Help me continue MS in International Education at Stockholm University

Dear friends and people all around the world,

I am Arus Shahinyan, an Armenian woman who moved to Stockholm, Sweden in August 2015 and I am raising this donation to get assistance in paying my second Spring Semester 2016 tuition fee for Master of Science Degree in International and Comparative Education at Stockholm University.

My friends and people who know me for many years know that I have been dreaming of studying abroad since 2009. This program of International and Comparative Education got my attention back in 2013, because of its appealing curriculum, combination of theory and practice, opportunity to take part in shaping education field after graduation. It enhances my knowledge about interdependence of education, politics and society, it examines the challenges the education system faces during planning and how those challenges are being dealt with. It also provides an opportunity to adjust my background in HR and English Language Teaching to a wider perspective. Having successfully completed the first course in International Education I am now finishing the second one in Educational Planning.

Being raised in an educated family with limited financial opportunities I was always encouraged to get the best out of education that my parents could afford. The education I got shaped the person I am today and I am endlessly grateful to my parents for all the efforts made for me to get the best education they could afford in Armenia! I personally strongly believe that education affects any country, the mentality of people and the prosperity of the country!

During the last nine years of my life I worked hard to be able to support my family and myself, which did not allow me save for education. However, I was always keeping my eye on foreign universities and always had this strong desire to study abroad.

So when in March 2015 I was enrolled to Stockholm University I was excited and motivated to take this chance. Unfortunately, in April I was refused the university scholarship, and then in September the only one for Armenian students, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) scholarship. Another scholarship which I was eligible for (SI scholarship) was unfortunately not being offered to Armenian students for 2015-2016, due to the refugee situation in Sweden (the money was relocated to support Syrian Immigrants in Sweden).

Since December 2014 I was working on a freelance translation project, and the payment I got was fully spent on paying the first installment (45000 SEK equivalents to 4800 EUR/5200 USD). I was full of hope to receive the AGBU Scholarship and continue my freelance translation project. However, it did not happen and I am looking for funds to pay. The total tuition for this two years MS program is 180 000 SEK (19,264 EUR/21.173 USD). Together with my family savings we managed to save 22 130 SEK (2400 EUR/2600 USD). I am blessed to have my brother in Stockholm, who is able to provide accommodation; however, unfortunately he is not able to help me with the full tuition fee!

Frankly speaking, it takes me courage to start this fundraising campaign. But I hope, that there will be people who would like to donate a little amount for such a huge goal of mine. And as I do not have any other source to pay it by January 11^th, I decided to give it a try!

Any of your assistance is highly appreciated and every penny makes difference!

Thanks in advance and in any case,

Best regards,

Arus Shahinyan