Undergraduate students – Canadian-American Center

Four 91�� students awarded Killam Fellowships

alefebvre — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:12:05 +0000

Four 91�� students have received Killam Fellowships to help fund their studies at
various Canadian institutions of higher learning during the 25-26 academic year.

The Killam Fellowships Program provides undergraduate students in Canada and the U.S. with
opportunities to spend a semester or full academic year in the other country as exchange students.
Recipients receive a $6,000 stipend per semester, an allowance to offset health insurance costs, and a
grant of up to $800 for an educational field trip. The Killam Fellowship operates under Fulbright
Canada and provides students with academic and cultural connections with the Canadian Fulbright
community. 91�� students awarded the Killam Fellowship enroll for one or two semesters at one
of the participating Canadian universities.

The four 91�� students who received a Killam Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

Blake Getchell, Anthropology – University of Prince Edward Island
Hannah Peak, Anthropology – University of Ottawa
Autumn Perley, Microbiology, Maine Top Scholar – McMaster University
Carly Philbrook, Secondary Education and Honors, Maine Top Scholar – Memorial University of Newfoundland

The support offered by the Killam Fellowship opens up a world of opportunities for students who
have always wanted to expand their horizons.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to study abroad because I’ve wanted to experience the world
beyond Maine,” said Carly Philbrook. “Even though I had originally hoped to go to Spain, Canada is
an exciting opportunity to see a new part of North America and to learn some French.”

Blake Getchell shared, “I wanted to study away specifically in the Canadian Maritimes so I could
have the opportunity to take a Mi’kmaq language course!”, “I’m First Nations Mi’kmaq and learning
the language has been a big goal of mine. I hope to learn about Canadian and Indigenous relations
and make friends I can later come visit after my exchange is over! I have some family in Cape
Breton, Nova Scotia and will definitely be coming back up North again soon.”

Hannah Peak, who will start her experience in Canada in Spring ‘26, offered the following, “I’m an
anthropology major, so I’ve been planning on studying abroad for a while, I’d like to have some sort
of diplomatic role in my future career, so studying abroad is helpful. I chose Canada in particular
because I am currently taking French, and I would like to be able to put that to use in the future.”

“As someone who has always lived at home and rarely had the opportunity to travel, I wanted to
experience living away from home for the first time – and in a city. Canada (and McMaster
University) was the perfect place,” said Autumn Perley. “It was different, but not too far from my loved ones. I was excited for independence and experiencing the diversity of the people and cultures
that populate Canadian cities and academia. While the 91�� is a large research
university, and our small department has a great curriculum focused on authentic research
experiences,” Perley continued, “there are many areas of biology that I would like to explore. I’m
eager to broaden my research experience to other areas of biology at McMaster … and I look
forward to gaining the skills and knowledge that working in a lab here will provide.”

Of course, while studying and academics are important, they are not the only exciting aspects of
study abroad. It’s also about the experiences.

“The biggest highlights for me so far are the friends I’ve made and the amazing views from Signal
Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland where I am studying,” Philbrook said.

“I’m most looking forward to being in the center of everything (I’ll be going to UOttawa),” said
Peak. “There are a lot of museums and government buildings close by, so I will constantly be
immersed in what I am interested in. I’m also looking forward to the experience of being in Canada
in general. I hope to gain experiences that I cannot have at 91��.”

“[I’m] beginning to explore the many communities of Mi’kmaq there are here in Canada, and
meeting Inuit and Métis people as well,” Getchell said. “It’s been nice to go to the beaches and
coasts here without many tourists around. It’s been a bit foggy as of late October and I really enjoy
the fog, too.”

“I hope to broaden my horizons and develop new perspectives and skills that will help me learn how
to adapt to different situations, groups of people, and aspects of life,” said Perley.

These students’ applications were supported by the Canadian-American Center, the Office of
International Programs and the Office of Major Scholarships.

The 91�� deadline for applications for the 2026/27 academic year is January 18, 2026.

For more information on the Killam Fellowship Program and how to apply, use this .

If you are interested in applying for a Killam Fellowship, please contact Marie-Joëlle St-Louis
Savoie (mariejoelle.stlouis@maine.edu) prior to applying.

2025 Undergraduate Fieldtrip to Fredericton, NB

alefebvre — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:14:05 +0000

In early November (November 7-9, 2025), Dr. Mark McLaughlin and Dr. Hollie Adams co-led a group of fifteen participants on a Canadian Studies field trip across the border to the city of Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick. Offered through 91��’s Canadian-American Center, the trip is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about Canada first-hand.

