Nova Scotia is launching a new pilot program to help recruit and retain international post-secondary students from key markets.
Premier Stephen McNeil announced the Study and Stay initiative Sunday, Sept. 11, following a visit to a Nova Scotia curriculum high school in Suzhou, China.
“Bringing more international students here will strengthen our province and will help move Nova Scotia forward,” said Premier McNeil. “Nova Scotia has a lot to offer and we want more young people to choose Nova Scotia to study, live and work in after they graduate. This initiative will help make that happen.”
The pilot will recruit 50 international students from China, India and the Philippines who will start their studies at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions in September 2017.
Students will receive customized supports and mentoring throughout their studies and after graduation to help them launch their careers in Nova Scotia.
“I’ve witnessed the growth and development of international student groups here in Nova Scotia,” said Austin Zhang, recruitment coordinator at EduNova. “This province has so much to offer international students and, after six amazing years, I consider it my second home. This program is just one way the province is helping international students study and stay in Nova Scotia.”
The province will invest $549,500 in the pilot program. Funds will help cover recruitment travel, events and materials, and supports for students.
Study and Stay is one of the first initiatives from the province’s Innovation Team, which includes representatives from government, post-secondary institutions, students, and the private sector that will make recommendations in key areas like student recruitment and retention, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship.
The pilot will be managed by EduNova, a co-operative industry association of education and training providers in Nova Scotia, and a leader in collaborative international recruitment activities.
Source: Release