"EDC is proud to support these students in pursuit of opportunities in the world of international business," says Mr. Gillespie. "We believe it is necessary to offer students relevant work experience to provide them with the skills they will need on the global stage."

The scholarship winners represent the top students in finance, international business, international relations, economics and finance from across Canada. In addition to a financial award of $3,000 for undergraduates and $5,000 for graduates, all students are also offered a work term opportunity with EDC, bringing the total value of the award to $12, 000-$14, 000.

EDC International Studies Scholarships are offered at 18 Canadian universities (increasing to 25 in 2002-2003) as part of EDC's Education and Youth Employment (EYE) Strategy, which is designed to foster an export culture in Canada. Through scholarships, guest lectures, case studies and participation in education and youth related events, EDC is building awareness of the challenges and opportunities of international business.

"In its third year, the scholarships have generated even greater interest and enthusiasm among students than last year," adds Mr. Gillespie. "We are pleased to support students of this caliber and from such a variety of backgrounds."

The 18 undergraduate winners are:

· Pauline Perreault, The University of British Columbia, Commerce

· Benjamin F. Thomson, Eric Sprott School of Business - Carleton University, International Business

· Shaherose Charania, Richard Ivey School of Business - The University of Western Ontario, Business Administration

· Azzizza Khuddos, University of Waterloo, Economics and International Trade

· Wai Ying Rhoda Tsui, University of Toronto, Commerce and Finance

· Martin Ducharme, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Finance

· Heather Bystryk, The University of Ottawa, International Management

· Vivian Wing-Yan Kan, Haskayne School of Business - University of Calgary, Commerce and International Relations

· David Adamse, Schulich School of Business - York University, Business Administration

· Yanan Zhang, John Molson School of Business - Concordia University, International Business

· Laura Hage, McGill University, International Business

· Marc-André Laflamme, HEC-Montréal, Economics

· Érika Dubé-Marquis, Laval University, Finance and International Management

· Lisa C. Thomas, University of New Brunswick, Business Administration

· Steven Traves, Dalhousie University, Commerce

· Jordan Anderson, University of Victoria, Commerce

· Natasha Lawlor, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Commerce

· Sarah N. Wickins, Queen's University, Commerce

The three MBA graduate winners are:

· Nadia Ramos, McGill University

· Doug Laird, Richard Ivey School of Business - The University of Western Ontario

· Russel J. Hiebert, The University of British Columbia

Introduced in 2000, the scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria including demonstrated leadership potential and initiative of the candidates, academic achievement and an interest in learning additional languages.

For additional information about the EYE Strategy and International Studies Scholarship, please visit: www.edc.ca/youth

EDC provides trade finance and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets. Founded in 1944, EDC is a Crown corporation that operates as a commercial financial institution.

For more information , please contact: Daniela Pizzuto, EDC Media Relations

or

Marie-Claude April
Director, EYE Strategy
(613) 598-6846
mapril@edc.ca