This year’s trip focused on Canadian past-times. 91�� students tried their hand at the sport of curling at the Capital Winter Club, receiving a one-hour lesson from a champion curler on how to throw a rock and sweep the ice. The students also enjoyed several games of candlepin bowling—an East Coast variant of the sport—at The Drome, a bowling alley that opened in 1961 and still requires bowlers to keep their own scores with paper and pencil. Trip participants also visited perennial favorites like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, at which they were treated to a private tour of the gallery’s world-class collection of both Canadian and international art. Another notable stop was the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, consistently ranked as one of the top ten farmers’ markets in Canada, with more than 200 vendors showcasing Fredericton’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Canadian-American Center’s Canadian Studies field trip is an annual event, occurring each fall semester, and closely associated with the course CAN 101: Introduction to Canadian Studies. The trip’s small size ensures that students benefit from ample one-on-one time with faculty, leading to a distinctive study-abroad experience. The Canadian-American Center (with additional support from the McGillicuddy Humanities Center) subsidizes transportation, accommodations, and entry fees to sites to make the trip as affordable as possible for 91�� students.

Those interested in more information about this and future Canadian Studies field trips, should contact Dr. Mark McLaughlin (mark.j.mclaughlin@maine.edu) or Dr. Hollie Adams (hollie.adams@maine.edu).��

Canadian Student Feature – Carter Barron

flebouef — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:00:22 +0000

The Canadian-American Center is creating an all-new spotlight for students from Canada. Here is our last student spotlight of the semester, Carter Barron!

Carter Barron is a senior Finance & Management student from Sarnia, Ontario. He chose to attend the 91�� to see something new and try a different experience. “My favorite thing about 91�� is all the people I’ve met and gotten to know. Although, it’s kinda funny, most of my friends are actually Canadian,” said Carter. Carter chose to be a Finance major for the career opportunities in the field, and because he had an amazing high school finance teacher that influenced him.

Carter’s favorite thing about the U.S. is the career opportunities, though it is difficult being so far away from family and friends. The thing that surprised Carter the most about moving to 91�� was the lack of fast food in downtown Orono. The things Carter misses the most in Canada are his family, friends, and Lake Huron. When he is not in class, you can find Carter playing hockey on the Men’s Club Hockey team, playing tennis, or reading Stephen King.

Carter is not fluent in French, but is currently taking an introductory French class and enjoys spending time in Québec.“Culture to me means being close and honest with my family, trying to make genuine connections with everyone I meet, having a good attitude, and respecting people even if we don’t get along,” said Carter.

Carter’s favorite American restaurant is Tacorita in Orono, and his favorite Canadian restaurant is Harvey’s. After graduation, Carter will be returning home for the summer, but aims to come back in the fall to work in the United States.

Contact: Amy Blanchard amy.i.blanchard@maine.edu

Canadian Student Feature – Abby Kraemer

flebouef — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:15:25 +0000

The Canadian-American Center is creating an all-new spotlight for students from Canada! Here is our third student spotlight with Abby Kraemer. If you are a 91�� student from Canada and interested in being featured, contact the Canadian-American Center (um.canam@maine.edu) or
Amy Blanchard (amy.i.blanchard@maine.edu).

Abby Kraemer is a third-year undergraduate with a pre-med biochemistry major from Waterloo, Ontario. She is also a student-athlete playing on the women’s soccer team. Abby chose to study at 91�� for its athletic program. “My favorite thing about 91�� is the sense of community there is here on campus,” said Abby. Abby is a member of the Student Athletics Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Health Professions Club, and Partners for World Health.

Abby’s favorite thing about living in the United States is that it is very similar to Ontario, so it feels homey, although it is difficult being so far away from family. When asked what culture means to her, Abby said the idea of unity, being able to come together with like-minded people. Abby’s favorite American food is Panera Bread, and her favorite Canadian food is beavertails! After graduation, Abby hopes to play professional soccer wherever she can, and attend medical school either in the United States or Canada.

Interview conducted by Amy Blanchard

Canadian Student Feature – Aaron Arteaga

flebouef — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:45:14 +0000

The Canadian-American Center is creating an all-new spotlight for students from Canada! Here
is our second spotlight with Aaron Arteaga! If you are a 91�� student from Canada and
interested in being featured, contact the Canadian-American Center (um.canam@maine.edu) or
Amy Blanchard (amy.i.blanchard@maine.edu).

Aaron Arteaga is a junior majoring in Civil Engineering from Curtis, Ontario. He is a student-athlete as a wide receiver for the football team. Aaron chose to study at 91�� for the athletic opportunities.

“Since I transferred from a commuter school in Canada, it was nice to see a lot of people active on campus,” Aaron said about the 91��.

Along with being a committed student-athlete, Aaron is active in the campus’s Christian community and works in the dining hall. Aaron said the thing that surprised him the most about moving to Maine was how much its atmosphere reminded him of Canada.

