Helping international students study abroad

SLE Planner provides international students with educational program matching, peer-to-peer mentorship, and a task management tool, all in one platform. The company takes a unique approach to support  international students on their study journey. Not only do students get support in finding the right program for them, but they also get access to resources and support to make the most of their academic experience abroad. 

As an international student, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is choosing the right program. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. The average international student spends approximately $40,000 CAD for a two-year program. Thus, it should be invested in a well-considered educational credential. Many students will choose a program based on its reputation, or a school’s recommendations. But speaking with mentors and other students who have direct program experience is an invaluable way to ensure the program will be a good match. 

Origins in first-hand international study experience

SLE Planner began as a passion project creating educational videos for international students who wanted to study in Canada. With an initial investment of only $36 for a domain name, the founding team has developed the company into a 6-figure business in its first year, all while helping thousands of students achieve their dreams of studying in Canada.

As international students themselves, SLE Planner founders Emmalyn and Eudaliya can deeply relate to the challenges faced by their clients. Coming from abroad, they didn’t have a local network of contacts or expertise as Canadian business owners. But, like many successful entrepreneurs who started from scratch, Emmalyn and Eudaliya maximize what they have, thrive from there, and the rest is now part of history.. They believe that mentorship can be a  powerful tool to overcome these obstacles, and hope to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the tech industry. 

SLE Planner is focused on innovation. The team is always looking for new ways to improve their brand and make it more unique, to ensure that they remain the top choice for international students seeking help in finding their next program.

Choosing an entrepreneurial path

In a world where more and more people are following the same path like pursuing a career and regular 9 to 5 job, it can be tempting to do the same. After all, why take the unchartered road when there's a well-worn path already laid out in front of you? The SLE Planner team shared some thoughts on diving into entrepreneurship. 

“Entrepreneurs know that the untraveled road is often the best one to take. It may be more challenging, but it is not crowded, congested, and fosters more opportunities for growth and success. By taking this route, you can forge your own path and create something truly unique. Why blend in when you can stand out? If you're feeling stuck in a rut, consider taking the unknown road. It just might lead you to success!”

About the founders

Emmalyn De Guzman, Founder

  • Education: Business Accounting at Nova Scotia Community College
  • Fun Fact: Nurse, and Content Creator

 

 

Eudaliya De Guzman, Head of Marketing 

  • Education: Graphic and Communication Design at New Brunswick Community College 

 

 

Cheat sheet

  • City: Nanaimo
  • Founding date: August 2020 
  • Type of tech: Ed Tech
     

 

 

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