In fulfilling the 1 + 1 agreement signed between the Dominica State College (DSC) and the Nova Scotia Community College, two DSC Tourism & Hospitality students departed the island at the end of August for the Nova Scotia Community College – Arkerley Campus, to complete Associate Degrees in Tourism & Hospitality Studies. Jeannique Hypolite and Aaliyah Alexander will join other students from the region under the CARICOM/Canadian Green Economy Sponsored Leadership Scholarship for the academic year 2022 – 2023.
The scholarship awards will cover tuition, accommodation, airfare, insurance, transportation, and a monthly stipend. Both students are elated and eager to attend their new school year at an international college, where they will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with other students from around the globe.
These scholarship opportunities are just some of the benefits of the DSC Tourism & Hospitality Studies program, whereby students are exposed to the industry both locally and abroad. We lay the foundation for them through the program so that they can branch out to any of the other tourism sub-sectors that attract them. Upon completion at the Arkerley College, the students are expected to create a portfolio of their experiences including internships and other relevant activities engaged in while at the college. On behalf of the Division, I wish them both, all the best in their endeavors as they begin a new chapter of their college life.”
Ms. Katie Julien, Director of the Division of Tourism & Hospitality Studies
To date, 13 students from the Division of Tourism & Hospitality Studies have received opportunities to complete associate degrees at an international institution. Through the Canadian funded program, which began in 2013, Dominican students have been able to successfully complete the program in Canada with outstanding grades. Students who have completed the program are:
Iyassah Sookhoo and Amie Alfred, 2013 – 2014
Christina Drigo, 2014 – 2015
Nigel Peters and Sydelle Esprit, 2015 – 2016
Satra Wade and Joannia Laville, 2016 – 2017
Shania Charles and Kayanna Robinson, 2018 – 2019
Josefani Bello – Feliz and Jamescia George, 2019 – 2020
The two major industries of our country are agriculture and tourism and I am therefore pleased that the Canadians have been helping us train our best students in the fields of hospitality and tourism. In the future, Dominica will be well poised to develop and advance its tourism product and DSC graduates will be trained and ready to provide skills and leadership to that industry.
Dr. Donald Peters, President of the DSC
The Tourism Program at DSC constantly seeks international opportunities for students. In 2011, Rene Rocque [Tourism Studies Major] completed a 2-week cruise with the University of Virginia Semester at Sea program. The criteria for selection of students for its international training programs are: high grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and above; Application Essays; General Deportment; Community Involvement; and Interviews conducted by the DSC Administration.
