The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) conducted the first ever study skills training for students who will soon be going abroad to pursue higher studies.

A total of 31 students attended the two weeks course, which completed the course on July 1.

The participants include class 12 toppers of 2016 who are going abroad for higher studies under the department of adult and higher education’s scholarship and some in-service personnel who received His Majesty’s scholarships.

Program organiser, Diki C Gyamtsho (Phd) from the Department of Research and External Relations of the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) said the study skills course is conducted to prepare those who are going abroad for higher studies since transition from school to college is challenging.

“They have graduated from high schools and the learning atmosphere in the colleges would be unfamiliar,” she said adding that the course is expected to soften the shock.

She said participants were taught nine essential skills required for their studies in colleges. The skills taught are motivation and goal setting, academic writing, effective note taking, library skills, referencing, time management, analytical and critical thinking and research skills.

She said students often dropped out of college as they failed to manage and cope up with the new atmosphere.

Vice Chancellor of RUB, Nidup Dorji, during the certificate awarding ceremony said students are spoon fed in schools and it was difficult to manage when they have to study on their own. “This course should be helpful in adjusting themselves with the new way of studying,” he said.

He also reminded the participants not to forget who they are when abroad and also think about how to serve the country after studies.

Dechen Wangdi, 18, who will be pursuing MBBS in Srilanka, said, having acquired the essential skills required, he feels he is ready to go for studies.

Officials from the OVC said a challenge to continue providing such skills is the lack of fund. Hence forth, it is expected to be a paid program with some slots provisioned for those who can’t afford.

The Office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon funded the first course this year.

Nima Wangdi

 

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