Although the numbers for overseas scholarships have not been finalised, there will be several new scholarships for studies abroad, meaning several young people will be heading off to pastures new this September for college and university, and a session to help them on their way is being offered this Thursday.

The Secretary for the Education Council as well as the Assistant Director at the Employment Relations Department, Jennifer Smith, said that it is having its pre-departure orientation session for all overseas scholarship recipients this week and all first time students going abroad should attend.

"Students will get a chance to hear from other students' experiences who have been enrolled in colleges overseas and get valuable advice," said Ms Smith.

"The pre-departure session also gives students a chance to network and find out who else will be going to the same school.

"Students will hear again of their responsibilities as scholarship holders and as ambassadors of Cayman once they are abroad."

She noted that students who are not scholarship recipients but are heading overseas for the first time are also welcome to attend as are parents.

"All in all - this is usually a very positive event eagerly anticipated by students," noted Ms Smith.

She added that a US visa representative will be at the orientation to talk to the students about their responsibilities as visa holders once they are in the US. Especially since 9/11 - things have become stricter in the US.

She said there will also be a short programme of speakers from various universities.

She explained the scholarship recipients cross a broad cross-section of students including business, education, engineering and chemistry.

Healthcare related studies include medicine, nursing and physiotherapy.

In addition, there are a number of students going overseas to study in vocational education training programmes which include building and engineering technology, architectural building, construction management, networking and interior design.

Training in vocational careers is one of the programmes being developed by the Employment Relations Department to give young Caymanians a broader range of career choices, many of which offer excellent salary potential.

According to Ms Smith, the Education Council provides up to CI$16,000 per year for undergraduate work overseas. Post-graduates can receive up to CI$17,000 with the exception of study in the UK, with students being approved for up to CI$21,000.

The orientation will be on Thursday, 27 July  at 3:00 pm at the Mary Miller Hall, Red Bay Primary School. For further information about the pre-departure orientation, Ms Smith advised that Heidi or Sherine can be contacted at the Employment Relations Department.