'There are a lot of us': International students see numbers grow at UPEI

Foyin Ifemide Senbanjo was just 16 when she left her home and family in Nigeria and arrived at the University of Prince Edward Island four years ago.

On Saturday, she'll be one of more than 900 graduates at UPEI's convocation ceremonies.

• UPEI sees enrolment of Island students drop: MPHEC

• UPEI attracting more international students

Her proud parents, brother and sister will be there when she gives the valedictory address and graduates with Bachelor of Business Administration-Cooperative Education degree.

Adjusted to life on P.E.I.

"I haven't seen my sister and my dad in three or four years," she toldCBC's Mainstreet P.E.I.

Knowing that there is somebody from your country here, I think it's encouraging.- Foyin Ifemide Senbanjo

Senbanjo has adjusted well to life on P.E.I. She is "fascinated" with how friendly people are, and she's finally gotten used to the different weather, food and use of the English language.

But working at the Internal Relations office at UPEI reminded her how comforting it is to also be among people from your own country.

"Every time I responded to an email and signed my name, the Nigerian students, they're like 'Oh my god, you're Nigerian. How many more Nigerians are there?' And I'm like 'there are a lot of us.'

More than 70 countries

"Knowing that there is somebody from your country here, I think it's encouraging."

In Senbanjo's time at UPEI, the international student population has grown by 50 per cent, and now makes up 21 per cent of the student population.

The university says it has students from more than 70 countries.

And some, like Senbanjo who landed a job as an accountant with Deltaware in Charlottetown, are deciding to stay after graduation.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | P.E.I.'s underwater electric cable project complete

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Teenzone concert Saturday to benefit youth mental health on P.E.I.