‘Small town feel on an island'
A GROUP of American university students recently travelled nearly 5,000 miles to explore the financial economy of the Channel Islands.
Nine students and two professors from Texas A&M University touched down in Guernsey at the start of last month, spending the week in the Bailiwick before getting the boat to Jersey.
Out of the students, eight study law with one studying international affairs.
‘This is the third time we have come to Guernsey so the students can learn about such a successful small jurisdiction,’ said TAM professor Andrew Morriss.
‘It’s different to the US but similar enough so it’s not alien, if we go to somewhere like Latin America it’s just a complete change.’
During their trip the students were given a talk by Mourant partner Gordon Dawes, had a session with the Digital Greenhouse about the island’s government and spent some time with various local finance corporations.
They were also able to spend time exploring what the island has to offer and speak with the locals, including taking part in the Liberation Day celebrations.
‘I had a quick read online about Liberation Day before heading into St Peter Port where we followed the music and had a really cool experience,’ said law student Nate Mallory.
‘Guernsey is such a cool place and the feel of the island is amazing, every restaurant we go to everyone seems to know everyone and give each other hugs.
'It’s got that small town feel like where I came from in Moorpark, California – but it’s on an island.’
Among the activities was a trip to Sark, which for law student Rebekah Schulte was a highlight of the week.
‘We went on the horse and carriage and were able to speak to the Seigneur,’ she said.
‘I learnt a lot about how the land works and I also really liked the tractors.’
Abigail Hugie was the only visitor studying international affairs and said her time on the island has expanded her views.
‘I’ve been really interested in Guernsey tax and its interactions with global trade because it’s just so small,’ she said.
On the last full day of their trip the students watched the film Discovering Guernsey – which focuses on the island’s heritage – at Candie Museum and took part in a
Q and A with its creator, Susan Lloyd.
