The conference started with welcome messages from the Government of PEI and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency who fund the Study & Stay PEI Program. The morning was then dedicated towards career pathways which started with a presentation from the Department of Workforce Advanced Learning and Population on labour standards and what rights and responsibilities international students should expect in the workplace. This was followed by a panel discussion with Study & Stay PEI Program alumni who talked about finding that perfect job and issues they faced when starting their careers on PEI. To finish the morning, PEI Connectors, ASDA and IRSA highlighted the services and supports international students can receive through their agencies.

After a delicious lunch catered by 4S, international students settled down for an intensive breakdown review of Canada’s immigration system and the different options available for graduates. The first session on Federal Immigration Pathways was led by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who outlined the different options available. This was followed by a presentation from the PEI Office of Immigration on the Provincial Nomination Program and other options for international graduates. For all sessions, international students interacted with the speakers and were not shy to ask questions. The conference online platform was also busy with international students posting questions and opinions. The volume of questions and interactions at the conference is a testimony to the seriousness of the international students and their approach to studying and staying.