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

I'm originally from Mauritius but I have always dreamt of studying abroad. When I met a UPEI adviser at a recruitment fair and discovered the Sustainable Design Engineering program and the work I could do in mechatronics, it really fit my interests in robotics, machines, and aviation. It was more appealing for me to come to UPEI than other Canadian universities.

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

As an international student far from home during the COVID-19 pandemic I was struggling a bit with course work and isolation, but my professors and lab instructors were very supportive and helped me stay motivated to succeed. Their support also allowed and encouraged me to find opportunities to get involved on campus. I worked as the coordinator of the Buddy Program for new international students, with the UPEI English Language Centre's Explore program for French-speaking exchange students, and now I'm a student assistant with the International Student Office.

"What's fascinating about UPEI's engineering program is the emphasis on sustainability and design, and I think as an engineering student this is something that's really important for the future of our world."

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

Being an engineering student has provided other unique opportunities as well! I had the chance to be the president of the UPEI Engineering Society in 2021-2022 and I'm currently the Engineering Student Ambassador at the FSDE at UPEI. I recently participated in the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students national meeting as their Bilingualism Commissioner. I met with engineering students from other Canadian universities to discuss student life, advocacy, accreditation and other important aspects of the engineering profession.

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

There's so much support for international students! Some international students may feel PEI is a little isolated from the rest of Canada, but there are wonderful people supporting students here—UPEI can help students extend their study periods, offer visa and travel assistance, and international student advice to help you through your studies. I feel very lucky to be a student at UPEI. 

What's fascinating about UPEI's engineering program is the emphasis on sustainability and design, and I think as an engineering student this is something that's really important for the future of our world. It would mean a lot for me to tell someone I achieved my degree in sustainable design engineering from UPEI.  

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI’s sustainable design engineering program?

Reflecting on the things I've accomplished at UPEI so far, the continued support of my professors, colleagues, and supervisors has not only helped me as a student but allowed me to experience so many things I didn't expect, and I've learned so much about myself. I love being here, and I'm really happy I chose UPEI!