Stay in Nova Scotia 2016-2017 Cohort Graduation

‘Class-Spaces’ to ‘Work-Places’:

International Students from Across the Province Gather to Celebrate

Their Transition from ‘Students’ to ‘Professionals’

 

July 6, 2017– Halifax, Nova Scotia—EduNova Cooperative Ltd.

Welcoming international students and supporting them to stay in Nova Scotia post-graduation is incredibly important. On Friday, July 7th, fifty graduating international students from across the province will come together at Dalhousie University Club to celebrate their completion of EduNova’s year-long pilot program, ‘STAY in NOVA SCOTIA’, that aims to increase student retention in the province. These new graduates will be joined by over 100 peers, program mentors, employers, and institution representatives as they transition from ‘students’ to ‘professionals’, building careers in Nova Scotia, and contributing to the Province’s economic and social capital.

To increase international student retention, EduNova, in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and funding from the Province of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), launched the ‘STAY in Nova Scotia’ pilot program in 2016. The program has been supporting 50 final-year international students from across the province to live, work, and stay in Nova Scotia post-graduation.

With a goal of 80% retention one year after graduation, EduNova has dedicated resources to help these students become employees and entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia—and unofficial ambassadors for the province. The ‘STAY in Nova Scotia’ program aims to have a material impact on Nova Scotia’s economy while ensuring success for international students as they transition from ‘class-spaces’ to ‘work-places.’

Quotes:

“Graduates of EduNova’s STAY in Nova Scotia program are working in education, business and technology fields in communities across the province. The pilot program builds on the unique skills and perspectives of students from 23 countries and assists them in finding employment related to their studies. Retaining talented international graduates like these will make an important contribution to building a robust Nova Scotia economy.”

  • Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“This is an exciting day for our Stay in Nova Scotia graduates,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “We need more young people staying in Nova Scotia and making a life here. This program is providing our international graduates with the support they need to settle and succeed here in the province.”

  • Labi Kousoulis, Labour and Advanced Education Minister

“Thank you for your continuous support. I received a job offer from a company that I’ve always wanted to work for. My program mentor helped me with my resume, interview preparation, and understanding contracts. I am grateful to be a part of this program.”

  • Wendi Zhao, STAY-NS student and Dalhousie graduate (Bachelor of Commerce, Finance, 2017)

 

If you would like more information about the STAY in Nova Scotia Program, please contact: Wendy Luther,

Wendy Luther, President and CEO, EduNova Co-operative Ltd. at 902-424-4058 or email at wendy@edunova.ca .