actuaries, mathematicians and insurance authorities from around the globe at an international fair in Washington D.C. this month.

The Actuarial Career Information Fair will allow students to see, in-depth, a professional perspective into the world of actuarial science.

Berkeley's Edwin Small, mathematics teacher, will take fifth year students Nishanthi Bailey, Zayna Foggo and Liam Anderson on the three-day trip.

The three were chosen for excellence in maths, being among the top in their fourth year and showing a demonstrated interest in a like career.

"The students also excel all-around -- in communications, computers.'' said Mr. Small.

"All have proven they are not afraid to take chances or risk. They show initiative, to display knowledge or acquire knowledge that they don't know.'' Mr. Small said.

Zayna Foggo took the initiative and spent an hour with an actuary, to find out what was involved in the career.

Liam Anderson was not present during the interview.

Last year, Berkeley students were the first non-American school to go to the fair.

"They were quite taken back by our uniforms.'' said Mr. Small.

Americans wore jeans, t-shirt but while Bermudian students impressed employers and trade professionals with their school uniforms.

"The Actuary newsletter did a write up on us.'' said Mr. Small.

Jacqueline Bitowt, Society of Actuaries Public Relations Manager, noticed their uniforms and wrote an article about the three students and their 3,500-mile trek to San Francisco -- where the last fair was held.

Mr. Small told Ms. Bitowt: "I wanted them to see a career choice that was heavily math-oriented, so as to bring the subject to life.

"Students would be able to actually speak to actuaries about the demands of the business world in general, and actuarial science in particular.

"This would help them decide whether the career was really good for students to see the types of employment opportunities available and to learn more about how the profession `marries' several academic disciplines -- math, business studies, computer studies, economics.'' But the trip was not designed to be all work.

"All depends when we decide to leave him hanging.'' Nishanthi said jokingly.

Visits to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum will break up the trip, allowing the students to catch their breath and relax.

Mr. Small said the students will learn about the opportunities that are available in the career.

"Some 80 percent of the fair's brochure is full of recruiting advertisements.'' he said.

The group will visit the Tillinghast Actuary offices in Virginia.

Mathematics Berkeley Institute teacher Edwin Small, left, prepares students Nishanthi Baileyand, centre, and Zanya Foggo (R) for the Actuarial Information Fair in Washington D.C. this month.