A partnership between Nazareth University and several high schools in Bermuda has paved the way for more international students to study in New York.

The partnership evolved from Frank William’s interaction with 11 Bermudian students last summer during the PeerForward experience.

The experience and four-day workshop took place on Nazareth’s campus in Pittsford, which is a Rochester suburb.

Mr Williams is Nazareth’s associate vice-president for advanced admissions and partnerships.

Mr Williams connected with students on the PeerForward Experience and later on in the year attended the international college fair in Bermuda.

On this journey, Mr Williams delivered acceptance letters to students at The CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute.

“The personal touch of coming to Bermuda to personally hand-deliver acceptance letters to our senior students at The Berkeley Institute definitely made Nazareth University stand out,” said Cindy Smith, head of the Berkeley Institute’s student services.

“This truly shows their commitment to building relationships with international students. I’m sure this will make a difference when our students are considering which institution they would like to attend.”

Both CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute held ceremonies where Williams presented the Nazareth acceptance letters to the students. Scholarship offers were also delivered.

The partnership offers high-school students a chance to broaden their horizons in choosing tertiary level education, while also allowing Nazareth to remain competitive in attracting students.

“Students from Bermuda have a much different mindset about their college experience than students in the US. Many of them want to get off the island, which is only 22 square miles, and they often go to the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia,” Mr Williams said.

“Nazareth is now competing with the world for these students and it is the personal connections we make with them that can make all the difference in them choosing to come to the US to study at Nazareth.”

The next goal is to forge an agreement with Bermuda College.

“My hope is that Nazareth University can agree on an articulation agreement with Bermuda College for a possible 2 plus 2 programme,” Mr Williams said.

“Expanding our partnership to Bermuda College will give Nazareth an opportunity to enrol current students and incoming students from both public and private high schools across Bermuda.”

• For more information, e-mail jlong2@naz.edu or call (585) 389 2456