Study & Stay PEI hosts graduation ceremony for 86 international students

The Study & Stay PEI program celebrated the achievements of 86 international students from the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l'Île at a graduation ceremony held at UPEI on June 3, 2023.

Program coordinator Abby Goodwin and assistant Cecia Huang expressed their gratitude to the graduates, mentors, community members, speakers, and everyone involved in celebrating this successful cohort.

“These students not only applied their knowledge but also played a vital role in creating a stronger and more diverse Prince Edward Island,” said Goodwin.

Special thanks were extended to Sean Casey, Member of Parliament, and Honourable Jennifer Redmond, Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning, and Population, Government of Prince Edward Island, for their presence and words of congratulations. The program also acknowledged its partners and 36 volunteer mentors who played a crucial role in guiding and supporting the students throughout their journey.

The celebration was even more memorable because of the inspiring stories and positive experiences shared by three graduates, Yoshio Zatto, Sophia Truong, and Aline Lemos Ribeiro José. The audience also had the opportunity to enjoy a classical piano performance by Javier Santos Dacarett, one of the talented graduates.

As of June 3, 2023, Study & Stay PEI has 275 graduates and alumni since 2017.

The goal of Study & Stay PEI is to support a group of international students in their final semester/year of study at a PEI post-secondary institution to live, work, and stay in the province post-graduation. The program provides participants with the essential skills, resources, and support needed as they transition from “student” to “professional.”

The Study & Stay program is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the PEI Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture.