Higher learning
July 29, 2005 | 12:00am
Who would’ve thought that one could use the words "cool" and "school" in one sentence? Don’t we all have harrowing classroom memories – of terrorist teachers, of inscrutable homework, of being forced to learn lessons that can’t be applied anywhere, etc.? Before, we students couldn’t wait for summer and frolic like Bugs Bunny, singing, "No more classes, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks." Because of an academic institution like Center for International Education or CIE (located at the 28th floor of Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, Makati City), going to school is no longer a drag.
"Here in CIE, we believe that memorization does not measure success. Instead, we do a lot of mentoring, and we apply practical pop culture type of pegs in the classroom," says Lex Ledesma, CIE executive director. Now, the term "cool school" is no longer an oxymoron.
(My indigo sister Tash who goes to CIE says she is enjoying her school’s laidback atmosphere – something I never heard from her before.)
But it’s not all fun and games at CIE. This academic institution – which is University of Cambridge’s international associate partner in the Philippines – can be described as place where dreams start small and where future entrepreneurs are born.
Think of it this way: They say in a time of crisis, having your own business is one of the best ways to survive. Indeed, finding opportunities amidst crisis and infusing it with passion can drive one to succeed. And being a hardworking entrepreneur means that you have the power to create a better world not only for oneself but for others as well.
"Since success for every person is different, we help young people to find out what it is they love in order for them to set up their own business," Lex explains. Students are required to do this in their first year – exciting and enriching at the same time, eh?
There is no better way to enjoy a career than to start a business based on what you are passionate about.
For 21-year-old Christian Miranda, his passion is simply "to help Filipinos." And by setting up the Embassy of Foreign Universities, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to do so. This educational consulting company aims to help those who want to study abroad. After all, education is the golden ticket to the world.
Fact is, studying in an Ivy League school is everyone’s dream. Imagine studying in Cambridge like Hugh Grant, NYU a la Felicity, or Harvard like most brainiacs. Aside from shocking tuition fees, the application process can be such a hassle if you do not have a single clue how to do it right.
"We would like to give the opportunity for Filipinos who do not have the capacity to pay and they have the capability to actually pass," explains Christian. Thankfully this company will assist clients in applying for the course and school they want to go to. However, "We would like to be as honest as possible. We guide clients and increase their chances but we will not give false expectations."
With a fee of $700, the Embassy of Foreign Universities will help clients review for SATs, IELTS, GMAT and essays. The company will be the one to submit applications for clients to US and UK universities. If the client passes, the scope of assistance will also include travel, passport and visa applications.
As of now, the embassy has 25 clients. The great thing about this enterprise is that Christian gathered at least 50 consultants, which he calls "ambassadors." They are Filipinos who acquired international degrees abroad and who are currently living in the country. So, at least once a month, a client will have a personal encounter with ambassadors to give a taste of what it is like to study abroad.
Because Christian was driven to help others, his passion led him to help people explore numerous opportunities of an international education. "My firm is not colonial at all. It’s being open and global but at the same time retaining the spirit of being a Filipino."
This is a valuable lesson we should all learn.
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