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

I'm from Mississauga, Ontario and I first came to UPEI to complete my Bachelor of Business Administration. My family is originally from Prince Edward Island, and I always loved visiting—the small-town feel, the rural landscape, and especially the beaches. When I was looking to transfer from another university in Ontario, UPEI also made financial sense, as tuition was significantly more affordable.

After working on PEI for some time, I decided to pursue my Bachelor of Education at UPEI as well. I recognized the strong demand for French teachers on the Island and knew the program would help me build meaningful connections within the education community while preparing me to work in PEI afterward. The one-year format was especially appealing compared to the two-year programs offered in other provinces, and the availability of grants, scholarships, and government funding was another important factor in my decision. I'll be graduating with my BEd in May 2026, specializing in French as a Second Language with an international focus, with two teachable subjects: Math and Social Studies.

What do you find unique and interesting about the Bachelor of Education program?

One of the most unique aspects is the small cohort size; there are only 32 of us in the French program. This allowed us to build very close friendships and a strong sense of community. There's also a deep cultural significance connected to the Acadian and Francophone communities on PEI, which adds meaningful context to our studies. A highlight of my program is my upcoming trip to Belgium, to complete my final practicum. I cannot wait to strengthen my French proficiency, travel the region, and learn how to teach in a foreign classroom.

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

I've received tremendous support from faculty members, including direct guidance from the Dean, program coordinators, and professors. Their accessibility and willingness to provide mentorship truly made a difference in my experience. I was also supported by the Accessibility Services team, who provided accommodations related to my disability as well as access to technology grants. The Scholarships and Awards Office further supported me by awarding scholarships that helped offset tuition costs.
Beyond faculty and staff, my cohort has been an incredible source of support. My classmates were always available to answer questions and offer help when needed. Through collaborative group work, we consistently supported and encouraged one another, pushing each other to produce high-quality work. The overall sense of care, collaboration, and accessibility at UPEI truly stands out.

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

Through the BEd program, I've built strong connections with both the English and French school boards across the Island, beginning with our observation days. Faculty members encouraged us to experience a variety of schools in different regions of PEI, which allowed us to understand the differences between school boards and build relationships with teachers and administrators.
The program includes 18 weeks of practicum, where we teach in real classrooms and receive ongoing feedback from cooperating teachers and practicum supervisors. We were also given opportunities to substitute teach for our cooperating teachers, which provided valuable real-world experience and allowed us to further support school staff. Faculty members were attentive to our interests, listening to which schools and regions we hoped to explore. They also prepared us for job applications and invited guest speakers from the province to share insights about the hiring process.

"My classmates were always available to answer questions and offer help when needed. Through collaborative group work, we consistently supported and encouraged one another, pushing each other to produce high-quality work. The overall sense of care, collaboration, and accessibility at UPEI truly stands out."

In addition, I was involved in the BEd Society as the French cohort representative. This role allowed me to connect with students from other cohorts while helping plan events and fundraising initiatives—a very rewarding leadership experience. Because the program is delivered in French, I significantly strengthened my reading, writing, and speaking skills in preparation for teaching in French Immersion. I also had access to professional development opportunities typically offered to practicing teachers, further enhancing my French language proficiency.

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

There's a real sense of tranquility here. The Island lifestyle encourages connection with nature and with people. The friendships I've built feel lasting. And in my opinion, PEI has the best beaches in the country!

What would you tell a student considering UPEI's Bachelor of Education program?

If you're coming from out of province, PEI is a place you'll never forget. The BEd program will position you well for your career, especially if you're interested in teaching French. You'll leave not only qualified, but connected.

How do you feel UPEI has prepared you for your future?

UPEI has prepared me both professionally and personally. The program has strengthened my French speaking, reading, and writing skills, and provided practical classroom experience. I've gained support with interview preparation, job applications, and networking with school boards and the Province of PEI. The opportunity to substitute teach has also given me real-world confidence as I move toward my career.