Sandy, 29
Bachelor's, International Business Management
Sandy has confidence she was put on this earth for a purpose. She believes a Zomia loan is a ladder that will help her become one of Myanmar's most successful businesswomen.
$8,375 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: December 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Karen
July 2018 14 Years $7,900 left to fund
Finn, 32
Voc/Tech, Teaching English as a Foreign Language
A strong English speaker, Finn wants to communicate with his lenders as family. Spending more time with his mom and raising his GPA to a 3.0 are among his goals this year.
$5,150 Loan In Limbo
- SEE TEFL Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: November 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Shan
June 2019 12 Years $4,925 left to fund
Thukha, 38
Bachelor's, International Relations & Development
Thukha became fascinated with development after observing aid workers in the field. He hopes to use his degree to increase literacy, respect of human rights, and protect the environment.
$4,850 Loan In Limbo
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- 4th Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: December 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Pa O, Shan
July 2019 12 Years $2,850 left to fund
Ei Lin, 36
Bachelor's, Social Science
Ei Lin's parents like to say that as a kid they pushed her, and as an adult she pushed herself. Today she is a scholarship recipient with an ambitious plan to run a social enterprise in her community.
$1,475 Loan Repaid in Full
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
December 2016 10 Years $0 left to fund
Spring, 30
Bachelor's, International Relations & Development
The daughter of Karen freedom fighters, Spring grew up with refugees and migrants along the Thai-Burma border. After graduation, she hopes to work with the Myanmar migrant community in Thailand as an education administrator or teacher.
$4,050 Loan In Limbo
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2019 12 Years $2,725 left to fund
Maybel, 36
Bachelor's, Social Science
Maybel left Myanmar in 2000 to access better education in a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. She’s since dreamed of going to college and believes she finally has her chance.
$1,125 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2020 10 Years $0 left to fund
Mee Mee, 35
Master's, Educational Management
Mee Mee knew she wanted to teach since she was a child. After years of working as a teacher and teacher trainer, she hopes this degree will bring her one step closer to becoming an expert in the field of education.
$4,050 Loan In Limbo
- Mahidol University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: September 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
April 2019 12 Years $1,300 left to fund
Ko Phyo, 42
Master's, Business Administration
Ko Phyo hopes to contribute to Myanmar's reforms. After working years for both a company and non-profit, he believes an MBA will best prepare him to help his country during a time of transition.
$5,150 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
December 2018 12 Years $3,500 left to fund
Sai Noom, 32
Bachelor's, Social Science
Financial constraints and family issues forced Sai Noom to leave school as a teenager. As an adult, he's making a comeback, pursuing a bachelor's degree in social science with the hope of becoming a social worker.
$2,325 Loan Late 90
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2017 11 Years $2,050 left to fund
Kham Hom, 29
Bachelor's, Social Science
Being raised in a community affected by drugs influenced Kham Hom’s decision to pursue a career in social work. She hopes attending university will prepare her to work effectively in meeting her community's needs.
$2,100 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2020 11 Years $1,400 left to fund
Zaw, 36
Master's, Hospital and Health Services Management
A clinician by profession, Zaw has also worked for years in management, strategic planning, and organizational development. He believes his degree will help him become an expert in healthcare management.
$6,000 Loan In Limbo
- STI Myanmar University, Myanmar
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: July 2019
- Background: Myanmar
February 2020 12 Years $1,875 left to fund
Bora, 44
Master's, Development Studies
Bora is pursuing a master's in development studies to build on his technical background in architecture. Bora envisions a future Cambodia where the cities are well-planned and able to support urban growth.
$1,000 Loan In Limbo
- Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: October 2018
- Background: Cambodia – Khmer
May 2019 10 Years $0 left to fund
Saiaew, 40
Master's, International Development Studies
With a background in journalism and passion for the environment, Saiaew aims to use her degree in international development to create practical social and environmental justice solutions in Thailand.
