Isaiah Strachan recently joined the list of students at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) who have been afforded the opportunity to continue studies abroad on an Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship.
The 22-year-old, who is headed to Holland College in Canada for the fall semester, will join BTVI student, Diane Smith, both of whom will study electronics engineering. Following the semester abroad, both students are expected to return to BTVI to complete their associate of applied science degrees in electronics engineering installers and repairs.
The 2009 graduate of St. Augustine's College (SAC) said he was initially shocked at the prospect of heading to Canada for a semester, however, he now keenly awaits the journey.
"I am looking forward to the experience in a new country and seeing snow. I am also looking forward to learning new things in electronics engineering."
The scholarship, granted by the Canadian government, provides students from Latin America and the Caribbean with short-term exchange opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
BTVI Manager and Consultant Dr. Iva Dahl emphasized to Isaiah that he is now an ambassador for the institution at Holland College. She expressed confidence that he will do well, adding that the sky is the limit.
Coordinator of Student Affairs Raquel Bethel described Isaiah as a stellar student who has demonstrated he is one of the best in the electronics program. Bethel encouraged Isaiah, who has a strong academic background, to become actively involved in campus life, and make the best of the experience.
Valentino Burrows, who spent the 2014 spring semester at Holland College, said his study abroad program was a great experience.
"The professors at Holland are passionate about what they're teaching. They push you. I never connected with people that quickly. There was a bond formed and I felt like I knew them for years. I even found time to play football with the Prince Edward Island Privateers," he said. "If it wasn't for BTVI, the door may not have been opened for me," said Burrows, who was a part of the energy systems engineering program.

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