Dear Editor,
As a public communications analyst, I have been researching the experiences of students who have benefited from the GOAL Scholarship Programme. Many recipients have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education through an international institution. As part of this research, I interviewed Ms. Emily Fernandes, an HR professional at One Communications, who is currently completing her BBA through the GOAL Programme at JAIN University. She described her experience as positive and said the university has been accommodating and supportive throughout her studies.
Ms. Fernandes explained that she had previously applied to UG but withdrew because she felt there was insufficient support during the application process. Her experience with JAIN University, she said, has been different. Students receive examination calendars well in advance, have opportunities to raise concerns during Teams sessions, and can receive reasonable consideration when genuine technical difficulties occur. She also recalled experiencing an examination issue herself, but was able to log back in and continue. In her view, these systems demonstrate that students are being given opportunities to prepare and communicate when problems arise.
However, Ms. Fernandes believes students must also accept responsibility for their education. If an examination is scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight, students have a four-hour window in which to complete the assessment, and many students finish before the deadline. Since the examination system is also used throughout the semester, students have an opportunity to become familiar with the process before major examinations. Genuine challenges such as power outages can occur, but students can also take reasonable precautions, including charging their devices, maintaining a data plan where possible, preparing materials in advance and avoiding last-minute preparation.
There is also a need for students to take greater responsibility for their academic engagement. If students do not attend classes, review course material or pay attention to information provided throughout the semester, it should not automatically become the responsibility of the university when they are unprepared. Universities have responsibilities to their students, but students also have responsibilities to themselves. Academic success requires participation, preparation, communication and accountability.
Another issue raised by Ms. Fernandes is the conduct of some students during academic sessions. Irrelevant questions, disruptive comments, vulgar music and inappropriate behaviour can negatively affect the learning environment and may reflect poorly on Guyanese students participating in an international academic programme. Stronger student orientation and clearer expectations regarding professional and academic conduct could help address this issue. Students should understand that their behaviour in these settings contributes to how they are perceived by lecturers, classmates and international institutions.
GOAL is providing hundreds of Guyanese with an opportunity to access higher education that many may not otherwise have been able to afford. That opportunity should be recognised and appreciated, but appreciation should also be demonstrated through commitment and responsible behaviour. At the same time, universities and programme administrators should continue listening to legitimate student concerns and addressing genuine administrative, technical and accessibility challenges. The relationship should be one of shared responsibility rather than placing the entire burden on either the institution or the student.
Ultimately, not every problem is a university problem. Sometimes the solution is simply to prepare, communicate early, have a backup plan and take responsibility for our own success. As Guyanese students participating in international education, we have an opportunity not only to earn qualifications but also to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and respect. GOAL has opened the door; it is now up to students to walk through it with the commitment necessary to succeed.