?My aim is to have a career in computing after school. So I have to find a good University that best suits me. This is why I am here today,? explains Varsha Rengha, from Queen Elizabeth College. This girl, currently on holiday, is sitting for her HSC exams next year. Just like most girls about to complete their HSC, Varsha already has one eye on the path she will choose after school. Last Saturday, she was one of many students who had decided to go and have a look at a range of eight universities, which had their stalls at Labourdonnais Hotel. ?When you are a prospective student, you tend to ask yourself many questions on issues such as fees, facilities and accommodation and also on the qualifications required. I often spend hours on the Internet searching out information on studies abroad. Nevertheless, I find it better when the chance is given to interact with representatives of universities. It is a great opportunity to have a face-to-face interaction.?

The fair ended yesterday afternoon. All eight universities represented were from the United Kingdom. The most famous ones being Kent University, Essex University, London Metropolitan University and Middlessex University. There was also a Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) stand responding to queries concerning loans and financial issues.

The event began with speeches from different personalities - the newly appointed acting Chief Technical Officer of the ministry of Education, Dan Dansighani, Paul Chellakumar, the chairman of all branches of Campus Abroad and Ramduth Jaddoo, the chairman of the Mauritian branch. H.B Dansighani spoke about his delight at seeing the university representatives to clarify any doubts in the minds of those who want to study abroad. Furthermore, he added that ministries will now watch very strictly and closely for any unlicensed agencies which may be operating illegally to protect Mauritian students.

After this fair organized solely for British universities, the question that remains is whether the increased exchange rate has had an impact on the 2,500 Mauritian students studying in England every year. According to recent statistics, this number is still rising every year by 15 to 20%. According to Rajeshwari Jayasankar, quality speaks for itself. ?Mauritius is a small market, but an important one for British universities. Although I may concede that the trend has slightly changed regarding students going abroad, a lot of Mauritians still go to UK universities. I believe it is because of the international recognition of their certificates.?