THE SUNDAY LEADER

SEPTEMBER 24TH 2006

Planning to study in the UK?

Contact Sri Lanka is an invaluable resource for anyone planning to study, work and live in Britain.

A large number of young people leave Sri Lankan shores every year to study abroad, in the hope of better future prospects. The United Kingdom has been an overwhelmingly popular destination, due to its renowned educational establishments and the quality of its degrees.

However, selecting courses and colleges, the application process to universities, for visas, and for scholarships and merely adapting to life in a country with a vastly different culture is fraught with challenges. It is for this reason that a young and dynamic team of current and former students in the UK formed Contact Sri Lanka – a website designed exclusively to assist Sri Lankans keen to study in the UK.

With detailed information de-mystifying the application process, information about jobs and part-time work, and much more, www.contactsrilanka.co.uk is a valuable resource for any prospective UK student.

It aims to create an online meeting place for students to meet others like themselves and exchange advice and information, thus building a co-operative and friendly online community.

A cultural experience not to be missed

In addition to the excellent quality of education, the UK also offers a remarkable cultural experience for the young international student. Ornate palaces nestle amongst glistening skyscrapers; beautifully landscaped parks and gardens beckon amongst theme parks and designer boutiques.

Concerts in grand festival halls an open air pop concerts, West End theatre productions and cinema, are some of the many cultural experiences the student could indulge in. The UK’s proximity to the continent allows cheap, quick and convenient travel to other European capitals, another opportunity students could avail themselves of.

In short, the UK offers a cultural experience that should be savoured, in addition to gaining a degree. The student should leave the UK as a rounded individual enriched by myriad experiences and with a good understanding and appreciation of other cultures and people.

CSL is very keen to introduce Sri Lankan students to such opportunities, and has compiled comprehensive information links for travel (both within the UK and to and from Europe) and entertainment too.

Other facets of CSL

However, CSL is not just for students. With comprehensive information about finding jobs in the UK, and details of professional organisations in addition to news, entertainment and current affairs, there is something for everyone.

Another very important aspect of CSL is its charity arm. By developing websites for UK based charitable organisations providing aid to Sri Lanka, CSL hopes to make a small but significant difference to needy causes at home.

As the strength of its user base grows, CSL hopes to increase its involvement and play a more direct role in fundraising for approved charities.

A newsletter will be circulated amongst regular users, containing Sri Lankan news and topical articles.

The newsletter will also provide a forum for students with literary turn to write in and reach out to others.