Ms. Jennifer Schaming-Ronan, consular representative at the United States Embassy in Kingston. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
OVER 60 students preparing to study in the United States in the coming school year yesterday received pre-departure information and guidelines from consular representatives from the United States Embassy.
According to Student Adviser for the U.S. Embassy, Eva Barnes, the event was to assist in the smooth transition of students from one culture to the next.
The event, which was held at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston, saw several students who had previously studied in the U.S. sharing their experience.
Scott Jones, a recent graduate of Furman University in South Carolina, emphasised to the prospective students the importance of attending all classes on a timely basis.
"You are basically responsible for yourselves ... You need to set your priorities ... work hard yet find time for play and remember, procrastination is a killer," he warned.
Meanwhile, Dennis Hickey, marketing manager of City of Kingston (COK) Credit Union and a former Fulbright Scholarship recipient, encouraged the students to get involved in extra-curricular activities and social activities.
"I would advise that you operate in a thrifty way, budget well and get to know those who can offer you assistance with finding a job on campus," he said.
A GREAT HELP
Troy Laing, a former Northern Caribbean University student, who will be attending Lasierra University in California, told The Gleaner that the pre-departure seminar was of great help to him. "This seminar has helped me information wise primarily because we can be more comfortable because others have shared their experience with us as to what it is like to study in the U.S.," he said.
To date, more than 4,900 Jamaican students have been recorded as studying at universities in the U.S.
