"My study abroad experience has benefitted me in many ways! I was able to expand my education in ways that really helped me grow as a student. Experiencing the university culture of my region in Finland has made me more mature, capable, and understanding adult through exposing me to many rewards as well as difficulties. I have noticed myself be able to tolerate stressful situations in a much more controlled way and problem-solving is a lot more enjoyable for me as well. I learned that every problem comes with a solution that is worth the effort it takes to obtain it. Not to mention, that there will always be a support system who is on your team cheering you forwards to keep pushing yourself to be the best version you can be. I will forever be grateful of my experiences in Finland. The methods I used to independently sculpt my life away from home make me so proud and the focus I put on being the most peaceful, healthy, and loving version of myself have impacted me deeply."

- Bronwen Abel, in Finland, Psychology Major

"I recently returned from my study abroad experience to Cordoba, Spain. Studying abroad has provided me the opportunity to learn more about the world, other cultures, and most importantly, about myself. I discovered many new interests and ideas for my future that I never would have if it wasn’t for my time abroad. My global experience has changed my life for the better and allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the world far more than before. I am extremely grateful for the GSO funding as I was able to travel to so many more destinations and participate in amazing activities while paying for my studies. I will never forget this experience and I hope other students will have the opportunity to participate in a global exchange similar to mine."

- Rowan Drake, in Cordoba, Spain, Biology Major

"Studying abroad for a semester in Malta provided me with valuable experiences and taught me important lessons that will benefit my personal and professional life. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I met students from many European countries and was fortunate enough to travel to nine countries while abroad, all while experiencing a new culture and educational system. I would recommend all students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity through UPEI as “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page” (S. Augustinus)."

- Alexa MacKinley in Malta, Biology Major with Minor in Psychology

"I studied at Université Saint-Louis in Brussels, Belgium, for a semester. During my time there, I got a firsthand look at how the European Parliament and European Union operate and tours of their buildings in the city. I became friends with other students from Mexico, Korea, Poland and more, who I am still communicating with today! Studying Abroad made me more confident and independent, allowing me to see more of the world and experience unfamiliar cultures in person. My favourite moment was travelling to the city of Dinant and seeing the skyline from the top of the citadel!"

- Marc Allard in Brussels, Business Administration Major
with a Specialization in International Business

"I studied abroad in Japan as a UPEI student. My study abroad experience in Japan was life-changing. It expanded my horizons, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Beyond academics, it's about personal growth and adapting to a new societal environment. A favourite experience was exploring the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto with a childhood friend. Witnessing cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was equally remarkable. I encourage other students to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Embrace the moment and explore the resources available through UPEI's international programs office. The experience will shape your future in unexpected and profound ways."

- Brandon Holland in Japan, Sociology Major

"Studying abroad changed me as an individual by giving me the chance to experience new people, places and cultures. I now want to travel to Europe, and hopefully other places in the world, and I do not think I would feel confident enough to do that if I did not go on this trip. The study abroad program through UPEI opened up many doors for me, and I am so happy that I made the decision to do it. I have realized that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it, and that is what I did when I decided I wanted to study abroad. I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent UPEI and Canada abroad, and I hope that many other students get the same chance that I did to go study abroad, because they will not regret it!"

- Callie McAulay in Australia, Chemistry Major

"I went on an exchange while at UPEI to Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. I was a Killam Fellow under Fulbright Canada. Now, I think I know what you're thinking: how could South Carolina ever be a place for cultural exchange? I thought that, too, but I was wrong. At Clemson, all of the exchange students live together, and we all became close. My best friends were from Scotland, Chile, Germany, and South Korea, and it felt like a little UN conference every time we did things together."

- Christian Norton in USA, Biology Major

"I found that being placed in an environment with a completely different culture than what you're used to makes you feel like a complete minority and I believe that is an excellent platform for self-learning and growth."

- Devon Fletcher in Barbados, Business Administration Major

"My year-long student exchange at Université Saint-Louis in Brussels, Belgium, was nothing short of phenomenal. It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I returned to Canada a more mature, confident, and inspired young woman. I look back on my exchange wondering why I worried so much. I didn't have anything to lose— on the contrary, I had so, so much to gain. My student exchange makes my higher education feel more complete. I am more aware than ever that learning is not confined to the walls of a classroom, and that we have much to learn from the world that lies beyond."

- Elizabeth Campbell in Belgium, Political Science Major

"My experience through University of Prince Edward Island Study Abroad and Saint Dunstan's University helped me to gain a richer cultural sophistication, broaden my ideas in my field of study and brought me to a better understanding of myself and my Canadian and American identities. Studying in another country, so different from my own, exposed me to new teaching styles and a different approach to university and campus life. I studied primarily in the faculty of Theology while at the University of Malta and learned more than I ever expected to learn in a short four months of classes. My exposure to such dense and diverse perspectives in branches of Catholicism such as Canon Law, Patristics, Scriptural Studies, Ecumenism, Ecclesiology and more forced me to change my perspective and rethink my then current beliefs."

- Lorelei Kenny in Malta, Philosophy and English Majors