$4,225 Loan Late 90
- Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: April 2018
- Background: Thailand – Phutai
November 2018 12 Years $2,375 left to fund
Shawn, 27
Bachelor's, Nursing Science
The only son in his family and the first to attend college, Shawn is Zomia’s first student from Bhutan. He decided to pursue a degree in nursing because he loves helping and taking care of people in need.
$8,825 Loan In Limbo
- Assumption University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: July 2020
- Background: Bhutan
February 2021 14 Years $6,500 left to fund
Say K'Bleet, 32
Bachelor's, International Relations & Development
Raised in refugee camps, Say K'Bleet will be the first person in her family to graduate from college. She wants to assist refugees living along the Thai-Burma border after graduation.
$3,250 Loan In Limbo
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: November 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
June 2018 11 Years $1,400 left to fund
Jasmine
Bachelor's, Nursing
Arriving in Thailand opened Jasmine's eyes to the possibilities education provided. A bent for nursing, she hopes to become a nurse and nurse administrator after graduation.
$1,700 Loan Late 90
- Assumption University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: November 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
June 2017 10 Years $0 left to fund
Zinghang, 36
Bachelor's, International Business Management
Inspired by her mom who raised her as a single parent in rural northern Myanmar, Zinghang is determined to become an entrepreneur who promotes a better working environment for women in her hometown.
$4,550 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
December 2017 12 Years $3,650 left to fund
Mimi, 37
Bachelor's, Public Health
Smart, charismatic, and a natural leader, Mimi was Zomia's first loan recipient and first full team member. He is a relentless activist who dreams of leading Myanmar's Ministry of Health.
$2,000 Loan Late 90
- Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2013
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2013 10 Years $0 left to fund
Vicky, 28
Bachelor's, Hospitality Industry Management
Vicky wants to be an agent of change and lead her community to greater achievements through business. Her idea is to found a center where local businessmen and women can come together to collaborate.
$7,000 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Karen, Kayan
December 2019 13 Years $6,225 left to fund
Khine, 38
Bachelor's, Social Policy & Development
The oldest of six and on the cusp of her 30s, Khine has never given up on her education. She hopes to become a government worker who uses her degree to bring the Myanmar government closer to its people.
$3,850 Loan In Limbo
- Thammasat University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: July 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Pa O
February 2020 11 Years $3,575 left to fund
May
Bachelor's, International Business Management
One of seven raised by her mother, May worked eight years after high school before starting college. She hopes someday to start a non-profit that provides students with the skillsets needed for employment.
$6,325 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Lisu
December 2017 13 Years $3,800 left to fund
Udom, 31
Bachelor's, Architecture
Udom received a full tuition scholarship to study architecture at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He wants to build a resort in his hometown and improve Cambodia's cities through urban architecture.
$1,400 Loan Repaid in Full
- Royal University of Fine Arts, Cambodia
- Graduated
- Graduation: August 2016
- Background: Cambodia – Khmer
March 2017 10 Years $0 left to fund
Wah Wah, 42
Master's, Public Health
Wah Wah has been a community health worker since 2003. She plans to use her master’s degree to help promote primary health care among ethnic minority groups in Myanmar.
$4,125 Loan In Limbo
- Khon Kaen University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: September 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
April 2019 12 Years $2,200 left to fund
Seng Hkawn, 41
Master's, TESOL
Seng Hkawn completed a degree in computer science before finding her life passion teaching English. She plans to use her TESOL degree to prepare students for college at an English language training center in northern Myanmar.
$1,800 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: December 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
July 2017 10 Years $0 left to fund
Sitha, 30
Bachelor's, Banking
An academic achiever on partial scholarship from her university, Sitha wants to gain work experience with a company after graduation before opening a small business in her hometown.
$2,300 Loan Late 90
- Norton University, Cambodia
- Graduated
- Graduation: October 2017
- Background: Cambodia – Khmer
May 2018 11 Years $0 left to fund
Moon, 31
Bachelor's, Business Administration
Described as "loved by all" by her friends, Moon is studying business with the hopes of finding a job after graduation that can support herself, her parents, and future students like her.
