“ANC is a gateway to a prestigious U.S. degree”
View(s):ANC stands steadfast as the #1 provider of US education in Sri Lanka, for ANC students receive an internationally respected education that prepares them for future professional pursuits: ANC alumni have found their calling in many a field, including business, engineering, health care, education, research, and journalism and scatter around the country and around the world.
Kushali Hettige Assistant Education Therapist Reach Beyond – Autism and Child development Centre
Kushalie Hettige is another beneficiary of ANC Psychology degree completion program in Sri Lanka offered in collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY). An avid reader who thinks “helping children could be the most rewarding job in the world,” Kushalie graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in psychology last year to land her first job at Reach Beyond – Autism and Child development Centre as an assistant education therapist. She’s grateful to ANC for the opportunity to pursue a career path well aligned with her ambition to become a child psychologist in the future.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Why did you choose the psychology degree program at ANC?
A: A career in psychology is a unique opportunity to combine my interest in science with helping children. After completing my ALs at Lyceum International School, I followed a Diploma in Child Psychology. But a diploma alone doesn’t promise employability. When I researched my options to find a college, the opportunity to complete an American degree in Sri Lanka motivated me to join ANC. I was also granted exemptions for my AL grades, which was a big plus. From my vantage point now, I can see that joining ANC was one of the best things happened to me as ANC was not only a gateway to a prestigious U.S. degree but also the best place to make great connections.
Q: What is the learning experience like at ANC?
A: Our lecturers were not only accomplished academics, they were also industry practitioners well placed to help us project a career path that fits our passion and interests. Dr. Mojgan, the Head of the Psychology Degree Programme at ANC, was a mentor to me. She was there throughout to push us to do better.
ANC-SUNY partnership offers a blended learning environment. We had access to all the learning materials used by US students following the same programme there at SUNY and the opportunity to interact with students from different parts of the world through online discussion forums. Also, it helped us sharpen our researching skills and become an independent learner. However, the in-person support from ANC faculty was invaluable. It’s only during the weekly sessions at ANC we could clear up any issues dealing with our assignments.
Q: What do you like most about your current job?
A: It’s my love for children that sparked my interest in child psychology. My current job at Reach Beyond is a great start to a career in child psychology. It’s a great joy and privilege to help young children reach their potential and live their best lives.
Q: What’s your message for prospective students?
A: As we have already discussed, ANC is a gateway to a prestigious US degree. The college also assists in preparation for the career search through internship opportunities, career fairs, workshops and seminars by industry leaders, etc. This helps ANC graduates fare better at job interviews. Moreover, psychology is increasingly gaining recognition as a STEM major and a sound choice for those who enjoy working with people from all walks of life. With a Bachelor’s degree in psychology you can land a fulfilling career in health care, management, sales and marketing, social work, and education, or go to grad school for a more specialized education in several areas of psychology.
ANC offers a great student experience as well. All staff and faculty have an open door policy which makes students feel they belong there. Remedial help is readily available for any freshman who needs extra help with their studies. Also, student activities organized by student organizations ensure that everyone is involved in something, so join ANC, make the most of the opportunities, and have fun because college happens only once.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Students finishing OLs and ALs are welcome to be enrolled on any of our undergraduate degree programmes: U. S. Business Degree Completion; U.S. Psychology Degree Completion; 2+2 U.S. / Canada Degree Transfer; 1+3 Canada Transfer; 3+1 U.S. Transfer.
For more information, please contact 0773 957070, visit ANC at www.ancedu.com| No.308 – 310, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03, or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ancedu/