The thing he misses the most about Canada is his family. “Sometimes it’s tough being so far away from my family. They’ve only gotten to see me play once this season,” said Aaron. Although he misses Canada, Aaron feels culturally connected to his brotherhood of teammates on the football team. He enjoys seeing them every day and feels that they have his back. His favorite American restaurant is Olive Garden. Aaron said he would like to stay in the United States after graduating to work in engineering.

Interview by Amy Blanchard amy.i.blanchard@maine.edu

Canadian Student Feature – Mackenzie Wilson

flebouef — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:53:11 +0000

The Canadian-American Center is creating an all-new spotlight for students from Canada! Here is our first spotlight with Mackenzie Wilson! If you are a 91�� student from Canada and interested in being featured, contact the Canadian-American Center um.canam@maine.edu or Amy Blanchard amy.i.blanchard@maine.edu.

Mackenzie Wilson is a senior with a double major in Kinesiology & Physical Education and French from Lasalle, Ontario. On top of that, she is a student-athlete for the Women’s Track & Field Team. Mackenzie chose to study at the 91�� for its athletic program and because the atmosphere of Maine reminds her of Canada.

“My favorite thing about 91�� is the professors. I feel like I know them on a personal basis and can seek guidance from them,” said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie’s favorite thing about the United States is the opportunity and diversity of work. In
the future, she hopes to be an athletic coach in the U.S. Mackenzie speaks French fluently, and she feels culturally connected to the language. Canada is a naturally bilingual country, and she feels knowing French is important in respecting Québécois culture.

Even though she has lived in Maine since 2019, Mackenzie actively stays connected to Canadian
culture by studying French and consuming a lot of Canadian media. Mackenzie misses the food from Canada, especially cultural foods from Lebanon, Greece, and Italy. Her favorite American restaurant is Jersey Mikes, and she loves a good Swiss mushroom burger.

Mackenzie is undecided as to whether or not she will continue to live in the United States. She
says it would be nice to live in the New England area after she returns to Canada for grad school.

Interview conducted by Amy Blanchard

Fall 2023 Killam Fellows Feature

flebouef — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:58:30 +0000

91�� undergraduate students Lauren Poulin and Michael Sabol are both Killam Fellows for Fall 2023. The Killam Fellowships Program provides undergraduate students in Canada and the U.S. with opportunities to spend a semester or full academic year in the other country as exchange students. Recipients like Poulin and Sabol receive $5,000 per semester, an allowance to offset health insurance costs, and a grant of up to $800 for an educational field trip, according to the program website. The Killam Fellowship operates under Fulbright Canada and provides students with academic and cultural connections with the Canadian Fulbright community.

Poulin is a second year theater major at 91�� and has been studying at the in Ottawa, Ontario. During her time in Ottawa, Poulin has been cast in a University of Ottawa theater production. According to Poulin, “University of Ottawa has a really good theater program. It’s also in a city, which I really like. I can walk places, there’s good public transportation. But it’s also not too busy, as somewhere like Toronto might be. It’s also not too far from home for me, so I don’t have to pay for a flight ticket.”

Sabol is a third year electrical engineering major at 91�� and has been studying at the in Victoria, British Columbia. According to Sabol, studying abroad as an engineering major can be quite difficult. “With specifically engineering, even if you can travel to all these places, you can only take general electives. So it was very limiting on where I could go as a third year engineering student. When I was talking with them about the Killam Fellowship, it really lined up nice because at each of these different universities I can take courses that actually help for my major, which has been really lovely.”

Poulin and Sabol both found support from the 91�� Study Abroad offices, the office of major scholarships, and the Canadian-American Centers outreach coordinator. Sabol says, “The best place to start is the Canadian American Center. It’s always lovely. I always felt very nice walking in there,” and Poulin says, “Definitely go to the Canadian-American Center, especially their outreach coordinator who helped me through this entire thing. Also Nives and Katrina in the office of major scholarships were so helpful. They helped me edit my essays, and guided me through the entire application process.”

We spoke with Poulin and Sabol about their goals and experiences at 91�� and in Canada:

What inspired you to study abroad?

Poulin:
I love traveling and I wanted to take advantage of how relatively inexpensive it can be through exchange programs. I have lived in Maine my entire life, so I knew I wanted to go abroad during college in order to explore the world a bit more.

Sabol:
I always thought it was important. When you’re getting an education, no matter what, it’s nice to have different perspectives on anything, because anything you learn, there’s not one way of learning it. Our world is more interconnected than ever and it’s so important to understand different ways of thinking. My particular field also hasn’t been historically very diverse. One of the ways we can try to increase that diversity is by understanding different cultures, different types of people. So that was very important to me when getting an education.

