As we observe International Education Week, we share with you, some thoughts from Guyanese students studying in the U.S. Meet Nakasi Fortune, originally from Linden but grew up in Georgetown, Guyana.

1. How long have you been in the USA? – I’ve been in the USA for 3 months.
2. Where are you now? Name of School? – I am currently in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, attending Sterling College.
3. What do you miss about home? – I miss everything. But mostly the warmth, my family, friends and the food.
4. How often do you talk to your family? – Almost every day.
5. What do you like most about your school? – It challenges me and pushes me beyond my limits.
6. What are your first impressions? – “Wow it’s not even winter and it’s cold, how am I going to survive when it does get really cold?” That was my first thought upon coming here. But it felt like home, for me, so that has made the transition easier.
7. What does an international education mean to you? – Being exposed to different cultures and people in a way that opens your mind. It also means new experiences.
8. How is the USA similar to Guyana? – My school has a wonderful and warm community. People, staff and students alike, look out for each other and in that way, it is similar to Guyana.
9. What do you think of the food here? – It’s definitely an acquired taste. It’s a small thing but I miss having rice and stew for lunch.
10. What is your favorite class? – It would have to Writing and Speaking to the Issues, though I foresee it will be Environmental Education next semester.
11. What is your hardest class? – With no competition, it is Experiential Education. It has however challenged be in ways that I never imagined and I am a much better person for it.
12. Has anything surprised you about the USA? – So much has, but definitely people not wearing shoes outside.
13. What do you want to tell your friends back home about the United States? – A Guyanese education prepares you to conquer your US education.
14. What advice would you give to someone who wants to study abroad in Guyana? – It is definitely worth the investment and work that you will put in.
15. How many roommates do you have? – I lucked out. I have a single room and my own bathroom.
16. What most surprised you about the education system? – Everything, again. There is a lot more reading and critical thinking required. My school is pretty small and so there is more interactive and one on one with faculty members. Additionally, each student having an Academic Advisor was a shock but it is something that I love.
17. Have you taken any classes unrelated to your major? – Not as yet but I will definitely take Pottery or Fiber Arts in the future.
18. How much time do you spend on studying and homework? – Time management has always been a problem of mine but now try to do homework immediately after I get them. I try. As it relates to studying, I try to do it at nights before bed.
19. How much have you changed as an academic since studying at your school? A lot. I am currently on straight As. That is a personal achievement. I was never this committed.
20. What’s one word to describe your experience here? – Home. It has been a discovering of myself and my sense of place in this community, my own country and life, in general.