$8,000 Loan Late 90
- Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: February 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
September 2018 13 Years $5,225 left to fund
Pwint
Bachelor's, Education & Psychology
A budding teacher studying education and psychology, Pwint looks forward to returning to her hometown to teach students who have either dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to attend.
$500 Loan In Limbo
- Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2018 10 Years $275 left to fund
We-Z, 28
Bachelor's, Information Technology
Unable to follow his mother and brother to Sweden as a refugee, We-Z is making a living for himself in Thailand. With a near-flawless GPA, he hopes to eventually work in government and become a professor.
$6,025 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
December 2020 13 Years $3,975 left to fund
Lin Kham, 37
Bachelor's, Social Science
On partial scholarships from Brackett Foundation and the Euro-Burma Office, Lin Kham wants to use her degree in social science to work on women empowerment issues and human trafficking.
$900 Loan Late 90
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2017 10 Years $0 left to fund
Shan Shan, 32
Master's, Curriculum and Instruction
Shan Shan believes with an education, energy and persistence can conquer all things. With a master's in education and curriculum, she aspires to become a great English teacher in her hometown.
$6,825 Loan Late 90
- Assumption University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: February 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Lahu
September 2017 13 Years $5,650 left to fund
Patrick, 30
Master's, Business Administration
It's Patrick's entrepreneurial nature to believe in miracles. He is optimistic one will happen in Myanmar, and he expects a degree from Rangsit University will prepare him for that bright future.
$10,775 Loan Late 90
- Stamford International University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: August 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
March 2020 15 Years $8,625 left to fund
Day Chit, 32
Bachelor's, Social Science
Day Chit grew up in an internally displaced person (IDP) camp along the Thai-Myanmar border. He can't stand war and hopes someday to work as a political peacemaker on behalf of the Karen people in Myanmar.
$4,225 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2021
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2021 12 Years $2,250 left to fund
Mway, 33
Bachelor's, Nursing
Some told Mway she should quit school and work to support her family. She is now close to graduating with a bachelor's in nursing, and well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a gynecology nurse.
$6,375 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2017 13 Years $4,250 left to fund
Mwe Leng, 31
Bachelor's, Public Health
After her grandmother passed away from complications of treatable ailments, Mwe Leng promised herself she'd become a nurse. She aspires to help make the world a healthier place by opening a clinic in her hometown.
$8,700 Loan In Limbo
- Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: February 2021
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
September 2021 14 Years $4,700 left to fund
Maew, 30
Bachelor's, English
Having lost her father as a child and her mother in 2014, Maew borrowed from Zomia to decrease the financial burden borne by her older sister. She hopes to become a teacher and help support her sister's family.
$8,500 Loan In Limbo
- Maejo University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2019 14 Years $5,225 left to fund
Sabai, 28
Bachelor's, Social Science
One of the hardest decisions Sabai made was leaving school in Myanmar to pursue an education in Thailand. She wants to become a professional community development worker and help anyone in need, regardless of gender, nationality, or status.
$1,425 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2018
- Background: Myanmar
December 2018 10 Years $850 left to fund
Phu Murng, 45
Master's, Social Science
Phu Murng is a master's student in Social Science at Chiang Mai University. He dreams of one day becoming a Member of Parliament.
$7,725 Loan Late 90
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Shan, Tai
December 2017 13 Years $5,800 left to fund
HayMann, 35
Bachelor's, Social Science
An avid reader and traveler, HayMann works with marginalized communities from Myanmar. She believes a degree in social science will increase her capacity to better serve this population.
$4,475 Loan Late 90
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: January 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
August 2016 12 Years $2,750 left to fund
Shengsar, 30
Bachelor's, Social Science
An inspiration to her colleagues, Shengsar is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Social Science after two years in the field so she can work more effectively with migrants and refugees along the Thai-Burma border.
$3,025 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
December 2019 11 Years $1,600 left to fund
Poe
Bachelor's, Biological Sciences
A Myanmar citizen from the Naga ethnic group, hard sciences have always captured Poe interest. She hopes to become a scientist or researcher in her community.
