Midwestern State University embraces Sri Lankan students

There was fear and apprehension when he boarded the flight for Texas to attend Midwestern State University. Kapila Soysa admits that even as a mature, experienced man, he felt like he was embarking on a journey into uncertainty. He was confident that the agency in Columbo, Progressive Academy, had told him the truth. He was even more convinced when he met Midwestern State University professor, Dr. Randy Glean, in the seminar in Columbo. And he was almost assured when he attended the orientations by Chris Green of the US Embassy and Nelum Senadira at the Fulbright Commission. But this journey was unchartered, and his apprehension was real.

Fast forward three months later, and Kapila, along with his eight fellow Sri Lankans are elated. “We are totally pleased,” admits Liyanage Jayasinghe, computer science major. “This university is first class. We have been treated like kings here.”

Indeed, the Sri Lankans admit to being surprised to have been met at the airport by university officials, having their apartments ready, transportation to get them settled in, and a new organization of over 250 West Indian students to embrace them. In fact, they were so pleased that they decided to settle and become members of the Caribbean Students Organization (CSO).

Last month, the Sri Lankan nine celebrated their independence with a cultural Kandian dance, providing Sri Lankan food to their West Indian friends, and taking part in other CSO activities. They are actively involved in cricket and very much visible on the campus of 6500 students.

The Sri Lankans are excited about the prospects of twenty or more of their countrymen coming to join next fall. They are anxious to encourage other Sri Lankans to come to the USA, and more to take advantage of a smaller, warm campus like Midwestern State University. “Several of us have found jobs already,” says Kapila. “We see the possibility of earning other scholarships. Our apartments are low cost; our tuition is low; and we think this place is just perfect for students from our country.”

Progressive Academy has been doing it the right way,” says Dr. Randy Glean. “I would not work with an agency bent on exploiting Sri Lankans. They have reasonable and transparent fees. They work with the Fulbright Commission and follow the rules and guidelines of the Embassy. We want to reach out to Sri Lankans for the long haul, so we want a reputable and caring agency representing us in that country.”

The US Embassy has provided a lot of logistical support for the university. Glean believes that respect for the staff there is a strong reason to maintain the highest level of integrity and to deliver on every promise made to the detail.

“We cannot have students misled as some schools tend to do,” he says. “We intend to maintain our credibility and attract many more great Sri Lankans to Midwestern State University.”