HILLEL Academy in partnership with the American International School of Kingston (AISK) and first-time partners Education USA and the United States Embassy hosted its fourth annual College Fair on the grounds of Hillel Academy.

The two-day event, which opened on October 20, was focused on increasing awareness about studying abroad among students who are approaching the end of their tenure at secondary school.

The fair, which previously hosted an average of just over 30 colleges and universities, increased its offering this year to 50, including two of the island’s major universities, the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology, participating.

The Jamaica Observer covered the event and asked students to share their experience about the event. Here is what some some of them had to say.

Name: Abdon Campbell

Age: 17

School: Ardenne High

Ambition: Physiotherapist

Universities of interest: Caldwell University, Florida International University, and University of Columbia

What’s most interesting about the fair: I learned about the university through a friend. I have been searching for colleges and wasn’t sure how to pinpoint what I wanted exactly, so I thought that this was the perfect opportunity.

Name: Sharzan Richards

Age: 17

School: Manchester High

Ambition: Lawyer

Universities of interest: University of Toronto and University of Guelf

What’s most interesting about the fair: I had interest in universities such as Harvard and Yale, and I was looking forward to getting information. Now it’s difficult to actually choose one.

Name: Nyron White

Age: 17

School: Munro College

Ambition: Lawyer

University of interest: University of Toronto

What’s most interesting about the fair: Everyone is interested in going abroad to study and I can’t say that my intentions are different. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to come here and it’s going well.

Name: Allia Small

Age: 17

School: Hillel Academy

Ambition: Accountant

University of interest: Flagler College and University of Guelph

What’s most interesting about the fair: I was pleased because of all the information that was on show today. The ranking of the institutions, the costs associated, other related programmes, for example, so in general it was a very good experience.

Name: Dacia Dormer

Age: 18

School: Titchfield High

Ambition: Science and technology

Universities of interest: University of Technology and University of the West Indies

What’s most interesting about the fair: It’s very informative. I was particularly interested in the booths on information technology and games and other science-related displays. Because of the career fair I am now able to have a clearer view about what I really want to pursue.

Name: Matthew Lee

Age: 17

School: Ardenne High

Ambition: Engineer

Universities of interest: Western Michigan University and Gramblin University

What’s most interesting about the fair: The opportunities that are presented here today through these individual universities show that you can attend universities abroad and it is not as difficult as it appears on the surface.