PAC Asia STUDY ABROAD represents the whole of Australia

PAC Asia an international career guidance and student placement service center in Sri Lanka has joined hands with universities of all regions from Australia. This enables local students aspiring to obtain higher education to leverage on the advantages offered from different states in Australia before deciding on ‘the city’ to apply for their higher studies in the preferred stream of education.

PAC Asia has longstanding partnerships with universities from all parts in Australia including, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and is now able to offer multi- faceted opportunities to the Sri Lankan students. Each city in Australia has its own array of recompenses to offer to its international student community, such as the diversity and rich heritage of Melbourne and vibrant arts scene, scenic beauty, superb shopping and the pleasant climate of Sydney to mark a few. All in all, an opportunity to study in any of the Australian regions covered by PAC Asia will provide a student with an educational experience which will take them beyond the knowledge gained from formal education and encompass them withan educational experience which is enriched with the rich socio-cultural contributions each geographical zone offer.

Mr. Bhatia CEO/Managing Director,PAC Asia, speaking on their ability to cover all geographical zones of Australia stated, “PAC Asia being an organization which pays key attention to the fact that our education plans opens a wider horizon to the students we cater to, is very much proud to present them with the varied advantages of different geographical regions which Australia offer as a country. Students will have an opportunity to rationalize their choice of city to study, by comparing the advantages offered by each city in a comprehensive manner. This would obviously enable the much required exposure of the students to the knowledge economy. Thus, education from Australia will be one that involves learning through rich heritages of different regions in Australia, making their education certainly, a fully-fledgedexperience”.

When considering education institutes all around Australia, Melbourne has been identified as the most favorite destination for the majority of the Sri Lankan students. Large number of Sri Lankan expatriate community living there as well as the large number of annual international student intake maybe key reasons for the student in choosing this region. As such to favour the students who intend to choose Melbourne as their higher educational destination, PAC Asia has partnered with Monash University, RMIT University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Victoria University, Charles Sturt University study center. In addition to this, Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology ( MIBT) which is a pathway provider to Deakin University and a rang e of TAFE ( Te ch n i c a l and Further Education) Institutions in Melbourne which includes Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Chisholm Institute of TAFE, Wi l l i a m Angliss Institute of TAFE, and Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE are also partners. Thereby, students who have Melbourne as their first choice for their educational purposes will get the opportunity to gain easier access and counsel.

Meanwhile, Sydney, the commercial capital of Australia is another re g i o n , where PAC Asia has been able to get into many a partnerships for higher education, in order to facilitate student community of Sri Lanka, if they plan to choose Sydney, where they would get a chance to experience a true city life, lucrative employment opportunities as most of the global multinationals have their Australian operations from Sydney, there is a range of educational institutes which will cater to various fields of education choices of the students. In Sydney, PAC Asia has partnered with, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University, Curtin University Sydney Campus, University of Wollongong. In addition to this Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) which is a pathway provider to Macquarie University and UTS Insearch which is a pathway provider to University of Technology Sydney ( UTS) are also in partnership with PAC Asia.

Perth, which is considered as the fastest growing Australian city, has booming industries such as mining, which makes way for ample employment opportunities, and even provides benefits to students such as free public transport and a bearable tropical climate that is similar to that of Sri Lanka. The educational institutions in Perth which have partnered with PAC Asia include, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and Murdoch University. In addition to this Perth Institute of Business and Technology (PIBT) which is a pathway provider to Edith Cowan University and TAFE Western Australia which is a government owned group of TAFE institutions and Phoenix Academy are also partners of PAC Asia.

If a student is on the lookout for a lower cost of living as opposed to other cities of living during their stay in Australia, their best option would be to choose Adelaide as their destination. University of South Australia. South Australian Institute of Business and Technology (SAIBT) which provides pathways to University of South Australia are partnered with PAC Asia and a student will be able to secure a spot in any of these educational institutes with the expert guidance provided by PAC Asia.

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is another city in Australia, which has a comparatively lower cost of living, it is also less crowded, making the city highly student friendly. For a student applying through PAC Asia, they will be able to obtain admission to University of Canberra, Canberra College which provides pathways to University of Canberra and Canberra Institute of Technology ( CIT), a well known TAFE institution in Canberra.

In Brisbane, PAC Asia is partnered with Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Queensland Institute of Business and Technology (QIBT), which provides pathways to Griffith University. The students who choose Brisbane for their higher educational purposes can get a brush of its tropical weather, and witness the fast growth of the city along with a cost of living which is lower than Melbourne and Sydney. Another plus factor is that even the property prices are lower in Brisbane compared to other big cities, and its location around major tourist destinations provides great variety to the student life.

