Interview with Corina Pillay |15 March 2014

‘My reward will be my Bachelor’s degree which will help open doors for me’
Corina Pillay is a student of the Teresian College, Siddarthanagar which is an all-girls college in the state of Karnataka, city of Mysore. The college falls under the Mysore University.
What is your field of study?

I am studying for a Bachelor degree in Business Management (BBM).

Tell us about your experiences as a student?

In the beginning, I found the overall experience challenging as I was by myself. There was no other Seychellois for me to speak to and there was a language barrier. At first I could not understand what was being said to me. As a result, I self studied for my first semester.

Furthermore, I did not have a guide to inform me of what to do in regards to my college papers and residential permit. But then, help came in the form of the Ambassador for Seychelles in India, Waven William.

Being in India, I have learned to be more patient as certain procedures take a long time to be processed, particularly if you are from another country. However, I am getting used to the way things are done here (in India) day by day.

During my first few days, I did consider returning to Seychelles but with the help of my family, the government of Seychelles and the ANHRD, I stayed and continued with my studies. The study schedule is demanding, but after your first and second semesters you get used to it.

I am happy for opting to continue in the pursuit of my studies and my reward will be my Bachelor’s degree which will help to open doors for me.  

What advice would you give to a Seychellois who is considering whether to study at your college?

I would advise them to be able to give their all. It will be difficult at first but you will be able to make it if you really want to achieve something. The college is small and you will be able to get the help you want from the lecturers on an individual basis.

I would also advise them to gather as much information as they can about the college prior to coming to India. It will also be good to get in touch with other Seychellois students who are studying in India so that you have someone to help you out upon your arrival.

Contributed by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development