"UPEI est l’endroit où il faut étudier—UPEI is the place to be!"
What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?
I'm from Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia and I'm in completing my sixth year of post-secondary study after attending Dalhousie University for my undergraduate degree in arts. I had heard from many friends and family about the beautiful campus and opportunities available at a smaller university such as UPEI. Upon doing my research, I discovered that UPEI’s Bachelor of Education program came with the perks of having small classes, a friendly environment, and the opportunity to have a more personalized learning path. Furthermore, UPEI is perfect for anyone looking to continue their education without becoming a number like most other universities.
What do you find unique and interesting about the Bachelor of Education program?
UPEI offers a 12-month intensive Bachelor of Education program which has allowed me to fast-track my dream career in education. Being taught by actual educators who created the public school curriculum in PEI provides even more hands-on and applied learning. I have had the opportunity to commence my practicum sooner than any other program and use my knowledge in real-life teaching situations. And, the program's pass/fail grading system has allowed me even more support to complete my classes with a sense of personal accomplishment.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?
Being in such a small cohort has allowed me to get one-on-one teaching and more hands-on learning from all my professors within the faculty. Whether I have a question about one of my classes or with registration or my practicum, I can approach any faculty member, and they have been willing and able to help solve my problem. Being able to address nearly everyone in the faculty by name and recognize them makes me feel valued at school.
What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?
With PEI being such a small and connected community, I felt welcomed wherever I went. At my practicum school, I felt welcomed as soon as I walked in the door by many friendly Islanders. The more I got to know everyone, the more accommodated I felt, and I could see why everyone says Islanders are so friendly and welcoming.
Furthermore, being on the Island has allowed me to volunteer and give back to the welcoming community. I have been able to volunteer as an assistant coach with the Capital District Cyclones team and help promote the growth of the female hockey community in Charlottetown. Seeing how much a female role model encouraged them to keep trying and wanted to keep playing made me feel special for giving back to the Island community.
What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
Attending a small university has given me a fantastic one-on-one experience and created lifelong bonds with my classmates. Being addressed by name in all my classes and having a sense of belonging makes me proud to say I attend the University of Prince Edward Island!
What would you tell a student considering the Bachelor of Education program?
If you are interested in continuing your education toward becoming an educator, UPEI is the place to be! I learned much about my dream career in a hands-on and supportive environment. While there, I got to make lifelong friends with my future coworkers, go through extraordinary experiences, and grow close with all of them. If I could go back, I would make the same decision again! Overall, I am delighted with my choice to attend the University of Prince Edward Island.
What are your general plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on becoming a French elementary school teacher and continuing to volunteer as an assistant coach with female hockey in my community. In the future, I also hope to continue to pursue my education by obtaining my Master’s degree in education.
Find your genius as a UPEI student!
Read more about our students' amazing achievements and their future plans!
Interested in UPEI? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
Meet Rosaline, UPEI Bachelor of Sustainable Design Engineering student. Originally from Damascus, Rosaline hopes to work in the sustainable energy sector and obtain a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Meet Nathalie, Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership graduate (Class of 2023). After attending UPEI for four months in 2014 as an exchange student, Nathalie knew she wanted to return to UPEI's Faculty of Business.
Meet Anam, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student. After graduating next year, Anam hopes to complete an internship at a busy equine practice and a residency in sports medicine and rehabilitation with a focus on equine patients.
Meet Nicole, Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Indigenous education graduate (Class of 2023). Nicole plans to return to her position as an Indigenous school social worker in Fort St. James, British Columbia.
Meet Madi, Baccalauréat en education - français langue seconde graduate (Class of 2023). Originally from Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, Madi hopes to teach French in an elementary school and pursue a Master’s degree in education.
Meet Yvan, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering graduate (Class of 2023). Originally from Mauritius, Yvan had always wanted to come to Canada for university, and discovered UPEI's Engineering program was a perfect match.
Meet Carter, a student in UPEI's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program. Originally from Stratford, PEI, Carter participated in a Study Abroad trip to Belgium last year.
Meet Ehimen, Bachelor of Business Administration program graduate (Class of 2023). He's focused on a career in the music industry as a rapper and producer.
Meet Tanner, DSJS and Philosophy student at UPEI. Tanner is from Goose River, PEI, and hopes to work in human rights, child advocacy, or law in the future.
Meet Henrietta, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program graduate (Class of 2023). Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Henrietta graduated in May 2023 and served as her class valedictorian at UPEI Convocation.
