Prince Edward Island HEIs are getting $1.5m from the Canadian central government and local funds in order to attract more international students to stay and work in the province.
This funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program will go to helping the University of Prince Edward, Holland College and Collège de l’Île.
“We have a strong relationship with the Bahamas and Bermuda”
UPEI will get $932,068 while Holland College will receive $437,175. An addition of $176,625 will be split between the three schools through the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning.
The investments will further support the Study and Stay program, an initiative to attract a professional workforce and drive economic growth of the region.
Holland College offers more than 65 credentials in a wide variety of areas including culinary, marine training, applied sciences, and communications in 12 campuses and centres across the providence.
Michael O’Grady, Vice President and head of recruitment noted that these programs are “related to local and regional labour force requirements”.
“Our programs enable students to acquire the skills that they need to become contributing members of our island society,” O’Grady told The PIE News.
The vice president added that the institution does work with immigration services and other organisations to ensure students are integrated smoothly into the community, but O’Grady told The PIE the island is naturally welcoming.
“Prince Edward Island has one of the lowest crime rates in North America, so many of our international students are impressed with how safe they feel here,” he said.
With the funding, the college works to attract international students from more than 50 countries, with Bermuda and the Bahamas leading the way.
“Over the years we have developed a strong relationship with the Bahamas and Bermuda, based on similar areas of programming interest, such as Hospitality and Marine training. We also share commonalities in our history and culture which have helped to solidify the relationship,” O’Grady explained.
The college hopes to double its international numbers over the next three years.