PAC Asia proving its strength in covering whole of Australia has also entered in to a partnership with University of Tasmania in Tasmania, the Australia’s “Island of inspiration”.

“Considering the vast choice of education institutes from different geographical settings offered by PAC Asia, students who will interact with us will be able to work with the best options before making a decision selecting which educational institute and which region of Australia, that they would like to be placed to pursue higher education, and PAC Asia will counsel them affluently and direct them towards the best choice,” elaborated Mr. Bhatia.

Thereby, when choosing an educational institute or a university to study in Australia, a student requires being aware of the broad set of advantages different regions may offer to gain a comprehensive understanding in this matter, it is best for the students to refer to proper guidance. PAC Asia is unquestionably an intelligent choice for the students as it is an education expert with many years of experience and is able to cater each student with special attention, proper guidance and advice, avoiding any chance that would lead their students to be misguided.

All services offered by PAC Asiaare absolutely free of charge. Call us on 0773-867758 or log onto www.pacasia.org or you can visit us at no. 28, Dharmarama Road, Colombo – 06 or call on 2585764 or 2594429for more information.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the largest and fastest-growing global accountancy bodies with 154,000 members and 432,000 students in 170 countries. They have today also become a force in itself in Sri Lanka, with the potential for the qualification being very high, due to the fact that they are one of the few to offer a qualification that comprehensively covers the technical and management skills accountants are expected to master such as performance management, financial management, governance risk and ethics, corporate reporting, financial strategy, management decision making and taxation and auditing.

Providing students with such knowledge and know-how are ACCA’s accredited tuition providers that consists of One Platinum status tuition provider and Three Gold status tuition providers in Colombo .They also have tuition providers in both Kandy and Jaffna , giving students in these regions the benefit of gaining a globally reputed and accepted qualification in their own home towns, that will guarantee them an edge over other counterparts when applying for jobs, as the ACCA qualifications is one that is highly commended by all employers worldwide.

Discussing their future plans that includes expanding their reach within the country to benefit students in all regions, as well as broaden their scope even in Colombo , Ms.Dilani Perera ACCA’s Relationship Manager –Learning , . stated that she was proud to note that most of the students of the current tuition providers had pass rates for most of the ACCA subjects that was above global rates as well as having a large amount of prize winners.

“2012 A/L results have been released. And guess what?” My husband aroused my curiosity.

“May be Devi Balika’s at the top”, I was quick indeed.

Though it was three years and a little more since I left Devi to domicile in Australia, my partiality is still strong; I always consider myself fortunate to be a teacher in the A/L languages section. Looking back at the time I taught at Devi, which is filled with mixed nostalgic memories, there is contetment.

In my last visit to Sri Lanka, personal commitments did not allow me the opportunity to visit her to see her present glory. But some of my former students who visited me had informed me of the latest.

“Miss, we’re getting ready for the 60th birthday.” “Really, she’s 60 years.” To me who knew Devi Balika since my childhood, when my two elder sisters Sandya and Arunodini, won scholarships somewhere in the ‘70s, Devi would forever be a damsel and never a sixty year old veteran. There is a surprising youthful aspect about her due to an innate vigour and dynamism that keeps her evolving in the best direction. This aspect has been enhanced by the simplicity and the intelligence of the recipients of knowledge. It’s indeed an unassuming loveliness.

Nestled in between the most unexpected landmarks of birth and death-the Castle Hospital and the General Cemetery, Devi Balika has its unique atmosphere never to be found anywhere. Driving down the Sri Jayawardanepura Mawata an onlooker is beset with the beaming smiles of proud parents and happy expectant mothers plump with the sustaining life within. In the afternoon, once the school is over, the sadness of life is in the air with bugles or drums or the mournful wailing of the grief-stricken. Life lessons are naturally taught to Devians who celebrate life and death in equal measures.

As teachers, our roles are multi-dimensional. As the tradition requires, selection applies to all of us. The Department of Education sends students on the basis of merit, and the teachers too are selected with caution. When a teacher applies or is recommended, there is a process of assessing their ability to teach at Devi Balika. First, there is an interview with the Principal or the Vice Principals or the relevant sectional head. If the impression is favourable there would be a teaching session under supervision next.