Outside of academics, what do you look forward to about this experience?

Poulin:
I really just like all the opportunities to travel. There’s a lot of really cool areas nearby, and Ottawa is in the center of everything. Right now I’m planning a trip to Niagara falls with some friends for Canadian Thanksgiving. In a couple of weeks I’m going on a trip to Winnipeg, to visit the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, so there’s just a lot to do.

Sabol:
I’m very excited after coming here because I love the ocean and I’m finally getting Scuba certified. I’m a big outdoors person, but I love any sort of travel and Victoria is such a culturally rich city to explore. I can’t tell you how many times I woke up one morning with classes starting at one or two and decided to just take the bus somewhere and then figure it out from there.

Why did you choose 91��?

Poulin:
I came to Maine because I was awarded a Maine Top Scholar Award, which also came with a wonderful scholarship and a lot of opportunities to do research so it was a really good opportunity for me.

Sabol:
I wanted a school that’s not too big but not super tiny and I definitely wanted to get out of my comfort zone. At least half my high school went to the same two colleges when they graduated and I just wanted something completely different. It is also really important to me to also have a chance to work with what I am learning about. My program, electrical engineering, has been very good about having active labs where topics covered in class are implemented.

What advice would you give to any students who are currently interested in the Killam Fellowship?

Poulin:
I’d definitely say start working on your application now, they really look for a strong application. It’s a decent amount of work,but it really is worth it: the events you get to go to, the name to put on your resume, it’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s honestly really amazing, but it’s not really something you can pull together at the last minute.

91�� students interested in applying for the Killam Fellowship can reach out to Nives Dal Bo-Wheeler at the Office of Major Scholarships (nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu). The Office of Major Scholarships also offers support for other national merit-based scholarships, such as Fulbright, Gilman, Goldwater, etc. Students can also reach out to the Canadian-American Center’s outreach coordinator, Emma Schroeder. The campus deadline for the Killam fellowship – for studying abroad in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 – is January 12th, 2023.

For a full list, visit the Office of Major Scholarships website here.

Spring 2023 FLAS Competition: Applications Open!

flebouef — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:32:11 +0000

The Canadian-American Center at UMAine is once again holding a competition for semester long FLAS (Foreign Language Area Studies) Awards for the Spring 2024 semester. FLAS Fellowships support undergraduate students who have an interest in area studies expertise and language proficiency in Canadian Studies and French or Wabanaki languages (Maliseet, Mi’kmaq/Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Abenaki/Penobscot).

Graduate students can be awarded a $10,000 stipend, tuition coverage up to $9,000, and %50 of health insurance premiums, if bought through the 91��. Undergraduate students can be awarded a $2,500 stipend, tuition coverage up to $5,000, and 50% of health insurance premiums, if bought through the 91��.

Eligibility Requirements:

French Language Study (Graduate Students Only):

Students should be working at the Graduate level on a Canadian-related subject (comparative work is accepted (ex. US/Canada))
Students must demonstrate an intermediate level or higher proficiency in French

Wabanaki Languages (Undergraduate and Graduate Students):

Includes: Maliseet, Mi’kmaq/Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Abenaki/Penobscot
Undergraduate or graduate students must demonstrate an intermediate level or higher proficiency in Wabanaki language

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2023

For more information, download the flyer below or check out this page on FLAS awards. For inquiries, please contact Frederic Rondeau. Submit any applications to Aaron Lefebevre at aaron.lefebevre@maine.edu

2024-flas-competition-1 Download

Marie-Andrée Gill Presentation at 91��

flebouef — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:17:22 +0000

Today, April 12th Quebec poet Marie-Andrée Gill spoke with 91�� students about her latest collection of poetry, Chauffer les Dehours. Canadian-American Center Assistant Director and 91�� Associate Professor of French Frederic Rondeau hosted Gill in his Quebec Poetry Course. Students were able to hear about her writing process, how nature inspired her poetry, and writing as a voice for native Canadian peoples. She is from Mashteuiatsh, and is currently a master’s student at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi.

Chauffer les Dehours is available for, as well as Gills’s previous collections of poetry.

Patrick Roy Presentation at 91��

flebouef — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:32:49 +0000

On February 22nd Quebec writer Patrick Roy spoke with 91�� students about his latest collection of poetry, titled �ʴǳ��é�� (Le Quartanier, 2000). Canadian-American Center Assistant Director and 91�� Associate Professor of French Frederic Rondeau hosted him in his Quebec Poetry Course. Students were able to hear about his writing process, his love of poetry, and the message of �ʴǳ��é��.

�ʴǳ��é�� is available for now, as well as Roy’s other works, which are primarily long fiction.