$9,075 Loan In Limbo
- Mahidol University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: July 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Naga
February 2021 14 Years $5,125 left to fund
Angela
Master's, Counseling Psychology
Since 2003, Angela has worked with the Burmese migrant community as a teacher, education coordinator, and school head. A master’s in counseling psychology will help her understand students’ needs and become a more effective teacher.
$4,300 Loan In Limbo
- Assumption University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: December 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin, Lahu
July 2020 12 Years $2,375 left to fund
Ae Ying, 37
Bachelor's, English Communication
The daughter of a farmer and single father, Ae Ying's education came in fits and starts. She wants to become a teacher to inspire others like her to keep on learning and to never give up on education.
$6,725 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: December 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
July 2020 13 Years $4,000 left to fund
Nilar, 28
Bachelor's, Social Science
Nilar left Myanmar to pursue a better education along the Thai-Myanmar border. She hopes to someday help young people achieve a better life and education than she had growing up.
$7,425 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2021
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Karen
December 2021 13 Years $5,050 left to fund
Wong Aung, 45
Master's, Social Science
A former student activist, Wong Aung is today an established social justice and environmental advocate living in Thailand. A master’s degree in social science will help him advance his life’s work in the field of natural resource governance.
$3,975 Loan Late 90
Juno, 37
Master's, Educational Administration
With a master's in educational administration, Juno is committed to a career in education. She wants to either teach migrant youth from Myanmar living in Thailand, or open a school in Myanmar.
$7,400 Loan Late 90
- Assumption University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2017 13 Years $6,775 left to fund
Sai Khung, 34
Voc/Tech, Business Administration
A Shan native studying in Thailand, Sai Khung is the vice president of his school's student body. He aspires to become the Minister of Education of Shan State and an education reformer in Myanmar.
$2,125 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai Vocational College, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: June 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
January 2017 11 Years $1,775 left to fund
Thazin, 26
Bachelor's, English Communication
At just 18, Thazin became one of Zomia's youngest students to enter college. She is active in issues related to social justice and is well on her way to an early university graduation.
$6,375 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
December 2020 13 Years $4,425 left to fund
Aye Phoo, 31
Bachelor's, Social Science
In middle school, Aye Phoo left her family in Myanmar behind to pursue an education in Thailand. Today she is a Child’s Dream scholarship recipient who hopes to work with Burmese migrant communities in Thailand.
$1,125 Loan Late 90
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Mon
December 2016 10 Years $0 left to fund
Jar, 28
Bachelor's, Information Technology
Encouraged by the possibilities of technological innovation, Jar is studying information technology in Thailand. She envisions herself on the frontline of technological revolution in Myanmar someday.
$2,475 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2022
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
December 2022 11 Years $1,375 left to fund
Nwe Nwe, 38
Bachelor's, Social Science
Despite taking out loans with high interest and selling a family cow, Nwe Nwe's parents were never able to pay for her degree. She is now a scholarship recipient who wants to become a community worker for Myanmar.
$1,150 Loan Repaid in Full
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: January 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
August 2016 10 Years $0 left to fund
Naung, 33
Bachelor's, Philosophy, Politics & Economics
For three years finances kept Naung from starting college. She's now nearly finished with her bachelor's degree and dreams of becoming a teacher in rural Karen State.
$5,625 Loan Late 90
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: December 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Karen, Shan
July 2017 12 Years $3,700 left to fund
May, 30
Bachelor's, Global & Environmental Studies
The daughter of a former politician, May hopes to use her degree from the Education University of Hong Kong to help contribute to Myanmar’s efforts to unify its ethnic minorities.
$9,100 Loan In Limbo
- Education University of Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: June 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
January 2021 14 Years $6,150 left to fund
Shine, 30
Bachelor's, International Business Management
A refugee at five after the military razed his village to the ground, Shine is now a student at Payap University hoping to make a big difference in Myanmar someday.
$5,850 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: April 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
November 2018 12 Years $5,500 left to fund
Anui
PhD, Multicultural Studies
Anui didn't wear shoes to school until 10th grade. Today he's at the frontier of preserving the history, culture, and language of the Lainong Naga people, an ethnic group with fewer than 10,000 members.
