What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I grew up in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island and graduated from Bluefield High School in 2021. My senior year of high school was filled with excitement as I looked forward to moving off Island and exploring new places and opportunities. Hearing about all the complications university students were experiencing because of the COVID-19 outbreak caused me to question the cost and benefit of studying away from home. I heard stories about students being isolated in their dorms, having to take all classes online, and interacting with no one. It was at this time that I began investigating UPEI and the programs it offers. The UPEI Biology program met my academic needs and prerequisite requirements for optometry. The George Coles bursary funding and the UPEI academic excellence scholarships also played a massive role in my decision because they would allow me to complete my undergraduate degree debt-free.

How did you find out about the opportunities to study abroad?

From an early age, my mother encouraged me to travel and embrace new experiences. Having worked at UPEI for several years, she was aware of the many opportunities UPEI has to offer. As I still wanted to travel and study away from home, she introduced me to UPEI's study abroad program. I enjoyed my first experience so much that while I was at the University of the West Indies in Cave Hill in Barbados, I applied for a second semester abroad at Western Carolina University in North Carolina.

I decided to study in Barbados during the winter semester in 2023 from January to May, and then in North Carolina for a second study abroad semester from August to December 2023.

What were the main highlights of your experiences abroad?

My experiences in Barbados were very different from those in North Carolina and I loved every second of both experiences abroad. These encounters created priceless memories and lifelong friendships.

What I love most about Barbados is, by far, the sunshine and the culture. Barbados' lifestyle is referred to as “Caribbean Time.” Timekeeping and stress are non-existent. My days were spent lounging on the beach, watching the sunset, and studying in coffee shops. The culture is very relaxed, easygoing, and has good vibes. Everybody is so nice and happy to lend you a hand. I also really liked that the island is small and easy to navigate, much like PEI. Something that surprised me about Barbados was how popular free-range chickens were! Throughout the semester, we had chickens and birds in our apartment looking for food. They were so cute. My favourite highlights were visiting the markets, learning to surf, boating, and snorkelling with turtles.

"Studying abroad was one of my best life experiences. I developed personally, acquired new experiences, and learned new skills. Studying abroad allowed me to meet new people, try new things, and discover new places. This experience has motivated me to keep exploring different places and cultures."

The thing that I enjoyed most about my time in the United States was the variety of people that the university attracted. Having a student population of over 10,000 and a large international community, I developed many relationships with people from around the world. Much like in the movies, this campus was huge and centred on football games. There were many sorority and fraternity houses, and the campus offered numerous activities. There was a cinema, swimming pool, multiple restaurants, a large gym, a performance theatre, and others. Western Carolina University offers a variety of courses to choose from and a small student-to-staff ratio. None of my classes had more than 30 students. I completed a 75-mile camp and bike excursion after taking a 'bikepacking' course.

How do you feel the experience studying and living in another country will impact your future plans?

Studying abroad has encouraged me to be more outgoing, open-minded, and optimistic. The lessons I learned made me more resilient, more optimistic about future opportunities, and eager to explore new experiences.

What would you say to a student considering a UPEI study abroad experience?

Studying abroad was one of my best life experiences. I developed personally, acquired new experiences, and learned new skills. Studying abroad allowed me to meet new people, try new things, and discover new places. This experience has motivated me to keep exploring different places and cultures.