International students awarded Academic Advancement Scholarships

Nine international students received $1000 Academic Advancement Scholarships for their outstanding achievements at Camosun College.

The scholarships are annual awards administered by Camosun International and funded by the Camosun College Foundation. Interested students filled out a formal application form, which were subjected to review by CI staff members. Applicants had to be full-time students with a high Grade Point Average (GPA) and currently enrolled in a Camosun program.

“It feels amazing to be recognized,” says Ida (Shelida) Namuco, a second year Business Administration student from the Philippines. Ida has been working at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) while studying. “My studies at Camosun have helped me build a career in banking. I love Victoria and plan to stay here after graduation.”

Tianyi Jia, a first year Business University Transfer student from China, has his sights set on University of British Columbia. “This award makes me want to work harder and get better. Camosun has been so positive for me – I like the cozy atmosphere and friendly instructors.”

“It’s absolutely fabulous!” says Tamara Ulrich, who left a 14 year career in IT, sold her house, and relocated from the Washington, DC area in the United States to start a Computer Science degree at Camosun. “I’ve been happy in my field, but I would have more options with a degree. I’m 38 years old, so this whole experience has been like a second chance.”

The Academic Achievement Scholarship is one of several funding opportunities for international students. The department will award more scholarships in early 2016, each with different criteria and deadlines. For application information, students are encouraged to speak with their advisor.

“This is how we honour and recognize international students,” says Diana Shields, Camosun International’s Associate Director. “Scholarships are one of the ways that we show appreciation for the students who demonstrate academic strength and the courage to learn in a new environment.”

2015 Academic Advancement Scholarship Recipients:

• Tamara Ulrich, UT Computer Science (United States)
• Tianyi Jia, UT Business (China)
• Kyubin Han, Electronics and Computer Engineering (South Korea)
• Shelida Namuco, Business Administration (Philippines)
• Pushap Preet Singh Saini, Computer Systems Technology (India)
• Alper Turna, Mechanical Engineering (Turkey)
• Chih-Ying Chen, Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology (China)
• Venus Tamturk, Post-Degree Diploma Marketing (Turkey)
• Nataliya Bryndak, Post-Degree Diploma Tourism and Hospitality (Ukraine)

View the Flickr album of individual recipients.