Each year, thousands of Cambridge A Level students from colleges vie for a spot in prestigious institutions of higher education around the world. Despite challenges from the global pandemic, students from INTI International College Penang shared good news about successfully securing a spot in the university of their dreams.
Twenty-year-old Teoh Li Yen, one of many recent graduates who excelled in the Cambridge A-Level (CAL) examinations, got herself a spot at Princeton University in the United States using just her forecast result. Li Yen enrolled in INTI’s CAL programme for the January 2020 intake and successfully completed the one and half year programme during a time of pandemic when classes were converted online.
Teoh Li Yen (second row, second from right) and her classmates pose for a group photo during their first class in 2019 before the pandemic hit.
“The CAL programme was challenging! However, the lecturers here are good and extremely helpful. For example, our Mathematics lecturer responds to the questions we send through Messager and will answer them patiently,” Li Yen said with a smile.
To her, the supportive environment at INTI provides students a great learning environment which contributed to her success. She mentioned that after months of online classes, it was a relief to be able to do hands-on lab experiments a few weeks before the final exam.
When asked why she chose the CAL programme at INTI, Li Yen, who is also a national squash player, said the college is situated not far from home which also facilitated her squash training.
“I have training six days a week, so I need to fit those in my schedule. I usually rush off for practice after my online classes.
“Besides that, the CAL programme provides me the choice of a wide variety of universities because it is widely recognised by many institutions worldwide,” she said, adding that she is currently completing a squash coaching course before she heads to Princeton University in August.
Fascinated by Physics and Mathematics since young, Li Yen chose to pursue the four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering programme. Admitting her shock at the acceptance, she said she thought her chances were slim.
“I knew the chance of being accepted was slim and nearly impossible due to the high number of applicants. I was shocked but also happy as Princeton University is among world’s top universities,” she said.
Furthermore, Li Yen said Princeton University gives students the flexibility of taking classes in a variety of subjects before deciding on a major at the end of sophomore year. Li Yen has also been recruited by the Princeton squash team to play for the varsity team.
Teoh Li Yen, a national squash player, finds it easy to juggle her squash practice and studies at INTI International College Penang.
Meanwhile, for Shivaani Tishadas, 22, who hails from Georgetown, her excellent score of 2A* and 2A earned her a spot for undergraduate study in Japan. She enrolled INTI’s CAL programme in July 2018 and completed on time, however, the pandemic had forced her to start her classes virtually in Malaysia before flying to Japan for physical lectures.
“I was thrilled when I knew that I had been accepted at Nagoya University. I wanted to study abroad since I was child because I wanted a different learning experience, and I specifically wanted to attend a university that allowed biological research and academic research because research is what I want to pursue. I chose Nagoya University because it is a research university heavily based on academic research,” said Shivaani, adding that she received Japan’s Government Scholarship (MEXT) for her studies in Nagoya University.
When asked about the CAL programme at INTI, she shared that having helpful and approachable lecturers is a big plus.
“Don’t be afraid to ask your lecturer questions, they are always willing to help,” she said, adding that going through past year papers and asking a ton of questions helped her prepare for the examinations.
Shivaani had always dreamed of studying abroad. Now her dreams have come true as she pursues a biological research programme at Nagoya University.
Shivaani, who was awarded a JPA scholarship for her A Levels programme, did not only focus on academics during her time at INTI but also actively participated in social activities as well. Her interest in anime, manga, and the Japanese culture led her to establish the INTI Japanese Anime Comic Game Society.
“That was my stand-out moment at INTI. I am glad I had a place to pursue academics and have fun with activities that I have an interest in. It’s my happy place,” she said.
After surveying different Cambridge A Level programmes at other colleges and universities, she chose INTI for its holistic approach to education – providing its students a conducive learning environment and fulfilling student experience.
“I enjoy the learning environment at INTI because there are many places where you can study in groups. This is helpful when you need to revise, and I studied a lot with friends,” said Shivaani who enjoys reading classic English literature during her free time and has an interest in reading academic papers too.
She spent her time at the library in INTI International College Penang reading journals and academic books which has helped her to better understand her interest in academia. Her passion in biology drives her to continuously learn and explore about the endless possibilities that exist within it. Shivaani is expected to complete in degree in biology by September 2024.
Shivaani (second from right) with her classmates during a group presentation in 2018.
The CAL programme is an internationally recognised pre-university qualification highly sought after by students worldwide. According to Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang, every year INTI receives thousands of students who enrol in the programme and succeed through hard work, motivation and guidance from their lecturers.
“We have very dedicated, passionate, friendly and helpful lecturers for the Cambridge A Level programme here and they do an excellent job in guiding students not only to succeed academically, but also point them in the right path for a brighter future,” she added.
Besides that, INTI also offers students platforms to develop and shape their soft skills as well as explore their interests.
“At INTI, our students can engage in social activities such as clubs and societies. This encourages them to become better in terms of time management, project planning, social networking and interaction, leadership skills, as well as interpersonal skills,” she added.
By providing students the support to excel in their studies and ways to learn more about themselves and develop skills, INTI students are well prepared for anything that comes their way in life as well as their chosen careers in the future.