Ra, now 23, is looking into a Masters degree in Yangon and says he will not apply for any more foreign study programs.

Marlar was also 21 when she was accepted by a sponsor to study International Business in Finland. When her visa was rejected, her dreams were shattered
“My whole life was turned upside down,” she said. “I knew that this was my golden opportunity. It is only offered to one in one thousand people and I couldn’t take it.”

In the two years that have passed, Marlar says it is still all she thinks about.
“I could have made a major contribution to the development of business in my country and I feel like I won’t get that opportunity again,” she said. “I have continued to study in Myanmar. The course I am doing is good, but I have to do it knowing that it’s not going to get me as far as I would like.”

Thura, 24, is still waiting on the results of his application to study IT in Singapore. It has been a year and he is close to giving up.

“I want to get a job in IT outside of Myanmar, but I’m afraid that I will not be qualified enough.”

There are a number of reasons that Myanmar applicants are rejected by foreign universities, said U Kyaw Thu, CEO of the Myanmar International Educare Centre, an education advisor and provider in Yangon for just over 14 years.

“It is usually to do with the visa, but I have seen many people get ripped off by bogus agents here,” he said. “I have also seen students be rejected because of their socio-economic background. Whatever the reason, if it lies with the school, then they will give you an explanation.”

This doesn’t mean that people should avoid these agencies altogether. U Kyaw Thu recommended doing a background check on an agent before signing up for anything.

“Choose someone who has a lot of experience, has sent many students abroad and follow the agent’s progress every step of the way,” he said.
He also has advice for students who do get the chance to travel and study elsewhere to keep up with the competitive nature of foreign study.

“A good guide to follow is a book by Sean Covey called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. It teaches you how to be proactive, to begin with the desired results in mind, to put important tasks first, to think positively, to understand and be understood, and to synergise and sharpen the mind.”

And for those who have missed out on a chance to study abroad, he said not to give up hope.

“It is still possible to pursue further study later, once you have better qualifications. I would suggest focussing on improving English language skills, completing a degree in Myanmar and then applying for as many courses outside as possible. Something will come up. England is very popular at the moment.”

The most important thing, said U Kyaw Thu, is the willingness to learn.
“Free education is every-where. Just get online and start learning.”