ADVISOR: It’s really nice to meet
you both. I’m always glad to speak with young people interested in the
programs here at Pacific College of Alternative Medicine. We only have about
30 minutes before my next appointment, so let’s get started. If I remember
correctly from our email exchanges, you are both looking to pursue training
as herbalists. Is that right?
ZHANG LI: Actually, I want to study Oriental medicine and
acupuncture.
WILLIAM: And I’m the one who hopes
to study herbalism.
ADVISOR: I see. My apologies. So, as
I’m sure you already know, both of those programs take four years to
complete, and require full-time residency.
ZHANG LI: But what if I’ve already
taken some college courses? Surely my science classes are transferable for
credits towards the degree?
ADVISOR: Actually, we don’t accept
transfer credits. Our programs are very unique, and the kinds of science
courses you take at typical universities are not applicable here.
WILLIAM: Really? I thought I read on
your website that students can apply for advanced standing upon admissions.
What does that mean, then?
ADVISOR: The advance standing option
is only offered for the Oriental medicine and acupuncture track. If students have received
formal training in acupuncture, they can skip some of the introductory
courses.
WILLIAM: Oh, OK. That makes sense.
ZHANG LI: I have a question. As I
understood, students of the Oriental medicine and acupuncture track can study abroad. Is that
correct?
ADVISOR: Absolutely. In fact, we
have overseas study options for all of our programs. For Oriental medicine and
acupuncture, we have relationships with schools and hospitals in Hong Kong,
Shanghai, and Beijing. And those pursuing herbalism have options to mentor with
medicine men in Bolivia, or with Western herbalists in Norway, Denmark, or
Holland.
ZHANG LI: Great. Being able to get
that international experience is a massive priority for me.
WILLIAM: And I didn’t even know it
was an option for herbalism students! That definitely increases my interest
in this program.
ADVISOR: Well, we do work hard to
offer the best educational experiences possible. But you should keep in mind
that the study abroad programs are quite costly, as you must pay for
homestays and additional administrative fees.
ZHANG LI: Speaking of costs, how much
is tuition?
ADVISOR: That depends on the
program. The herbalism degree is currently $3,400 per year, and the Oriental medicine and
acupuncture program is slightly more, at $3,700 per year.
WILLIAM: Are there scholarships or
financial aid available?
ADVISOR: Students have the option of applying for financial aid through
the government, as with any other school. But we do also offer several
merit-based scholarships to exceptional students. You don’t need to apply
separately for them...you are automatically considered upon application.
WILLIAM: To be honest, one of my
concerns about this college is that it is more expensive than other
universities. Also, as herbalism isn’t very popular in Australia yet, I’m
worried that I’ll pay all of this money to get a degree, and then it won’t
help me get a decent,
paying job.
ADVISOR: Well, I think that the need
for herbalists is growing in our country, especially with alternative health
becoming a trend amongst the middle and upper classes.
WILLIAM: I guess that’s true.
ZHANG LI: Is there support for
graduates with finding employment?
ADVISOR: Yes, definitely. We have a
wonderful career counsellor, Ms. Roxanne Nelson.
ZHANG LI: And she helps with
developing CVs?
ADVISOR: Yep. She also conducts
interview skills workshops, maintains networks with clinics and health
centres domestically and internationally, and offers alumni a space with a
phone and printer to use during their job searches.
WILLIAM: Are the placement rates
pretty high for graduates?
ADVISOR: Again, that varies from
program to program. Around seventy percent of graduates from your program, William,
are placed in jobs right out of school. And for yours, Zhang Li, the
placement rate is about eighty-five percent.
ZHANG LI: Thanks for all of this
information. You’ve sure given me a lot to think about.
WILLIAM: Yeah, me too. We really
appreciate your time.
ADVISOR: No problem at all. Please
don’t hesitate to send me a message if you think of any more questions.
|