Top University of The Bahamas Students Embark on Cultural Immersion in Nanjing, China

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — While the majority of students at University of The Bahamas (UB) pursue their academic journeys on home soil, the institution’s bold internationalisation agenda is opening doors to transformative global experiences and preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.

Ten UB students are currently on a cultural immersion trip in Nanjing, China through a longstanding partnership with the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), in the People’s Republic of China. UB alumni have gone on the study at NUIST and several NUIST grads have come back to teach at UB.

Education major, Alexandria Miller, said she always dreamt of visiting an Asian country.

“When I found out I was selected I was very excited,” shared Alexandria. “I was very happy, because I always wanted to visit an Asian country, but I never thought I would be able to. So, when I got the news, I was very happy.”

Alexandria and her nine peers left the country on Friday but just before doing so paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister; Director of Education, Mrs. Dominique McCartney-Russell; and Deputy Permanent Secretary in charge of Scholarships, Chilean Burrows. UB’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi joined them as well as the group’s designated chaperones, Ms. Shacantila Hall and Assistant Professor Dr. Williamson Gustave.

“These young people represent some of the brightest and smartest individuals The Bahamas has to offer,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “We’re so grateful for this opportunity for University of The Bahamas to support the cultural and educational experiences of young Bahamians in this country.”

During the courtesy call, the students engaged in a roundtable discussion and shared their aspirations for how the immersive learning experience would benefit them. In addition to Alexandria, the other students on the journey are Norman Gay, Computer Information Systems (CIS) major; Antary Alcius, Finance and Economics major; Bernique Lightbourne, Davanna Douglas, Burton Gibson, Antonio Cadet and Kimora St. Jean, all of whom are Biology majors and Chemistry minors; Siemone Simmons, Architecture major; and Kaitlyn Forbes, Marine Science major.

“When I first learned I was able to go with the group, I was really excited,” said Antonio. “I know a lot of people in the group, so being able to go with people I know is pretty nice. But for me, what I really want to do most—because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity—I really want to enjoy the time, meet new people, network with others.”

Siemone said the news of her selection was a pleasant surprise.

“I was first of all humbled and blessed for the opportunity,” said Siemone. “I’m looking to get out of the experience just all of the knowledge the school has to offer in terms of weather science, climate change. I know that’s something we need to look into for all of The Bahamas. I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

Norman, meanwhile, echoed similar sentiments.

“I felt so happy,” Norman said. “Just the fact that out of all of the students, they selected me for the trip. I was very grateful.”

Minister Hanna-Martin congratulated the students as they prepared to embark on the life-changing experience. For the Minister, it was less than a year ago when she issued similar well-wishes to 10 outstanding students from various high schools throughout the Family Islands who made headlines for being selected for the same cultural immersion experience.

“In every sphere, Bahamians have really catapulted to the forefront or to the highest. Hearing these young people now and seeing them—the maturity that I’m seeing in these young people—and the possibility and the potentiality of what can come out of this encounter or even out of their own design for their lives, is so gratifying for me,” said Minister Hanna Martin. “This is how we should craft everything for young people to come of their own and to really blossom and to be all that they can be.”

While in Nanjing, the students will not only learn about China’s culture and heritage, but will be studying weather science, climate change and forecasting, areas for which NUIST is known.