Four Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students have been afforded the opportunity to study in Canada for two semesters on Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarships.
Lynderia Clarke and Renel Pierre will study electrical installation at Vancouver Island University, while Cordelia Dean and Mystique Stevenson will enter the computer systems technician program at Fanshawe College.
The Canadian government scholarships provide Latin America and Caribbean students with short-term exchange opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
BTVI's Coordinator of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel, will also be headed to Fanshawe College on a two-week faculty exchange.
The students were excited at the opportunity presented to them, with Dean and Stevenson schedule to commence studies in Canada for the spring 2015 semester, and Clarke and Pierre departing the country as early as New Year's Day.
Stevenson said she had never entertained the thought that she could be a BTVI student and given the opportunity to study abroad for two semesters.
"I'm appreciative of being selected," said Stevenson. "I intend to make BTVI proud."
BTVI's Manager and Consultant Dr. Iva Dahl, encouraged the students to make new friends during the eight months and gain a wider experience through integration of cultures, but she also advised them to uphold high standards.
"Don't throw caution to the wind because it's a foreign country. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. And academically, if you're struggling, there is help. Take advantage of tutoring," she encouraged them.
Dr. Dahl told the students to seek to attain their Red Seals -- Canada's highest trade certification -- as the Canadian Electrical Code Part I is the electrical code adopted by The Bahamas.
The foursome prepare to begin their studies abroad as Isaiah Strachan and Diane Smith have completed their semester-long stint at Holland College in Canada, where they both studied electronics engineering. The student exchange that began in 2009 requires BTVI students to be full-time. Following the experience, the students are expected to return to BTVI to complete their studies.

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