EduNova extends Stay in Nova Scotia program
Published 27/08/2018
The association of Nova Scotian education and training providers, EduNova, has extended its program for final year international students to live, work and build professional connections in the region for a third consecutive year.
“We are delighted to announce, working with federal and provincial partners, that we will be continuing this program for another year,” said Wendy Luther, president and CEO of EduNova.
The ‘Stay in Nova Scotia’ program has also rebranded to Atlantic Canada Study and StayTM – Nova Scotia after it expanded to include the three remaining Atlantic Canadian provinces earlier in 2018.
“All of this encourages me to explore my own career here, and to offer help for more international students who want to stay.”
Andy Fillmore, parliamentary secretary to the minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax, said international students provided significant value for the province.
“[The students] will contribute immensely to our cultural and economic wealth,” he said.
“We are delighted to help a third group of talented international students participate in this unique program.”
Speaking on behalf of minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, who is also responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Fillmore added students have studied in fields including health care, engineering, business and finance, technology and ocean sciences, tourism and hospitality.
Labour and Advanced Education minister Labi Kousoulis said the province needs more young people to contribute to its economic and social landscape.
“We want more young people to call Nova Scotia home after they graduate, building their careers and lives here, and Stay in Nova Scotia is helping us achieve that.”
Of the 36 students in the first cohort in 2016-17, 83% have remained in Nova Scotia, according to the association. 22 students from the second cohort of 47 found full-time employment within a month of graduating from their studies.
“The primary aim of the Stay in Nova Scotia program is to retain students to grow Nova Scotia’s population, contribute to the economy, and share their skills and global expertise with our communities,” Luther said.
She added that students and graduates sharing their experiences living and studying in the province with friends and family at home is an additional benefit.
Rutian Nong, a BCom student from Saint Mary’s University and Stay in Nova Scotia graduate, said the program made her realise that Nova Scotia offers a very powerful and supportive community.
“My experience with Stay in Nova Scotia [is one which] supports career development for international students,” she said. “It makes me feel like home while away from home. All of this encourages me to explore my own career here, and to offer help for more international students who want to stay.”
Nova Scotia has been active within the work and stay space, and was Canada’s first province to launch the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream in December 2016 for recent graduates of a local university or the Nova Scotia Community College who have operated a business in the province for at least a year.
The third cohort will launch in September.
EduNova was among the winners of the inaugural PIEoneer Awards in 2017. The 2018 awards will take place on 7 September.
The post EduNova extends Stay in Nova Scotia program appeared first on The PIE News.