Essay --

There are many different programs, which offer scholarships for studying in different parts of the world. In order to pick the right one for you, one needs to clearly understand what he/she expects from the program. I find UGRAD to be one of most promising programs for studying in the US for me, because it offers everything I’m looking for. Studying in the US has many great advantages like having an opportunity to get higher quality education, learning about the American people, exploring their lifestyle, culture and holidays, improving your English as well as becoming more responsible and mature person than you are currently. Armenian education system is descendent of the former Soviet Union one, so as a consequence it is more concentrating on theory rather than on the practical usage of the information. The problem is that without knowing how to apply the knowledge, one won't be able to become a good specialist. It is like having a tool but not knowing how to use it. Imagine having the latest, most powerful computer without having a power supply. You can’t make any use of it. This is the situation I found myself in - universities here give profound knowledge however, they are far from providing you with skills of using it. Whereas American education system pays more attention to practical skills, which include ability of doing research, actively interacting with problems of real life as well as developing critical thinking skills. Not to mention that due to having much more progressive equipment and better facilities studying is an easier, more attractive and more joyful process for students. Studying in the US is a perfect solution, as I will get best from both of the worlds. Besides academic challenges, ther... ... As soon as we get to know it better, we find it interesting and even like it. This is the kind of experience I’m looking for. Speaking of motivation I must admit that it came from my English teacher, who kindly showed me the right path to a better future. Thanks to her I had a chance to meet teachers from the US, communicate with them, ask many questions. That was the moment when I realized what I was missing. And the reason beyond my desire to get the best possible education is actually the fact I want to make my country a better place to live in. Armenian economic system is having a hard time nowadays, and the reason is the lack of proper specialist, who would lead the country to the right direction. I hope all the skills and knowledge I’ll bring with me from the US in case of being chosen will help me to become one of the leaders my country needs so much.