An educational programme for Bermudian students choosing higher learning in the United States has caught the attention of American schools keen to host graduates from the island.

Karen Grissette, the US Consul-General, said that the Study with “US” campaign, launched in 2022, was “definitely getting the word out” on internships, work experience, scholarships and the deep educational bonds between Bermuda and the US.

The programme enables Bermudian university and college students and alumni to share their experiences of studying abroad.

Ms Grissette met students on July 5 at Cedarhurst in Hamilton Parish, the official residence of the Consul-General.

She welcomed high school graduates admitted into US colleges and universities, as well as undergraduates and recent alumni of US institutions, with parents and school counsellors.

“Prospective students have heard directly from their peers about achieving educational and professional goals by choosing the United States for their studies,” Ms Grissette said.

“We have also received requests from US schools seeking to attract students from Bermuda and develop formal agreements and relationships with the relevant education stakeholders on the island.

“Government, business and non-profit contacts continue to share scholarship opportunities with the consulate.”

High school graduates accepted into US colleges and universities represented the Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Bermuda High School, the Bermuda Institute, Warwick Academy, Saltus Grammar School and Somersfield Academy.

Ms Grissette heard students’ accounts of US college acceptances, scholarships and strong financial aid packages.

Students shared their experiences in the US, highlighting the pathways to join student-led organisations, options for changing courses or a major, and the diversity of the on-campus community.

Calling the stories “exciting and rewarding”, Ms Grissette added: “We love to hear when a Bermudian student has found a school that’s right for them.

“During this event, I met students pursuing a range of majors including aviation engineering, business, criminology, dance performance, English, environmental science, marketing, veterinary studies and risk management.

“I am so impressed by the range of great schools students are attending, including Penn State University, Colby College, Plymouth State University, Kay University, Elon University, George Mason University, Southern Adventist University, Thomas College, St John’s University, Boston Conservatory, University of Vermont, DePauw University, Sweet Briar College, Florida International University, Georgia State University and others.”

Students shared their experiences of scholarships, and of attending historically Black colleges and universities such as Spelman College, Howard University, Oakwood University and North Carolina A&T.

Ms Grissette said: “Alumni of US institutions create lifelong connections with those schools and communities, and we are delighted that more students are choosing the United States when they think about expanding their educational goals.

“The strong ties between Bermuda and the United States make US education a wonderful choice for many students.”

Recordings of student and alumni stories, created by Bermudian videographer Marq Rodriguez in consultation with the US Consulate, are being shared on its website and social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The programme, using the hashtag #StudyWithUS, gives information from EducationUSA, a US Department of State network of more than 430 international student advisory centres.

The network promotes US higher education to students around the world, offers information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the US, and provides services on topics including the admissions process, standardised testing requirements and how to finance a US education.

The US Consulate can also give tips on the student visa process and preparing for departure to the US.

Students or alumni of a US college or university wishing to take part in the campaign can contact the consulate’s public diplomacy assistant Camille Haley via e-mail at HaleyCS@state.gov.

Details on EducationUSA can be found at its website or by e-mailing Ms Haley.

Information on student visas and Bermuda’s special visa exemption are given on the consulate website.

Queries can also be e-mailed to hamiltonconsulate@state.gov.