Personal Statement for student exchange to USA

     I would describe myself as a very determined learner. The quality that I like most about myself is my passion for mathematics. I am an outgoing person with strong determination and outstanding academic achievement. With the supports and helps from good teachers and my loving parents, I managed to be the top student in one of the top secondary school  - Jit Sin High School. In university, I passed all my examinations with flying colors and my CGPA is 3.95. Although I have very good academic results, I am very humble and friendly. Besides studies, I am also active in extra-curricular activities. I became committee member of English Society during my secondary school and currently become quartermaster in Red Crescent Society in University Sains Malaysia.

Moreover, I love sport too. I can play table tennis, badminton, football, and swim well. I was the school representative for table tennis and I won many prizes in competition. It is also my routine to exercise every evening and normally I will jogging or play other sports. The determination in sport makes me healthy and build up my confident. Besides, I have lots of good personalities such as caring, loving, and friendly. As such, I participate actively in community service activities such as visiting orphanage every week. I love the kids there very much and I like to teach them mathematics. The experience I learned there makes me more matured and more passionate to help others in need.

     Since I was young, I wanted to be a mathematics educator. As such, I choose Bachelor of Science Education in University Sains Malaysia with major mathematics to achieve my academic objective to become a mathematics educator. It is also my dream to study in U.S. as I loved U.S. very much because of U.S. diverse cultures, good education system that promotes good academic results, problem solving skills, leadership, good attitude, and noble values. My goals of my study are to gain knowledge and good results. Then apply for scholarship to pursue my Master and PhD in U.S. My goals of my own personal development are to become emerging leader with good communication skills.

         I wish to pursue mathematics program in Stanford University, California, U.S. for one academic year. I choose to study there for a year because a semester period is not enough for me to expose to U.S. fully. I love to pursue mathematics program in U.S. because I have deep affection in mathematics. I also like to search and solve challenging mathematics problems online and my love of mathematics cannot be described with words. The various mathematics problem solving skills not only helps me to think analytically and logically, but it also helps me in my daily life activities. Currently I am interested with the new course “Math of the Brain” launched by Stanford University. This course is very interesting because the course investigate the mathematics behind the brain's structures and functions.

     I greatly wished that I will have this great opportunity and privileged to become one of the fortunate students to be chosen by the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program. I believe that I could benefit from this program and contribute to my country with the knowledge and experience that I gained. I hope that I will have the chances to expose and to get first-hand experience of cultures, environment, and education system of U.S.

USA UGRAD student exchange interview Questions and Answers

Interview for UGRAD student exchange programme to USA

Date: 16  December 2009

Time: 9.05 - 9.30 am [25 minutes only, there are more interviewees after me]

Location:  MACEE office [18th Floor Menara Yayasan Tun Razak, 200 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

When I went into the interview room, I was met by two American interviewers, a lady and a man. I was glad that their spoken English was clear and easy to understand. We shake hands and they ask me to sit down for the interview. I brought along all my documents but they did not ask for it. I tried to make the interview into a conversation and it was a success. Following are the interview questions and my responds.

[Note: It is important to turn the stressful interview into a usual conversation. This will help as it exhibits your conversation skill.]

1) What interest you about study in U.S?

I like US cultures and education system very much. Since I was young, I wish to go to US to study but my parents financial did not allow me to do that. Because of this, I greatly hope that this programme will give me opportunity to expose to US fully.

[Note: You must show great interest to go USA and convince them why]

2) Do you been to foreign country before?

I have not been to far away foreign country like US before. But, I have been to near countries like Thailand and China.

[Note: You will have higher chances to be chosen if you haven’t been to foreign country before. As they would like to give this exchange opportunity to those who cannot afford to travel to foreign country. ]

3) What is your hobby?

I like to do exercises like jogging and playing table tennis. Besides that, I love reading during free time. I like to read books including textbooks, magazine, and …novels.

[Note: I purposely say novels the last so that the interviewers ask further question about novels.]

4) You like reading, what kind of novel you read?

The novel I love most is The Da Vinci Code written by Dan Brown, I like the science fiction, logical and analytical thinking behind this book.

5) If you are chosen to study in US, beside studies, what activities you would like to do during your free time?

I will join co-curricular activities such as Red Crescent Society and join lifesaving course. Besides, I will play table tennis because it is my hobby.

6) What did you do for Quartermaster 2 in PBSM?

