North Carolina.

Some of the 61 students were reportedly shocked at the state of the university on arrival at the weekend.

But the mother of two of the students claimed: "They knew what to expect.

They have known for some time.'' The students were invited to Allen University as a result of Sen. Trevor Woolridge securing their places.

A former student of the university, Sen. Woolridge warned that the Bermudians would be on a work assistance programme for about a third of the normal cost.

The university, which has an excellent reputation academically, has suffered from financial constraints in recent years. Instead of the annual fees of around $9,000 the Bermudians were offered work assistance programmes at $3,800 yearly. But it meant having to work in the library, cleaning the bathrooms or painting.

The mother, who asked not to be named, said: "They were under no illusions about what it was going to be like. Sen. Woolridge held a number of meetings to warn them. He made no bones about it.

"He painted a bleak picture. He told them that this was not the Marriott or their bedroom at home. They would simply have a bed and a bureau when they arrived.'' She added that she had made contact with her sons and they told her it was not as bad as they thought it would be. She said: "I knew that the rooms would have no window blinds so I gave my sons window blinds to take over with them.

"When you multiply $5,000 by 61, the university is giving away $300,000 in scholarships. It is a great opportunity to progress academically.''