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Studying in the Caribbean islands,
you might think you've arrived in paradise. The
Caribbean archipelago - a collection of tropical
islands spread across 2,000 miles of turquoise
sea - is the playground for the Americas, offering
rich biodiversity, lush green valleys and mountains,
pristine beaches and tranquil waters. Established
long before the automobile, Caribbean cities boast
glorious architecture set against vibrant, small-scale
communities just perfect for the cross-town stroll.
Fortunately, books, bachelor's degrees and business
courses happily coexist alongside beaches, boats
and bikinis. One reason is that most students
who choose to enrol at university need not spend
extra time learning a foreign language before
initiating their studies. Populated for nearly
6,000 years, the Caribbean islands today are a
mix of English, Spanish, French, and Dutch-speaking
nations. Even so, each retains its own distinct
heritage and Creole culture. There are more than
six Creole languages, including Papiamento, Sranan
and Patios.
Although each country asserts it own economic
interests and sociocultural identity, the islands
of the Caribbean have come together in support
of superior higher education. The Association
of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI), for
example, brings together more than 82 colleges
and universities in a professional forum, acting
as a catalyst for collaboration and co-operation
in higher education.
Options in the Caribbean are similar to those
in the US. Students choose either two-year community
colleges (with an option to transfer to another
institution for further study), technical schools
offering associate degrees and vocational courses,
or traditional four-year colleges and research-oriented
universities awarding bachelor's degrees and postgraduate
study. Postgraduate institutions offer both professional
and research degrees. There are also a number
of private medical schools in the region, providing
the opportunity to qualify as an MD or pursue
a related career in allied health.
Location and language are attractive reasons
for choosing to study in the Caribbean, but the
quality of education offered at island institutions
is even more compelling. Browse through the site
and see for yourself!
(Member states of the Caribbean
are: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados,
Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St.
Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & The
Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago.)
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