My post as a Quartermaster 2 in Red Crescent Society is to take care of first aid kits. I have to make sure that there are enough medicines inside all the kits and make sure that the medicines did not expire. If not enough medicines, I have to buy from Pharmacy and claim from the society.

7) As I know, your father is Inspector Police, and your mother is headmistress, what do they influenced you?

They influenced me a lot, they built up my discipline and teach me to have good conduct. Every day, my father will go jogging with me and this make me healthy.

8) You wrote in your personal statement, what is the course “Math of the brain?”

“Math of the brain” is an undergraduate course launched by Stanford University this year. It teaches us how to use Math concept to investigate our human brain such as probability and statistic that can be proven by Math.

9) How long do you wish, one semester or two semesters?

 I prefer two semesters because it give me more time to expose to US cultures and educational system fully.

10) If you are chosen but not for Stanford University, will this disappoint you?

No, I would not feel upset, because as I know, there are more that 2000 good Universities and Colleges in US, and it is my privilege to study in any one of them.

11) Is it OK for you to eat Western food everyday?

I will prepare myself for that. Although I know I may not used to it at first, but some time later I may accustom myself to it.

12) You experienced winter before? How will you face it?

I never experienced winter before, but my eldest brother experienced it before while he study medicine in Russia. He told me he will lend me his winter clothes if I go to US.

13) You have two brothers, where are they now?

My eldest brother graduated in Russia and currently become a doctor in University Malaya Hospital. My second brother is studying medicine in UKM.

14) Did you have any scholarship now?

No, I did not have any.

[Note: They ask this question to ascertain whether your scholarship allows you to go for student exchange during the period they sponsor you.]

15) Are you prepared to extend your University?

Ya, I prepared to extend a year for this programme.

16) Are your University let you go for this student exchange?

Sure, no problem for my Univerisity.

17) I can see here, you have very good results.

Ya, just normal for me.

18) What is the greatest challenge you think you may face when you go to US?

I think it will be the cultural difference. I prepared myself not to get cultural shock because of the food and language. My native language is Mandarin and I have to use English when I am in US.

Interviewer 1: Using English everyday is very tiring.

[Note: My mistake over here, do not say that language is your challenge, a good candidate must not language is your greatest challenge.]

19) You say you want to be a math educator, you want to teach secondary school or higher education?

After I finish my undergraduate, I will be a secondary school teacher. Then, I will further my Master and PhD and then become a lecturer in University.

Interviewer 1: You done pretty well. You have good chance but I have to interview all the other applicants before making final decision. I will inform you in a few days. There will be 9 scholarships available.

[Note: The number of scholarships available depends on their budget, as of 2015, I think they reduced to 8]

I: How do you inform me?

Interviewer 1: We will inform you using email. I think it is the fastest way, do you know how to use email?

I: For sure I know, thank you very much.

(Shake hand with both the interviewers and went out of the interview room.)

GLOBAL UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM (UGRAD)

The student exchange programme for all University students in Malaysia announced today! 

It is here: http://www.macee.org.my/index.php/scholarships/undergraduate-information-category/2012-2013-global-undergraduate-exchange

Here are some information and tips for this programme:

1. This program provides you with scholarship to study in US for a semester (about 5 months) or one academic year (about 10 months).

2. You can apply for this scholarship regardless of your course of study in University. In other word, all fields of study are eligible.

3. You will not be able to choose which university you are going to, the program will place you in a suitable university based on your course of study.( I got admitted to Tennessee Technology University and my friends got Illinois State University, University of Alabama - Huntsville, and University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire )

4. You must be an undergraduate student who is currently in your first, second, or third year with age of 24 or younger. You must also have at least one term of study remaining when you complete the program. (This means that if you are in your final year, you are not eligible for this program)

5. The scholarship covers everything except your shopping and traveling (It included your air tickets, tuition fees, hostel fees, food, book allowance, and monthly allowance-about USD290. The scholarship sponsors you about USD 23000 for a semester)

6. Regarding the field of study:  You can request to study within your current major, or you can also try to study something new and different in the US. (State the reasons clearly in your essay, for example Malaysia University did not have this course that you are interested in.)

7. If you have not taken TOEFL English test, do not worry. After you passed your interview, this scholarship will pay USD 160 for your TOEFL exam. They will send you a voucher number. You must get at least 61 scores for IBT(Internet Based) TOEFL to enable you to go to US.

