An American Education in Mongolia, Without Going Abroad

We spoke with Robert Ritz, Director of LETU Mongolia American University, about how Mongolian students whose plans to study in the United States or elsewhere abroad have been disrupted by COVID-19 can continue their education in Mongolia without losing time.

Could you introduce your university?

LETU Mongolia American University was established in 2013 under Ider English School of Business, with support from LeTourneau University in the United States. What makes us distinctive is that we follow an American university curriculum, with all classes taught entirely in English by American teachers. Many people want an American education, but tuition, scholarships, and language examinations create obstacles. We therefore bring American education to Mongolia, offering a world-class education at an affordable price to students who want to learn and preparing outstanding graduates. After studying here for one year, our students are eligible to study at our American campus with a 100% scholarship and graduate with an American diploma. Alternatively, they can take an accelerated course load and graduate in Mongolia in three years. We have already seen many capable graduates complete their studies in both the United States and Mongolia.

What kinds of students are enrolling?

We generally select students with strong academic records, good English, and a real desire to learn, using interviews and essays. With COVID-19 infections very high in the United States and other countries this year, many Mongolian parents are contacting us as they look for quality English-language education in Mongolia instead of sending their children to America. Students with strong English who are already aiming for an American education can study with us without losing a year to a gap year. Once COVID-19 subsides, they can transfer their credits and continue at universities in the United States or elsewhere abroad.

Does an American university mean high tuition?

Most parents assume an American school must have sky-high fees. Our tuition is $3,600, but academically strong students who need financial support can receive a 50% scholarship through graduation. At $1,800, they can receive a world-class education for a cost comparable to Mongolian universities. Our aim is to provide a good education to everyone who truly wants to learn, so we work to keep tuition as affordable as possible.

You mentioned a 100% scholarship to study in America. Could you explain?

We work with LeTourneau University (LETU) in the United States. After successfully completing at least one year in Mongolia, our students are eligible to study at LeTourneau for one year with a 100% tuition scholarship, without needing SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS scores. They can continue their scholarship and complete their degree in the United States. The key requirement is strong academic performance.

You offer a data analyst program. Could you tell us about it and your other majors?

Data analysis is a profession in very high demand today. It involves analyzing the large amounts of data collected by companies and organizations of all kinds and using machine learning to turn that data into useful information for decision-making. It combines business, IT, and statistics. We are proud that our data analysis students are graduating with certificates from Harvard, MIT, and IBM and developing skills that let them work internationally. We hope to prepare even stronger graduates in the future. LETU Mongolia is a business university, so we also offer business administration, marketing, finance, accounting, and international business. We have a special aviation program as well. Students begin studying the foundations of their professional subjects in their first year, then choose a major in their second year based on their interests and personality.

When does admission close this year?

American universities normally hold entrance examinations and open admissions at least a year in advance, then announce decisions six months before enrollment. That gives students time to plan and make a considered decision without rushing. This year, however, COVID-19 and the elections have left Mongolian students very little time to take the national entrance examination and choose a school. It is difficult to judge a student by an examination score alone, so we select students through an online application, an interview, and an essay. We have therefore decided to continue admissions until August 24. Please visit www.letumongolia.com to complete the online application, essay, and interview process. We also strive to provide free advice to anyone who wants to study in the United States and pursue a meaningful education. We wish a clear path ahead to everyone seeking knowledge and working to change themselves and the world.