Attending College in St Thomas

I can't vouch for the accreditation of the college, but I understand they have some good programs there. As far as the crime and prejudice issues, I would venture to say you'll find the same situations just about anywhere. What matters is how you handle it and what you do about it. Use commone sense to keep from being a victim. I am not an island expert, but in my visits I have found that if you get away from the heavy tourist areas you find the local people are extremely friendly and helpful.

Hi!

I was accepted at the University of St Croix for the Fall 2002. Not that I know much, but I did have the same worries and concerns as you seem to have. I, too, am a white female who really doesn't know what to expect. However, I have talked to a few people, a few of which are actually from the islands, and as the other replies said...its really about using common sense and traveling in groups. It's always easier to think about the bad things and the things that could happen that it is to think about the wonderful experience you are going to have. Crime is everywhere! I have finally accepted that not going because of worries and concerns that could happen anywhere would just ruin the opportunity of a lifetime. So please go...there will be lots of other students just like you. I am actually participating in an exchange program, and other than myself, I will be traveling and attending St Croix with 25 other people!! I hope I helped! Take care!

Hi Leslie,
UVI is a accredited University and has no problems with accreditation. If
you heard stories about schools in the U.S.V.I with accreditation problems -
it is not the university it is infact the public highschools. I came down from the states to attend UVI and I have never left. Compared to other university's that I have attended, I attended several, I would say UVI is top
notch. If you are planning to just comedown and party this might not be
your place. I had a lot of other people from the US come down to UVI at the
same time I did, and if you come down to party - you will get lost, and it
is easy to happen; spend days at the beach, meet new people and go out and have a couple drinks, skip a couple days of class to go island hopping. Well this behavior will help you to fall behind. Classes are taken very serious at UVI. As for racism don't be worried it's nothing like the states.
People here might like or dislike you just like everywhere else, but it wont be because of your color. If you approach folks with a friendly and genuine way than people are receptive regardless of where they are from. You will learn a lot here about cultural differences, music, food types - it is really nice and beautiful.

The University is very safe, they have guards that patrol the campus as well as a gated entrance to the campus. The campus is small enough that you learn who your neighbors are in the dorms and everyone is friendly. To be honest I would say coming to UVI has been one of the best choices I had ever made. Come with a open mind and you will love it here. If you come in and party all the time you will do poorly at UVI and if you come with a closed in mind set you will think the people are not warm and receptive. The island it self has some level of crime like everywhere else - however like everywhere else you keep your eyes open, learn where the good areas are and don't wander around areas that might be unsafe. Hope this helps - if you have any other questions, go ahead and post them, and Ill see if I can help.