Holland College sees increased enrolment of Bahamian students

Holland College has attracted more students from the Bahamas this school year than it ever has in its history.

There are 140 students from the Caribbean archipelago enrolled at the college this year, up by 30 students from last year.

Those numbers mean five per cent of the college's student population is now from the Bahamas, something first-year student Anni-yah Ferguson appreciates.

"I think it was either the first or second week I was here, just walking down in Charlottetown and on one of the houses I saw a Canadian flag and a Bahamian flag. I'm like, okay, oh my gosh, some Bahamians are definitely here," said Ferguson.

"And then you come to school and there's other Bahamians here, they speak like you, they know...where you're from and like all of that native stuff that you're used to.It's nice, because you could get kind of lonely, I guess."

Adjustment to new country

The 17-year-old, who is in the music performance program, said it was a big adjustment to get used to the weather.

"I just like saw snow for the first time the other day," Ferguson said. "It was really fun and cold."

When asked why she chose Holland College over so many others, Ferguson out of them all it offered everything she wanted in the program.

• Bow tie business a score for former Holland College football MVP

Journalism student Cameron Lynch said he came to Holland College to play football and when he steps on the field to play, it's like being with family because of the number of Bahamian players on the team.

"It's a much easier transition," he said.

Both Ferguson and Lynch say they like the effort Holland College has put into providing information to high schools in the Bahamas so that students are aware of the opportunities to study abroad.

College officials said the Bahamian students have had a very positive impact on the campus environment, and take part in a wide variety of programs, student government and athletics.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | P.E.I. woman fined after hairless, underweight dog euthanized
• ​MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Montague grocery store affected by power outages, food discarded