Studying In Kansas, Texas

Professor Keith Alkire of Ottawa University , Kansas , Texas

Well-known as the cowboy state of the USA where gunslingers and notorious cowboy legends came from Kansas , Texas is also a place for the intellectual. Texas state is the producer of famous people like Howard Hughes (aviator, movie producer and billionaire), George Bush (Sr. and Jr. who are both former President and President of the United States of America), actress Sissy Spacek and other celebrities, politicians, philosophers and entrepreneurs. With a history tracing as far back in 1837, Ottawa University (OU) is one of the preferred universities to pursue one's studies. The cosy ambience, the student life and the heart-warming community makes Ottawa University , Kansas a choice for the serious yet laid-back student.

Malaysian students have the opportunity to obtain a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ottawa University without having to incur the cost of studying overseas.

According to Professor Keith Alkire of Ottawa University , who visited Malaysia recently, “We understand the desire for Malaysians to receive the best in education and that is why we make an effort to come here to provide workshops for our Malaysian students”.

“ Malaysia students are accorded the same treatment and status as our American students,” Professor Alkire explained.

Professor Alkire further mentioned the three top reasons the OU programme is so popular among Malaysians. Firstly, they earn a degree that is exactly the same as what American students obtain. They get face-to-face lectures from OU American lecturers themselves.

What's interesting though is that Malaysian students have the opportunity to spend the final 2 full-weeks at OU's campus in Kansas .

“The 2 weeks in Ottawa University itself is what most of our Malaysian students look forward to,” enthused Professor Alkire. “They fly in on Saturday and we have field trips and activities planned out for them. They have classes on Monday to Friday that concentrates on module 5 and 6 of the programme.”

It is basically experiencing studying overseas in a short period yet full of planned activities, said Professor Alkire. It is a whirlwind learning experience that will last a lifetime.

The university plans field trips to Harley Davidson, Hallmark Cards, the Kansas Stock Exchange and so on. Sometimes, it will be visiting a horse ranch or going to the lakes for boating – everything and anything that is in season.

Going to Ottawa University is part of the programme for Malaysian students. Students need to only pay for the airfare to get there. They will be put up in the international dormitories and looked after very well by the staff of OU.

“Everyone at the University are very supportive of our students,” said Professor Alkire. “And what's best is that our community loves it when students from Malaysia are there for the two weeks study tour. Everyone comes out to greet them and that includes the town's Mayor.”

OU has links with other SEA countries. We also have students coming from Hong Kong and Singapore ,” said Professor Alkire. “We try to schedule the study tour so that students from Malaysia , Hong Kong and Singapore get to experience the learning and student life together.”

This gathering of all international students allow for more friendships to be formed. It gives a rich taste of culture and traditions at an international and American flavour.

We have students so love coming back here, said Professor Alkire. A common intention of students is to travel around after their studies and we make sure that they are safe if they extend their stay here longer. Should students plan to venture into other cities and states like New York , Los Angeles or anywhere else in America , they can be assured of a friendly and helping hand from OU.

Professor Alkire lectures on cross cultures and organisational behaviour. Coming so often to lecture in Malaysia , she has developed a fondness for all things Malaysian. “I love the weather, the students, pandan cake and kaya toast”, said this jovial lady.

Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the USA , and also a member of the Northern Central Association (NCA). To date, they have close to 2000 Malaysian graduates.

Malaysian Diploma holders in business administration or similar qualification are able to articulate into the final part of OU's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree. This makes OU particularly attractive to working adults who are looking to upgrade their diploma qualification.

Those interested in the programme can contact its recruitment office, Systematic Management Resource Centre Sdn. Bhd. by calling 03-8023 2616, email to infosmrc@systematic.edu.my or log on to www.smrc-online.net for more information.