"Students in the Bachelor of Education program are incredibly supportive of one another."

Meet Alexandra, UPEI Bachelor of Education, Français Langue Seconde graduate (Class of 2023)

Aug 29, 2024 | UPEI Viewbook 2025

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

I'm originally from Kingston, Ontario, and I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in my teens. I have always known that I have wanted to pursue my education in my native language and UPEI offered just that. Attending UPEI interested me because I had always heard wonderful comments about the university, the campus is close enough to home, and the program I was interested in checked every box that needed to be checked.

What do you find unique and interesting about your program?

What I found unique about the education program was the length of completion. The Bachelor of Education program is a year-long program which is not something that can be found at other universities. The program being a year long allows for students to take necessary classes over the summer to prepare them for their practicums in the fall. Being in the French cohort, the program allowed me to get to know the other students within my program on a more personal level due to our class sizes. This helped create a stronger bond between all of the students, creating lifelong friendships.

a UPEI education student laughing with a colleague

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

Our professors have always gone above and beyond throughout our program to support us and help us in any way possible. Faculty members and staff are always willing to help when we need any questions answered regarding classes or academic requirements. The students in the Bachelor of Education program are incredibly supportive of one another, English and French students alike. I know that I have found other future teachers that I can always count on and go to for anything throughout my career.

What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

Throughout my time at UPEI I have experienced a number of opportunities through the university and through my own doing. Through my studies I have been able to connect with a multitude of individuals that allowed me to learn what it takes to become a successful teacher. I was able to complete my first practicum in a school that welcomed me with open arms and taught me that no matter the class size, I will always learn new things that will help me go further with my future career. Within the classroom on campus, I have been able to grow as a future educator by learning everything I need to know about my profession. The island itself gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual, more than I thought possible. The island gave me the opportunity to experience an amazing university with a fantastic program and a taste of what being an islander is like.

"The students in the Bachelor of Education program are incredibly supportive of one another, English and French students alike. I know that I have found other future teachers that I can always count on and go to for anything throughout my career."

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

UPEI is unique because of the beautiful campus the university finds itself on, the small classes for the various programs, and amazing staff and faculty members. Even though I have been a student at UPEI for a short amount of time, I feel at home while being on campus. Some unique traits about Prince Edward Island are the breathtaking beaches, the wonderful university, a variety of tight knit communities, I could go on and on. I am overjoyed that I have the privilege to say that I am able to live as an islander.

a UPEI education student working on a laptop computer

What would you tell a high school student considering your program?

I have had first year university students ask me about my time at UPEI and I have told them nothing but the truth; UPEI is an amazing university that allows students to grow and become their own person all while they get an education that will have a positive impact on their future. For any student looking for a career within the education field, UPEI is the university to attend. The Bachelor of Education program is fantastic, with special focus areas, small class sizes, and English and French programs.

What are your general plans after graduation?

My general plans for after graduation are to start my teaching career as soon as possible within a French elementary school and continue to expand my knowledge about the teaching profession.