An Interview with Abhishek Parajuli: Reflections on Education in Hong Kong and Nepal

7.19.10 - Michael F. Shaughnessy - I heard about the Concord Review from a friend and when I decided to do my Extended Essay ( a 4000 word independent research assignment that is a required component of the IB diploma) history ( The United Nation's role in the genocide in Rwanda) I knew I would submit it there to see if I met its standards.

Michael F. Shaughnessy

Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico

1) First of all, where did you go to elementary school, and then high school.

I went to elementary school in Nepal ( from KG to grade 3) and then to a boarding school in India from 4-10 before returning to Nepal for my A Levels. After completing a year I was awarded a scholarship to study at a United World College in Hong Kong. 

2) Reflecting back on your high school, how often were you encouraged by your teachers to write and do research?

My major inspiration for research and writing came thought studying the International Baccalaureate program which has a stress on research and critical thinking. I was encouraged by Sylla Cosineau my history teacher at Li Po Chun UWC in Hong who was very encouraging with the research assignments he gave us.

3) Where are you currently attending college and could you discuss the demands and rigor of the coursework there?

Currently, I am taking a year off before going to college. I am working on researching the effects of Foreign Aid and Brain Drain on the Nepali Economy. The work is very demanding but I have learnt a lot about the World Trade Organization, Farmer's Rights etc. For me, it was very important to do this as I wanted to see the real world applications of the theory I was learning.

When I get back to college now I will take all the classes with a greater interest as I know what I learn is practically applicable. It has made me even more academically independent and see the true value of education. The value of being taught can only be appreciated fully if you give it a shot alone first. There were many concepts I came across that befuddled me and I had to read quite a lot to grasp them. There were many books I wanted to read that weren't available here in Nepal. Just the thought that in college I will have access to greater resources and people with expertise in many areas tantalizes me and I know this feeling will only grow as my gap year progresses.

Another key experience for me has been writing for Newspapers on the topics I am researching. I have written for and been published in Newspapers in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh and this is something I hope to continue.

4) You recently had a paper published in The Concord Review. How did that come about?

I heard about the Concord Review from a friend and when I decided to do my Extended Essay ( a 4000 word independent research assignment that is a  required component of the IB diploma) history ( The United Nation's role in the genocide in Rwanda) I knew I would submit it there to see if I met its standards. When my essay was published, I felt confident to take my interest even further. I wrote another research piece, this time without any support or "requirement" on the United Nations Role in the Genocide in Srebrenica. This I have now completed and submitted to the Concord Review. I am hopeful that this piece too will be published. I am also now working on researching the UN Peacekeeping missions in other parts of the World and do similar research pieces on them which I will publish collectively as a book on the lessons that can be learnt from the UN Peacekeeping mission failures. 

5) Who has been most influential in your scholarship and writing?

The Concord Review has been instrumental in my research and writing. As a 19 year old to work at a think tank and do independent research needs a confidence I would not have got without being published in a selective journal like the review. Teachers like Sylla and Dave have always had faith in me and supported me but when an independent journal like the review published my research I really felt that I could take the skills I have learned and apply them to different fields. 

6) How many opportunities did you have in your high school to be recognized for your work?

Because the IB is a rigorous curriculum in itself there were very few opportunities to be recognized for work that went beyond its demands. However, the IB in itself is an excellent program to learn the skills for Independent research and many of the skills needed to write these two paper for the Concord Review and for my work at the think tank came through the internal assessment work the IB required. The Concord Review added to this budding confidence by providing an independent evaluation mechanism and way to reach a wide audience with ones work. I would never have considered doing the second research piece if I had not been published first and been drawn to the possibility of being published again if I created a work that could shine through.

7) What are you currently studying, researching or writing about?

I am currently writing about Foreign Aids Effects on the Nepali Economy, Chinas growing power in South Asia and about the effects of accession to the World Trade Organization. I will start work on the other UN Peacekeeping missions after I hear back from The Concord Review about my second submission.

What have I neglected to ask?

If you wish I could send you the links to the News papers in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh that have published my work. I have also attached my resume if that helps.

Thank you for this opportunity and do let me know if I misunderstood any of your questions.