$9,050 Loan In Limbo
- Mahidol University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: April 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Leinong Naga
November 2020 14 Years $6,650 left to fund
Flaurince, 28
Bachelor's, International Business Management
Flaurince is a driven student from the Kayaw tribe, a small ethnic group of Myanmar. She wants to become a successful businesswoman and help raise awareness about the Kayaw people.
$9,425 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: December 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Kayaw
July 2018 14 Years $7,675 left to fund
Mu Sel, 42
Bachelor's, International Relations & Development
A social activist, Mu Sel speaks six languages and identifies with the Kayaw, a small ethnic group of Myanmar. She dreams of becoming a member of parliament and continuing to promote the Kayaw people.
$1,150 Loan Late 90
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: June 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Kayaw
January 2018 10 Years $875 left to fund
Mokawn, 39
Master's, Diplomacy & International Studies
Mokawn hopes to use her master's degree in diplomacy and international studies to contribute towards genuine democracy in Myanmar. She is the first Zomia student to fully repay her loan and become a lender.
$1,600 Loan Repaid in Full
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: March 2015
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
October 2015 10 Years $0 left to fund
Shine, 40
Bachelor's, Information Technology
Entering college in his 30s, Shine is studying IT in order to pursue a career in computer programming. In the future, he hopes to save enough so that he and his wife can open an orphanage together in Myanmar.
$14,850 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- 4th Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: November 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Karen, Lisu
June 2020 17 Years $11,475 left to fund
Ying, 30
Bachelor's, Nursing
As a child, Ying worked as a migrant laborer on farms in Thailand for a dollar a day. A Zomia loan will help her reach her dream of becoming a community nurse in eastern Myanmar.
$3,200 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: August 2019
- Background: Thailand – Shan
March 2020 11 Years $1,375 left to fund
Shining
Master's, Political Science
Growing up in a military conflict zone in eastern Myanmar had a significant impact on Shining. Today she is the founder of a non-profit that conducts peace-building trainings with youth in her hometown.
$3,000 Loan Repaid in Full
- Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines
- Graduated
- Graduation: November 2014
- Background: Myanmar – Shan
June 2015 11 Years $0 left to fund
Peter, 36
Bachelor's, International Business Management
Maintaining a nearly flawless GPA, Peter has a passion for business. He wants to work with a Thai company after graduation to gain experience before starting his own business in Myanmar.
$10,875 Loan In Limbo
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Tai
December 2017 15 Years $8,850 left to fund
Amy, 32
Bachelor's, Business Administration
The only daughter of six, Amy grew up helping her parents earn income by selling sugar cane at school. She hopes to use her degree to contribute to Myanmar’s development as an entrepreneur or business owner.
$4,700 Loan In Limbo
- Dhurakij Pundit University International College, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: August 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Karen, Pa O
March 2021 12 Years $2,850 left to fund
Tin, 32
Bachelor's, Information & Communication Technology
Tin took a semester off of school to improve his health and help his family get back on their feet financially. Now a year later, he is determined to complete his degree and open a computer learning center in his hometown.
$1,175 Loan Late 90
- Rangsit University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: December 2016
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese
July 2017 10 Years $1,075 left to fund
Nanda, 33
Master's, Urban Environmental Management
Nanda is passionate about clean water. He hopes a degree in urban environmental management will prepare him to give competent advice to the Myanmar government on issues related to industrial zone planning and wastewater management.
$11,400 Loan In Limbo
- Wageningen University, Netherlands
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: June 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Mon
January 2020 15 Years $6,850 left to fund
Jonathan, 29
Bachelor's, Social Science
The son of a high school teacher and education worker, Jonathan aspires to become an education administrator in Myanmar who works to increase students' access to education.
$6,900 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2019 13 Years $3,750 left to fund
Andrew
Bachelor's, International Business Management
Having worked with international social enterprises before, Andrew wants to use his degree in business to found a social enterprise that helps improve society.
