THE EDITOR, Sir:

With The exam period in progress, I have found myself reflecting on my undergraduate university experience and, in particular, an exchange semester spent at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus.

Having studied in Canada at the University of Guelph and abroad at the University of Ghana and with many friends studying abroad elsewhere, I have become quite familiar with the higher-education industry, internationally. Thus, when an institution sticks out above and beyond the rest I feel compelled to share my experience with you and commend the UWI, the Jamaican Government, and the other contributing member states from the Caribbean.

Quality of education

The foremost criteria for a successful university experience is the quality of the education one receives plus its ability to prepare the student for the workplace. Through my experience at UWI, I must commend the professors for their professional approach and accessibility to the students. Additionally, I enjoyed the sense of humour many professors displayed as they certainly made learning fun and when work is fun, hours devoted to studying and accomplishments grow.

I would like to commend UWI for its spirit of integration and cooperation. The excellent state that UWI is in right now is a result of integration and cooperation between the Caribbean countries. On a more micro-level on campus, the various cultural weeks, presentations, food festivals, and trips throughout the island all serve to foster a greater understanding of one another and ultimately greater integration and networking among nations.

In closing, while it is over a year since I have moved on from UWI, Mona, I frequently look back positively on my great memories and the hospitality shown to me at UWI and Rex Nettleford Hall. Upon returning to Canada I have served as an advocate, promoting UWI and Jamaica to prospective exchange students and Canadians looking for a warm, hospitable travel location. I maintain a soft spot in my heart for UWI and Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL WEBER

mike_weber22@yahoo.ca

Toronto, Canada