International students were commended for their hard work and perseverance after earning their diplomas and certificates.

Four students from Thailand earned qualifications in osteopathic wellness studies and osteopathic manual therapy from the College of Natural Health Sciences.

The students were Nattida Pannok, Kulab Prapawanseng, Nongnuch Manajit and Natthaporn Jutharlee, all who will be taking the Bermuda osteopathic board exam to become level one therapists next month.

The song Thailand embraces to its bosom all people of Thai blood was played after Bermuda’s national anthem at the graduation ceremony last week, which had Delcina Bean-Burrows, president of the school, as the keynote speaker.

Dr Bean-Burrows highlighted how the students had worked through language barriers and full-time jobs to earn their qualifications.

Ms Jutharlee, who works at Siam Spa, said she found parts of the course challenging.

“Anatomy and physiology were especially hard because English is not my first language.

“My family and friends encouraged me along the way and today I am so happy to graduate from the programme,” she said.

For their decades of service to the island, Bermudians Myrtle “Sally” Perinchief and Cosette Durrant were awarded honorary degrees in natural health science at the ceremony.