The Aspirations International Education Exhibition 2011- one of the largest international education exhibitions in Sri Lanka - was a great success. It showed students the various options they have in pursuing higher education around the world.

Forty reputed international universities and institutes from Australia, Malaysia, UK, USA, Singapore and India were represented at this event. It was held in Colombo on July 9 - 10 at the Ceylon Continental Hotel and in Kandy on July 12 at the Queen's Hotel. At the exhibition, students were given the opportunity to meet directly with representatives of these universities and institutions, and discuss everything from study programmes to living in cities, accommodation, transport and other such practical matters.

Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman Aspirations Education, Prof. Sarath Amungugama, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya , Ms. Sonya Boylan , First Secretary Australian High Commission , Colombo, Mr. Tan Li Lung, Counselor and Head of Chancery , High Commission of Malaysia , Colombo and Mr. David Samuel , Business Development Manager, Austrade , Colombo, addressing the gathering at the Opening Ceremony.

Director/ General Manager of Aspirations Education, Deepamala Abeysekera said the event offered "spontaneous interactive assistance". She added that it greatly helped students in making what was probably the most important decision in their lives. "What they got was accurate, genuine information to make that decision", she stated.

According to her, the great difference at this exhibition was that it revealed the wide array of options available in different countries, for comparison and contrast, and thereby helped students make an informed decision as to what was best for them. After the event, Aspirations had a very positive response in terms of follow-up with their student counsellors. "Many students continue to be in touch with us", said Deepamala.

Within the course of this week, students can apply to the 40 universities represented at the exhibition and win prizes, including AUS$ 2000 from the University of Canberra, a £2000 scholarship from Nottingham Trent University, UK, and AUS$ 500 book vouchers from MIBT. Those who missed the exhibition could still contact Aspirations at Nawala or Kandy to obtain some of the benefits and incentives made available.

Team Aspirations with the University Representatives

This was the fifth consecutive year that the exhibition had been successfully organized by Aspirations - the international education specialists. They have over the years guided numerous Sri Lankan students on everything from choosing their study programmes and future career paths to obtaining pre-visa assessments.

"We assist them every step of the way", said Deepamala. "And all of it is absolutely free of charge to students. There is no consultation fee involved." She also said they offered students career guidance after their O/Ls and A/Ls, and in suggesting the most suitable course of action, take into account all the relevant factors such as how much they could afford, their innate abilities and their aspirations for the future.

Aspirations offers students various options to help achieve their goals and expectations.
Deepamala noted that they have wide experience in visa regulations and procedures.
"Our experience in complying and compiling the relevant documents is crucial to help students study overseas", she emphasized.

Prof. Sarath Amunugama lighting the oil lamp at the inauguration of AIEE 2011

Over the years, the senior management of Aspirations has provided guidance to over 10,000 students. Senior Manager - Strategic Planning & Business Development, Aspirations Education, Nadeen Kumarasinghe said their direct connections and access to international universities and institutions helped ensure that everything progresses smoothly until they enrolled.

He also said that at the exhibition, Aspirations launched the Postgraduate Opportunity Hub for the benefit of postgraduate students (especially for PhD and Masters by research). This would help students in important matters such as successfully submitting a comprehensive research proposal with personal guidance from academics at the foreign universities represented.

Nadeen said the dialogue they facilitate between the international academics and postgraduate students will greatly enhance their opportunities and prospects. There will also be opportunities for financial assistance.

The Postgraduate Opportunity Hub has received a very positive response since its launch. Students can go through the website www.aspirations.edu.lk/postgraduate, which has the profiles of the foreign academics, and register with the portal, log on and fill the form online. Aspirations will then connect them and facilitate a dialogue.

Some of the representatives who were present at the new Kandy branch opening

The Hub was launched jointly by the Chief Guest at the exhibition, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Prof. Sarath Amunugama and Dr. Su of Swinburne University, Malaysia Campus. Other distinguished guests at the event included First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Sonya Boylan, Counsellor and Head of Chancery of the High Commission of Malaysia in Colombo, Tan Li Lung and Business Development Manager, Austrade, Colombo, David Samuel.
Aspirations represents over 100 universities and institutions in Australia, UK, US, Malaysia, Singapore, India and New Zealand, which offer programmes covering almost every field of study.

Recently, its Kandy branch was relocated to 222 1/1, Peradeniya Road, Kandy, for the convenience of students in and around the city.