SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport is once again hosting a free workshop for students interested in continuing their studies in the United States or Canada entitled “College or University 101: The United States and Canadian Systems.”
This workshop is scheduled to be held at the University of St. Martin on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 P.M. in Room 202-203.
According to SSSD officials, this workshop is aimed at students in the pre-exam and exam class and those recently graduated and it aims to make sure they have a good understanding of these two education systems since they are different than ours.
The steps needed to apply to college and what to consider will be covered in this workshop before it transitions into aspects such as Placement Tests, Grade Point Average (GPA), grades and graduation requirements. Some college/university terminology as well as the pros and cons of living in a dorm in comparison to an apartment will be explained to workshop participants.
“Aspects from the time the student arrives on campus through graduation will be covered in this workshop. Emphasis will be put on the first year where the student must get accustomed to the differences as well as integrate into college life,” SSSD officials noted. “Transitioning from a Dutch or British based system into an American or Canadian tertiary system can be overwhelming for some students and this workshop is aiming to make this experience less overwhelming.”
Parents are also urged to encourage their children to attend since this is beneficial to them. Students can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 543-1235 to register for the “College and University 101: The U.S. and Canadian Systems” workshop. They can also go to SSSD’s Facebook page and scan the QR code on the flyer there to register. Participants are encouraged to bring their own writing materials to the workshop and to be on time. For more information, please call Mr. Chance at 543-1235.
The Student Support Services Division is located in the Gatspy’s Building, across from the Police Station and next to the Windward Island Bank (WIB) in Philipsburg. SSSD provides many services to students including psychological services, counseling services, speech language pathology services, social work services, educational diagnostic services, career services, and parental workshops.