8. You have higher chance to get this scholarship if you came from below average family background, from a minority ethnic group like Chinese or Indian and has never traveled outside Malaysia before.

9. If you have any questions about the scholarship, please ask me. You may also write to the person in charge: kalis@macee.org.my.  Feel free to pass this message to classmates and friends who are interested.

Letter of recommendation for student exchange to USA - no 3

25 November 2009

To whom it may concern

Dear Sir,

Letter of Recommendation for Chong Zhi Lin

I am very proud to recommend my student Chong Zhi Lin. I know him since I taught him English form Standard One. He is a very hardworking boy and always like to help his friends in the classroom. He respects his teachers and was very polite and kind.

He was also good in English and always excel in the subject. Overall, Chong Zhi Lin was very brilliant and had excellent communication and thinking skill. He was active in English society and was holding the secretary post and was very responsible in his task given. He has a very good leadership quality. I witnessed his tremendous growth and development in his studies. I strongly recommend him for your Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme.

Chong Zhi Lin was also very fond of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and jungle trekking. He also always contribute his service in saving the environment by encouraging recycling and reuse among his classmates and friends.

After he left school and entered University, he sometimes visit us in school just to say hello. That thoughtful person he is.

On whole Chong Zhi Lin is a very reliable person and all rounder. I am very proud of him and I wish that he can expose himself through the student exchange programme in US.

Yours truly,

_____________

(post)

Letter of recommendation for student exchange to USA - no 1

25 NOVEMBER 2009

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Sir,

Recommendation Letter for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program

Referring to the matter above, l, (lecturer name), PhD, a lecturer as well as the

Programme Chairperson of Red Crescent Malaysia of Universiti Sains Malaysia would like to offer my highest recommendations regarding the application of Chong Zhi Lin who is currently studying in the University Sains Malaysia.

I am in full support of this student’s application as he has shown an excellent academic achievement as a student of Science Education in the School of Educational Studies, here in USM. He has managed to obtain a CGPA of 3.95 and had received the Award of Excellent from the School of Educational Studies.

In addition to being excellent in his studies, he also has shown a tremendous potential in the co-curricular activities. He possesses good leadership qualities, liked by his fellow students and had been elected as the EXCO (Quartermaster 2). He is also a Certified First Aider of Red Crescent Society. His excellent leadership qualities as well as his commitment and responsible nature make him the perfect candidate for the program that he has applied.

Again, I would like to stress that he is the perfect candidate for the program and accepting him into the program will be beneficial for him as a person as well as for the program. In the long run ,it is hoped that with the knowledge gained from the program, he would make USM proud.

Thanking you in advance.

Yours faithfully,

________________

(Post)

STEP TO APPLY UGRAD SCHOLARSHIP

Steps to apply for student exchange programme offered by MACEE:

i) Click this: UGRAD 2012-2013 .

ii) Download the application form in PDF  format.

iii) Fill in the form patiently (Print out and fill in using pen). Write a personal statement essay that best describes you.

iv) (Must be written by you, during the interview, lots of questions come out from here.) MY EXAMPLE.

v) Attach 3 letters of recommendation in English, 2 from your lecturers and 1 from your secondary school teacher. You have to give your Curriculum Vitae to your lecturer so that he or she can write the letter for you. See my example 1, 2, 3.

vi) Get your official university grade transcripts (with English translations) for all previous semesters. (I have Malay version, so I have to go to Unit Peperiksaan to translate it into English)

vii) Submit the complete form together with all the required documents by mail to MACEE(Global Ugrad Program, 18th Floor, Menara Yayasan Tun Razak, 200 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur) before 9 December 2011.

viii) Wait for the phone call from MACEE within few weeks for the interview at MACEE office at Menara Yayasan Tun Razak, KL.

ix) After the interview, wait of email about your status of application (either Principal Status, Alternate Status, or Rejected). Principal Status means you are accepted; Alternate Status means you are reserve candidate, and you can go to US if the principal status candidate rejects it. For my year, there are 9 scholarships available, the first 4 candidate go US for a year, and the rest go for a semester (probably you will be going on August 2012 or January 2012).

x) Lastly, take your TOEFL exam. This scholarship will pay USD 160 for your TOEFL exam. They will send you a voucher number. You must get at least 61 scores out of 120 for IBT (Internet Based) TOEFL to enable you to go to US.

xi) Enjoy yourself in US!