Once selected, there is a code of conduct to adhere. Our very attire is under scrutiny. The manner we handle classes is under surveillance. Our arrival and departure too is monitored. If our conduct is not according to Devi tradition, there would be comments or recommendations. But once established we become a part of that huge Devi community.

Such attention to detail had been there from the very inception of the school under the likes of Dr Wimala De Silva, the founder Principal of Devi Balika, a lady of high calibre and wisdom.

Teachers are dedicated and highly committed. According to our capability we are entrusted with classes and also co-curricular activities. Devi Balika is not only making intellectuals, but also produces all- rounders. Therefore a range of co-curricular activities is on the school calendar showcasing the exquisite tal- ents of our very capable girls. With little guidance and direction they in fact would go a long way. Teaching is undoubtedly challenging and demanding. The girls are knowledge seekers as they are brought up to compete. Their thirst for knowledge is unparalleled. Once taught, there is the satisfaction of being understood 99% if not hundred per cent.

Term tests are the most trying of all. We make our papers, attending to every level of their completion with utmost care. We do not compromise the standards, knowing very well our girls could accomplish their task to perfection. Once the papers are corrected, every detail is observed by the eager students and the anxious but strict teachers. Looking back I feel content at such rigorous but equally meticulous procedures being carried out there. That definitely enhanced our abilities as educators.

Prize giving is the time of celebration. The academic results that invariably include public examinations and their high performance are to be rewarded. When assigned with the duty of writing certificates and character certificates made me wonder at the ability of our girls to do the best. Devians undoubtedly go par excellence.

The results make us fly on wings. The hard work and devotion is compensated when the white sheets are religiously brought in by the proud principal in the red and silver van. There’s much exhilaration in the air. The time to rejoice as there is at least a couple of bests if not island bests. The phones ringing with the much awaited news, laughter and tears are an inherent part of it. We simply wipe our tears of joy taking a mental note, pondering happily on the extra times of special classes and revision regimes started at early hours of the day. There’s always a compensatory factor.

Sport-meets bring the competing spirits to revel. Blue, green, orange and red flags airborne, martial the true desire to try their physical best. It negates the very fact that Devians are only academically oriented. They bring the intellect and the physical strength into perfect harmony.

This year our school celebrates 60 years of unparalleled excellence. This year we are extra proud our girls became island best in diverse streams. This year we need the perfect resolve that years ahead for Devi would undoubtedly be filled with glory. Whatever challenges may come, Devi tradition should continue; we the members of that large extended family of Mother Devi need to pledge that her future would only be harmonious.

She stated that these results were gained by students due to not only the commitment of the relevant institutes but also due to the stringent high standards that ACCA deemed them to maintain.

She further explained that the criteria for an institute to become an accredited tuition provider was rather high, as it was a key mission of ACCA to ensure that students studying ACCA courses at these institutes can be assured that they are learning from the best, in terms of rigorous programmes of ACCA course management and delivery and dedicated and experienced lecturers using innovative teaching techniques that have a proven track record in academic achievements .The institute also need to have the systems and processes to monitor their students performance and the institution’s performance is another criteria for choosing them.

Ms Perera also explained that as ACCA syllabi are based upon the International Financial Reporting Standards and the International Standards on Auditing, their members are in demand and recognized by employers globally. Students of ACCA can also obtain a BSc honours degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, UK on completion of the first nine papers, the professional ethics module and a research project .Perera said that therefore all of the chosen tuition providers will have to have the ability to provide support for obtaining the degree by providing mentoring for the research project which means the student is fully supported in acquiring not just the professional qualification but the degree as well.

“Ms.Perera concluded by stating that “The role of tuition is extremely important to support students, in terms of how well candidates study and how motivated they are and we want their student journey to be solidly- supported. To become an Approved Learning Partner the institute must be teaching at least one of ACCA’s qualifications and be able to demonstrate their success. To qualify for Gold or Platinum approval, tuition providers must offer full-time or part-time face-to-face tuition, or an equivalent distance-learning course. In reviewing a full-time / part-time courses, ACCA will take into account, the style of tuition, the duration of the course ,the timing of the course in relation to the exams . From our end we will provide to these institutes , all the support required by them to reach the quality standards expected by ACCA . These will include interactive sessions with the trainers and lecturers to draw out the problems, suggestions and ideas on the best teaching methodologies and best practices , assessment methodologies and the examiner feedback received on student exam performance, forums on identifying challenges and methods of how to initiate solutions to help improve exam performance.”