More than 120 visitors filled Kyiv School of Economics on March 17. The education institution joined with the Harvard Club of Ukraine to encourage people to apply to the prestigious Ivy League university.
The event,
called Harvard Discovery Day, featured alumni who spoke about how the
university changed their lives for the better and how they, too, might gain
entrance. Only an estimated 50 Ukrainians have graduated from Harvard and the
club’s mission is to increase the number.
Danyil
Pasko, the head of Harvard Club of Ukraine who works for Horizon Capital, said
that he thinks increasing awareness of the options will help.
“In the
recent years, the number of Ukrainian students is not as high as it can be. Of
course, it’s because of the tough admission process,” Pasko told the Kyiv Post.
“But I hope that such meetings will raise awareness among ambitious Ukrainians
that enrolling one of the best world’s universities is the real thing.”
Pasko,
along with his Harvard colleagues, shared their experiences, including those of
graduates of Harvard Business School. “All the graduates who came back to
Ukraine have successful business here. Those who stayed in the U.S. face some
difficulties, as I know. As for me, I want to work in Ukraine,” Pasko said.
Dreams are a
good motivation, said Pavlo Sheremeta, the head of the Kyiv School of Economics,
and Harvard Discovery Day is a chace to inspire.
Nataliya
Bugayova and Olga Belkova, both graduates from Harvard University’s John F.
Kennedy School of Government, said studying in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
provided the most rewarding experience of their lives.
Bugayova
walked visitors through the rigorous academic requirements, including
preparation for the Graduate Record Examinations, and possible sources of
financial aid.
Belkova,
now a member of parliament, talked about the advantages of the mid-career
program.
“There’re
only six Ukrainians who received their master’s in a one-year, mid-career
program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This (university) is the best
choice for Ukrainians, because they can implement their knowledge and skills here
– in Ukraine,” Belkova said.
Harvard
graduates are available for hints on writing essays, motivation letters and
other requirements. Attendees also learned about Education USA scholarships and
offerings from the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
Kyrylo
Molodykho, a Kyiv lawyer, delayed his entry to Harvard Kennedy School to raise
tuition expenses.
“It’s a
serious step – to enter Harvard. One needs to understand, it’s about two years
of one’s life spent on studying. You need to know why you need Harvard and what
do after graduating. As for me, I’d like
to came back to Ukraine and maybe one day I find myself working in National
Bank of Ukraine,” Molodykho told the Kyiv Post.
Kyiv Post staff writer Olena Goncharova can be reached at
[email protected]
