Island Studies | University of Prince Edward Island

ISLAND STUDIES | University of Prince Edward Island
Island Studies @ University of Prince Edward Island:

Institute of Island Studies
Research and public policy institute based at the University of Prince Edward Island focusing on the culture, environment, and economy of small islands around the world, with an emphasis on Prince Edward Island. Learn more

UNESCO Chair in Island Studies & Sustainability
Led by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, this Chair works to establish and expand academic and research programmes on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs). Visit website

Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) Program
A unique, interdisciplinary, and policy-driven graduate program that critiques islands on their own terms. In addition to the long-running Thesis program, there are now three course/work-study stream options. Learn more

Island Studies Press
The publishing arm of Island Studies at UPEI; produces scholarly books for a popular audience as well as poetry, literary non-fiction, and drama, dealing with aspects of the culture and environment of PEI and beyond. VIsit website



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Recent Posts

Island Lecture Series | “Authentic Prince Edward Island Tourism Experiences: What Locals Have to Say” with Dr. Susan Graham

Island Lecture Series | “Authentic Prince Edward Island Tourism Experiences: What Locals Have to Say” with Dr. Susan Graham

7 pm, November 21st, 2023, SDU Faculty Lounge, UPEI

Authenticity in tourism is a hot topic. Can tourism experiences ever really be authentic and truly reflect the character, history, and people of a place? One underrepresented voice in the authentic tourism is that of locals. Using a research panel of 600 islanders, we asked Prince Edward Islanders if it was possible for visitors to experience the ‘real’ PEI, and if so, what kinds of experiences best reflected the place that locals call home. Over 400 respondents enthusiastically proclaimed that indeed it was possible for visitors to glimpse the ‘real’ Prince Edward Island and they identified myriad ways that could happen in areas such as culinary-, cultural-, historical-, and Anne of Green Gables-based experiences. Come on out to the Island Speakers Series on November 21st at 7pm to hear more about this research project.

Dr. Susan Graham
Dr. Graham is an Islander, born and raised (in Summerside). She is an Associate Professor of Marketing with UPEI’s Faculty of Business, where she teaches intro to marketing, integrated cases in marketing, brand management, and the future of marketing. Her research program spans two distinct themes: marketing islands as tourism destinations and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in business/management education. Dr. Graham lives in Charlottetown with her husband and son. She is a passionate traveler, reader, hiker, chef, and Starbucks fan.

  1. Island Lecture Series Double Feature: “Sami Educational Viewpoints From the Past and Present” and “The Use of Yoik, Traditional Sami Singing, in Education” Comments Off on Island Lecture Series Double Feature: “Sami Educational Viewpoints From the Past and Present” and “The Use of Yoik, Traditional Sami Singing, in Education”
  2. Seminar/Webinar: The Bridge Effect: A Case Study of Prince Edward Island, Canada, with Some Implications for Gozo [May 24th] Comments Off on Seminar/Webinar: The Bridge Effect: A Case Study of Prince Edward Island, Canada, with Some Implications for Gozo [May 24th]
  3. PEI-Tasmania collaboration world premiere: Atlantic String Machine, with guest Hannah O’Donnell, performs song cycle by Tasmania’s Don Kay and PEI’s Laurie Brinklow Comments Off on PEI-Tasmania collaboration world premiere: Atlantic String Machine, with guest Hannah O’Donnell, performs song cycle by Tasmania’s Don Kay and PEI’s Laurie Brinklow
  4. Master of Arts in Island Studies Thesis Defence: Fiona Steele   Comments Off on Master of Arts in Island Studies Thesis Defence: Fiona Steele  
  5. Island Lecture Series: Dr. Irené Novaczek  Comments Off on Island Lecture Series: Dr. Irené Novaczek 
  6. ISLAND LECTURE SERIES | JANUARY 2023 Comments Off on ISLAND LECTURE SERIES | JANUARY 2023
  7. Tribute to Harry Baglole Comments Off on Tribute to Harry Baglole
  8. Island Lecture Series| Anticosti: Finisterre Metropolitan with Matthew Hatvany Comments Off on Island Lecture Series| Anticosti: Finisterre Metropolitan with Matthew Hatvany
  9. Island Lecture Series: What’s Law Got To Do With It! Islands And Their Status In International Law with Dr. Donald Rothwell Comments Off on Island Lecture Series: What’s Law Got To Do With It! Islands And Their Status In International Law with Dr. Donald Rothwell