Sunny beaches and sitting poolside aren’t all that student’s in the Caribbean do. While the Caribbean is a hot spot for many tourists, it's also home to many families. A majority of the students that attend school in the Caribbean countries are looking to study abroad. Currently, the post-secondary education system in these countries is lacking – there is low funding, government assistance, and an overall low quality. Many of the students who live in the Caribbean are looking to study abroad to make a better life for themselves.

The Caribbean is currently classified as the multiple islands and regions surrounding the Caribbean Sea. This region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. The most popular languages spoken in the Caribbean are English, Spanish, French, and Dutch. The largest and most known countries are:

• Antigua & Barbuda
  
• Bahamas
  
• Barbados
  
• Cuba
  
• Dominica
  
• Dominican Republic
  
• Grenada
  
• Haiti
  
• Jamaica
  
• St. Kitts & Nevis
  
• St. Lucia
  
• St. Vincent & Grenadines
  
• Trinidad & Tobago

The education system in the Caribbean is often compared to the education system that is offered in Europe and North America. Students are introduced to a wide variety of subjects and languages. The schooling system starts by introducing the major subjects and then students have the option to choose what they study. English is the predominant language in most countries, and Spanish, French, and Dutch are offered as second languages. Like the educational systems in other countries, there are different types of high schools available in the Caribbean.

Popular Types of High Schools in the Caribbean

• Technical – Vocational
  
• Traditional Grammar School
  
• British Education System
  
• Private High School

Many of these high schools place a strong importance for their students to be proficient in their desired field. At the Junior level, students are already able to choose their subject of interest and pursue further classes on the topic. Science is one of the most popular subjects in Caribbean schools. More specifically, classes dedicated to Agricultural Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are often the first to be registered for.

However, the most popular programs in schools are directly related to tourism. There is even a ‘Tourism Education Program’ in place in most schools. This program informs students on: Who is a Tourist, Why People Travel, and the Importance of Tourism. From a young age, students are made known of the importance of tourism to their countries. They are also taught how they can be a part of it. Some of the most popular programs that students are interested in are: Mathematics, Social Studies, Technology, Architecture, Engineering, Natural Resources, and Conservation Studies and Social Sciences.

In the most recent 2012 study, there is a recorded 44.2 million people living in the Caribbean. That’s more than in the entire country of Canada! I The highest populated countries in the Caribbean are Cuba (11.2 million), Dominican Republic (10.9 million), Haiti (9.9 million), Puerto Rico (3.5 million), and Jamaica (2.8 million).

While each area is differently situated, the Caribbean population as a whole has been rising since the early 2000's. The average annual relative growth of the population is just over 2%. As the population rises, so does the quality of life for the Caribbean people. Their GDP is consistently growing along with the literacy rate and the average household income.

In the 7,000 regions that make up the Caribbean, there are more recorded residents than in the USA with a high literacy level. To be more specific, the US currently holds a 29% basic literacy level, while the Caribbean holds an 89% basic literacy level.

As the education system changes, the number of people who are able to read, write, and study grows. The education system in the Caribbean has been improving since it began in the late sixteenth century. At first, the education system was weak. There was no space for arithmetic or even literacy. But now, students are offered pre-school, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

The programs of highest interest to students in the Caribbean are directly related to their country's top industry performers. Programs related to tourism, agriculture, development, and business are among the top.

Businesses based in the Caribbean are currently prompting students to seek education abroad. Some of the programs offered in the local colleges and universities are dated and are not equipped to offer any insights into the future of education. Many of the students who graduate and then move onto work in their country, typically need to be re-trained in their field. Many of the businesses are suggesting to the youth that they need to study abroad to get into the career of their dreams. Once the students come back to their country with an international education, they're generally placed at the top of the applicant pool.

The Caribbean is one of the richest in terms of available natural resources. Their prime contributions to their domestic economies are fisheries, agriculture, forestry, mining, oil, and gas bauxite, iron, nickel, petroleum, and timber. While this is something that most countries lack, it is naturally flourishing in many of the Caribbean countries. As a result, their economy is steadily growing due to their exports.

In addition to this is their always booming tourism sector. Currently, the overall trends for the economy are positive. There are many indicators that suggest economic expansion and overall quality of growth for the population.

Students who want to pursue an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree in the Caribbean have limited options. There are very few colleges and universities in their countries with standards that meet that of the workforce today, more so for students who wish to pursue a medical degree. The medical training for doctors, nurses, and specialists, offered on the islands is one that is not taken seriously - there is currently a shortage of medically trained professionals for that reason.

Having an education in business is very popular among the residents due to the always rising tourism factor. Having a degree in business education is always valued.

Choosing to study abroad is a tough decision, a student is leaving home (possibly for the first time) and entering a grown-up world that they've never experienced before. One of the most important factors of student recruitment is validating the student’s importance and individuality. Maybe in the past, students were a bit unsure about leaving home to pursue their education, but meeting with a representative who affirms their choices can clear up any doubt or disbelief.

Hosting a recruitment fair in select high schools within a region suggests to the students that they are needed. Having an admissions representative from an international country, speak to students, can make the students believe in their future.

Find the best recruitment fair for your college or university in this article HERE.

In recent years, the number of international students, coming to study, is growing. The most popular countries that students are interested in are Canada and the US. In the last years, North America has seen a 10% yearly increase of international students. Currently, there are over 20,000 students from the popular Caribbean regions that are studying in North America.

In 2010, the labor force participation rate was just under 77%. Due to this fact, many of the Caribbean residents found themselves traveling to developed countries to seek out education and a new career.

Currently, Canada and the US maintain a close relationship with the Caribbean. We share similarities in commercial ties, common values, and history. Many students from the Caribbean are interested in enrolling in colleges & universities from Canada and the US. Many of our colleges and universities even offer Caribbean connection groups and classes. With the sunny beaches and beautiful countryside comes a large demand for tourist attractions. Some of the more popular jobs to get on the island are directly related to hospitality – food service, hotel accommodations, and travel guides. But, there is so much more out there. Many of the students that live in the Caribbean are aware of the quality of education that their schools provide. They are eager to learn about the opportunities available when they study abroad.

Worldwide College Tours has added a few locations, in the Caribbean, to our tour roster for this Spring. We are currently looking for a few select colleges and universities to join us. We will be traveling to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica (among other Latin America countries).

To see our full tour schedule, click HERE.

To learn more about our tours click HERE.

Is your school ready to meet students in the Caribbean?! Click HERE to register for our next set of events!

Read our blog post on The Benefits of Recruiting Students in Latin America for Colleges and Universities HERE.

Read our blog post on The Types of Recruitment Fairs for Colleges and Universities HERE.