The volunteering and cultural activities create opportunities for international students to learn about the island, engage with the community and … have some fun! Island culture has developed over the years as different groups arrived and settled, a process that is ongoing today with new arrivals from Asia, Africa and Latin America contributing their cultural heritage to the mix.

Epekwitk

The Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq are the original inhabitants of the unceded territory of Epektwik, also known as Prince Edward Island. The island is part of Mi’kma’ki, a region that includes Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (PEI, NS, NB, NFLD), the Gaspé Peninsula (QC), and northeastern Maine. Today, the Mi’kmaq community includes Lennox Island (L’nui Mnikuk) First Nation Band and the Abegweit First Nation Band along with the Metis and Inuit First Nations. The Study & Stay PEI Program collaborates with the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors and Lennox Island Energy Lead to provide opportunities for international students to engage with the Mi’kmaq and facilitate cultural exchange.

Acadia

In the early 17^th century French settlers arrived in the Atlantic region and coexisted with the Mi’kmaq. They became known as Acadians and settled on the island which they called Île Saint-Jean. In 1758 English forces took control of Île Saint-Jean and expelled more than 3,000 Acadians, many losing their lives in the deportation. In 1881 Acadians founded the Société Nationale de l’Acadie under the slogan “L’union fait la force” with a flag, national anthem and holiday on 15 August. The Study & Stay PEI Program works with La Coopérative d’intégration francophone de l’Î-P-E to create opportunities for international students to participate in the vibrant and global francophone culture on the island. 

Legal & Political Framework

Democratic values and institutions underpin PEI and Canadian society and the Study & Stay PEI program creates opportunities for international students to visit the PEI Legislative Assembly and connect with municipal leaders in Charlottetown, Summerside, Kensington and other towns. The legal framework that governs the island is introduced covering employment standards, family and criminal law, housing and relocation to different parts of PEI.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a big part of growing up in Canada. Most Canadian students are part of a club or association where they spend time pursuing different interests, forming friendships and learning new skills from leadership to team building. Importantly, these experiences are also something employers look for on a resume. Working with the Community Sector Network PEI and other bodies, the Study & Stay PEI Program encourages international students to find volunteer positions where they can develop networks, gain experience, meet ‘islanders’ and get involved in the community.

To graduate from the program, international students must participate in 4 mandatory events, complete the 6 stages of the Key Competences Framework and attend 4 elective activities. However, there is no limit to the number of activities international students can attend and there is no cost, all activities are free for Study & Stay PEI students.