Education

Educational Activities in Tobago

The Tobago segment of College Fair 2008 was held in Tobago on October 20.  It involved the participation of 28 U.S. and 14 local institutions.  College Fair 2008 featured Liberal Arts Colleges, large state institutions, including institutions based in small towns, in rural areas, and in big cities. All institutions participated in giving prospective students information on admissions, coursework, financial aid and campus life issues.   Also represented were two Consular officers from the U.S. Embassy answering visa questions, and an IRC staff member handled the EducationUSA table.

The Public Affairs Officer promoted the Fair on the sole television station in Tobago and the 200-plus visitors were very pleased at the effort made to include Tobago in the program and to advertise it widely on the island. The College Fair took place in Tobago twice before, in 1997 and 2007.  Tobagonian's often feel neglected by their fellow citizens in Trinidad and elsewhere, this can be attributed to the islands small size and population of around 55,000, as compared to Trinidad’s population of 1.3 million.

On November 16, 2006 International Education Week was celebrated at the American Corner. At this event the Public Affairs Officer, educationUSA Adviser, International School of Port of Spain Guidance Counselor, and President of the Fulbright Association of T&T promoted educationUSA and the Fulbright Program to about 100 high schools students. On November 21, 2006 the Information Resource Officer, Public Affairs Officer and Information Resource Center Director hosted another very effective outreach program at the American Corner.

In February 2007 Black History Month was celebrated in Tobago.  On February 12, the PAO was the guest speaker at a cultural presentation held at the Ambassador's Pan Tent in Tobago.  Later on that day she gave a PowerPoint presentation to students of Bishop's High School.  On February 28 the PAO returned to Tobago and read to primary school pupils and teachers at the Charlotteville Public Library.  After that she treated students of the Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School studying American History to a presentation on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

Other EducationUSA Outreach Activities

The EducationUSA adviser also regularly visits high schools throughout Tobago to present and explain the process to college-bound students.

Career days for younger students are a popular annual high-school activity and educationUSA is often represented  on these occasions, encouraging these groups of students to carefully select their subjects and work towards achieving a satisfactory and successful academic career.

All audiences are encouraged to make use of the educational material, computers and other resources available at the American Corner.

Important Education Links

• Process for applying to schools in the United States: where and when to start
• Fulbright Program
• Student Visa Process 

For more information, contact Joy Sandza (sandzajl@state.gov) at the Information ResourceCenter in Trinidad.