$2,550 Loan Late 90
- Thammasat University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: July 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Karen, Mon
February 2020 11 Years $0 left to fund
Steven, 29
Bachelor's, Social Science
Steven couldn’t afford college so he enrolled in a free college preparatory school along the Thailand-Burma border. With a Zomia loan, he wants to pursue a degree in social science that will help him serve his community more effectively.
$3,350 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2020 11 Years $2,625 left to fund
Eaindra, 25
Bachelor's, Computer Science
As an academically driven student, Eaindra is always looking for challenging learning opportunities. With a keen interest in computer science, she is studying in Germany hoping to create application platforms and AI programs in Myanmar.
$7,250 Loan In Limbo
- Jacobs University, Germany
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2021
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Chinese
December 2021 13 Years $4,500 left to fund
Leakhena, 28
Bachelor's, Banking
Friendly and earnest, Leakhena took a loan from Zomia to help defray the costs of attending school for her family. She hopes someday to learn Japanese, work in Japan, and start businesses in Cambodia.
$1,425 Loan Late 90
- Build Bright University, Cambodia
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2017
- Background: Cambodia – Khmer
December 2017 10 Years $0 left to fund
NP, 32
Master's, Educational Administration & Leadership
School kept NP away from drugs, but he lost many friends to drug abuse. After college, he plans to open a learning center in his hometown to keep at-risk youth away from drugs by giving them learning opportunities.
$2,725 Loan In Limbo
- Assumption University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: August 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
March 2018 11 Years $1,925 left to fund
Ja Ja
Bachelor's, Business English
After graduating from high school in 2005, Ja Ja worked various jobs hoping to save enough to attend college. Nearly a decade later, with a Zomia loan, she now has the opportunity to go to school.
$6,725 Loan In Limbo
- University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: July 2019
- Background: Myanmar
February 2020 13 Years $3,625 left to fund
Pan, 29
Bachelor's, English
Pan is the first high school graduate from her hometown in northern Myanmar, and the first to study abroad. She dreams of someday going back to build a school for students there.
$7,775 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand
- 3rd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
December 2019 13 Years $4,325 left to fund
Shwe Sin, 28
Bachelor's, Nursing Science
Working as a midwife in Umpiem Refugee Camp inspired Shwe Sin to pursue a degree in nursing. She hopes to become a registered nurse and eventually a health resource and authority for her community.
$7,175 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 1st Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2021
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Pa O
December 2021 13 Years $4,100 left to fund
Moe Min, 32
Bachelor's, Social Science
A talented painter and former class president, Moe Min dreams of becoming a social studies teacher and rebuilding schools in his community.
$4,175 Loan In Limbo
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: May 2020
- Background: Myanmar – Karen
December 2020 12 Years $3,800 left to fund
Ah Wang, 36
Bachelor's, Information Technology
Undaunted as the only female IT student in her class, Ah Wang wants to return to Kachin State in northern Myanmar to help rebuild her war-torn community through technology and education.
$7,075 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Kachin
December 2018 13 Years $4,650 left to fund
A Tan, 34
Bachelor's, Pharmacy
Frustrated by informal profit-seeking pharmacies that exploit sick patients, A Tan envisions a Myanmar where every pharmacist is licensed and the pharmaceutical industry is properly regulated.
$16,325 Loan In Limbo
- Philippine Women's University, Philippines
- 2nd Year in Program
- Expected Graduation: September 2019
- Background: Myanmar – Chin
April 2020 18 Years $13,500 left to fund
Chit Chit, 30
Bachelor's, Business Administration
A competitive dancer with a passion for health, Chit Chit wants to become a successful business owner and open her own hospital.
$5,025 Loan In Limbo
- University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: May 2018
- Background: Myanmar – Burmese, Kachin
December 2018 12 Years $2,375 left to fund
Esther
Master's, TESOL
School closures in Myanmar prevented Esther for years from obtaining a degree. Today, she is a master's student at Payap University hoping to return to Burma to open an English-language training center.
$7,575 Loan Late 90
- Payap University, Thailand
- Graduated
- Graduation: June 2017
- Background: Myanmar – Chin
January 2018 13 Years $5,600 left to fund