I write to share my experience at
Atlantic International University, Honolulu, USA. I was enrolled into the
School of Social and Human Studies in June, 2014 for a Doctorate Program in
Developmental Studies.
I
obtained my M.Sc. degree in 1991 from the University of Reading in the United
Kingdom as a full time student on a scholarship program of the British Council.
Over the years, I longed to further my studies to PhD but could not because of
cost and the lack of such training locally. When distant education started
becoming a reality in my part of the world, I began to contemplate taking an
on-line PhD program. In fact, I discussed this with a friend who is a
University Professor in the USA and he strongly discouraged me. His argument
was that the standards of distant learning are low. As time went by, I met
another friend who happens to be Master Degree alumnae of Reading University-
UK like myself, and is also a PhD alumnae of AIU and a Professor in one of our
state Universities. When I visited the website of AIU, I was fascinated by the
information I found. I then made up my mind to register as a Doctorate Student
in June 2014.
It has
indeed been a thrilling experience for me at AIU, in terms of managing my
professional responsibilities and my school work. All of this has largely been
possible because of the highly qualified team of andragogy professionals as
well as an excellent guide book (Doctorate Degree Student Manual).
The
curriculum was quite rich, involving major courses as well as several optional
courses that helped to enrich the program. The various assignments were often
thought provoking and challenging. The learning facilities such as the library
has been amazing.
Extra-curricular
activities especially through the My AIU Campus Life Section and the Campus
Mundi Magazine were fascinating. It was however unfortunate for me, that I
could not take full advantage of these facilities to participate in the student
life at AIU. I am however convinced that many other students did, and thus I
will like to encourage the University Authorities to continue having these
facilities.
As I
complete my Program at AIU, I hope to remain in touch with the University and definitely
will like to be abreast with the various developments through this electronic
campus.
AIU is undoubtedly
making a tremendous contribution in knowledge development worldwide. Through
its programs and the teaching and learning method it has adopted, it is of
course offering an invaluable opportunity to many who’s financial status and
other constraints will otherwise not permit them to avail themselves of this
quality of education. After completing my program at AIU and considering that I
did obtain all my previous education, from Elementary School to Master Degree
level as a fulltime student, I strongly see no bases for any argument to think
that distant education in this era of ICT can be sub-standard.
I am
foremost delighted to have known AIU and be able to take advantage to study
from my remote home and office in Cameroon.
Indeed I
know feel accomplished professionally as I am convinces that the knowledge I
have acquired though my program of studies at AIU will take me to an all new
level in my career. Even if I do not find a new job as a result of this
certificate, which of course was not my objective to study at AIU, I will have
fully met my initial objective which was to make me a better professional, by
enabling me to develop a broader and analytical mine.
I feel
proud and look forward to when my Doctorate Degree will be conferred on me.
Accept my best regards,
Besong Ogork
