It has been a longstanding tradition for Bermudian premiers to host dinners for Bermudian students studying in Britain.

For obvious reasons, there was no dinner held last year.

This year, two dinners were held, one in London and another in Manchester.

As many students are studying and living in the Midlands and northern regions of Britain, it was both expensive and time-consuming for them to travel to London and to find accommodation for the night.

Most can attest that hotel prices in London are not for the faint at heart.

Both events were arranged by the hardworking staff at Bermuda's London Office.

The staff at this office work diligently on multiple levels including assisting Bermudians living throughout the United Kingdom and representing our interests on a daily basis.

Due to social-distancing, these events were limited in number.

At each event, we met several students who are studying and/or working in a wide range of professions including public relations, communications, data science, education, mental health, climate management, hospitality, finance and the performing arts.

We even met one young man who is doing his PhD in nuclear engineering.

In getting to speak to these persons, they expressed a variety of opinions on living in Britain.

All of them were happy for the opportunity to pursue higher education, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and work in a global environment.

Many said that what they were exposed to professionally in Britain could not be found at home in Bermuda due to logistical realities.

As a prime example, one woman studying ballet is working with dancers from around the world.

Another young lady has stated her own modeling agency that has bookings throughout Europe.

These opportunities simply cannot be found in Bermuda.

Others stated that once they had their qualifications and a few years of experience under their belts, they would be returning to Bermuda to pursue their chosen professions at home.

The other common thing mentioned was that many of them hardly see other Bermudians daily, so events such as these dinners were truly welcomed.

During the course of the evening, the students were able to interact directly with the Premier and other Bermudians present.

The conversations proved to be informative, entertaining and with some Cup Match jokes here and there, they were genuinely Bermudian.

At the end of both evenings, contacts were exchanged, allowing these young Bermudians the ability to build networks among themselves.

Bermudians should be both proud of their young people and look forward to welcoming them home.