Hundreds of school pupils got the chance to learn about college opportunities overseas at an International College Fair yesterday.

Sandra Dill, fair organiser and owner of coaching company EDcellerate, said around 2,000 students were expected to meet representatives from US and Canadian colleges.

Ms Dill said: “Students don’t always have the opportunity to speak directly to college representatives, and this is a great time for them to ask questions and get answers that they might not normally get.”

“The reaction has been great. They have all had information sessions at their school about how to interact with the representatives to get the most out of the experience. They have been asking great questions and they have been spread out all over the place, not just crowding around one or tables.

“They are looking for different things, and they are starting to understand where to look.”

Berkeley Institute student Akile Butterfield attended the event, held at her school’s auditorium.

She said that she was interested in attending St Mary’s Univesity in Halifax, Canada, but also wanted to learn more about her options.

She added: “I want to get more information about the colleges I might want to attend in the future.

“My mother went to St Mary’s, so I’m looking there. I’m hoping to find out about what GPA averages they want, although my GPA is already pretty good, and what courses they offer.”

Her friend Kuiana Daniels said she wanted to study overseas and wanted to know what schools would offer the right courses.

She added: “I want to study to become a paramedic, but I don’t know what courses will be available, so that’s what I will be asking.”

Kwensi Cann said he was interested in drama and business courses.

He added: “I’m looking for opportunities to pursue things I have been looking into. I’m hoping to speak to people and see if any of the colleges pique my interest.

“I have a pretty open mind so far. I’m really just looking at what is best for me, what benefits me.”

Booths at the fair highlighted scholarship programmes and the touring group Up With People.

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation was also represented in a bid to encourage students to consider courses that would help them launch their own businesses.

Jamillah Lodge said: “At BEDC our focus is on entrepreneurship. While the students are here looking for colleges, we are suggesting that they look at colleges with entrepreneurship education programmes.

“We feel that going through the process of entering entrepreneurship studies and courses will enhance whatever they are doing if they want to work for themselves or someone else in the future.”

Ms Lodge said that many of the students who visited the BEDC table had expressed interest in one day owning their own business.

She added: “At the end of the day, the fact that they are interested is a good thing and we are tying to encourage that level of thinking.”