Electives

Career and College Preparation

Teacher: Jacqueline Lonergan (Guidance Counselor)

This senior level course  meets the needs of students who are applying to colleges and universities outside of Myanmar. The teacher presents the array of options for students and guides them in the research for colleges that meet their needs. Students have access to the library to do this research. As students narrow their research, they begin the application process, with special emphasis put on effective essay writing. By the end of the first semester, students have completed their applications and arranged for sending of them to their chosen schools. In addition, there is a College Night in October, a trip to either Singapore or Bangkok (in early October), to visit university campuses there and to attend two U.S. college fairs. In November, there is a parent meeting to explain how to fill out financial forms and apply for financial aid. Guest speakers also are invited to speak to parents and students about U.S. colleges. From time to time representatives from various schools abroad will visit YIS and make presentations to interested students.

During the second semester students prepare for leaving their families and adjusting to a new environment. Students are taught “survival” skills (such as money management, U.S. laws, cultural differences, basic domestic skills) and learn about college life. In addition, students are required to research and write a 10 page research paper on a subject of their choice using APA format that is frequently used by US colleges and universities.