UPDATES AT EDUNOVA – August 17, 2023

Study and Stay™- Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program Pitch Competition

The concluding event of the 2023 cohort of the Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program was a remarkable occasion filled with valuable networking opportunities, insightful experience sharing, and the presentation of promising business concepts. Serving as the pinnacle of the cohort’s journey, the pitch competition took place on August 2nd at Saint Mary’s University. These pitches were evaluated and rewarded with prizes that ranged from $250 to $4,000. This financial assistance is intended to catalyze the realization of these ideas into tangible ventures.

A panel featuring accomplished international entrepreneurs, all based in Nova Scotia, was a highlight of the event. This panel offered students a unique chance to delve into the shared obstacles inherent in launching and steering a business. The panellists shared strategies they had personally employed to triumph over these challenges. Their stories served as a wellspring of inspiration, fuelling the ambitions of the students present.

In addition to the monetary rewards, participants were also matched with mentors. These mentors, with their wealth of experience and knowledge, are poised to offer invaluable guidance as the students take their next strides in the entrepreneurial landscape.

As the event concluded, the anticipation for the forthcoming success stories of these students was palpable. With newfound connections, insights, and financial support, it is with great optimism that we look forward to witnessing the journeys and accomplishments of these young entrepreneurs in the years ahead.


Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Foundations Internship Program

The Study and Stay™ Foundations Internship Program commenced with a highly anticipated kick-off meeting on July 18, 2023 at 05:00 PM. The meeting was pivotal in achieving a dual objective: firstly, introducing the interns, who are serving as peer mentors, to the Study and Stay™ Foundations Retention Coordinator, Elorm Anyadi; and secondly, furnishing a comprehensive overview of the program itself.

During the course of this meeting, the spotlight was placed on delineating the crucial tasks that the interns would undertake as part of their internship responsibilities. These tasks, deemed mandatory for the success of the program, were outlined in a manner that showcased their significance in fostering a nurturing environment for international students.

The kick-off meeting was an empowering experience for the interns, leaving them motivated and eager to embrace their roles as mentors. Armed with newfound knowledge and a sense of purpose, the interns are well-prepared to extend their support to their international student friends. The meeting instilled a sense of camaraderie and commitment among the interns, confirming that the Study and Stay™ Foundations Internship Program is off to a promising start.


Study and Stay™ – Foundations Program Summer Activities

The second summer activity of the Study and Stay™ Foundations Program, exclusively for international students, occurred on August 9th. Fourteen students participated in the Point Pleasant Hike, fostering friendships, enjoying nature, and learning about the park’s history. The upcoming adventure, a Downtown Halifax scavenger hunt, is in the planning stage. Registration is now open at: https://lu.ma/scavenger.


EduNova Annual General Meeting Minutes 2023

The minutes of EduNova’s AGM held on June 29, 2023 at the NSCC campus can be found here: EduNova AGM Minutes, 2023 


EduNova’s Pan-Atlantic Familiarization Tours 2023

EduNova is excited to present two upcoming Familiarization (Fam) Tours designed to foster connections, professional development, and cultural exchange. These tours offer an immersive experience in the diverse educational landscape of Atlantic Canada.

Counsellor Fam Tour – In Progress
Tour Dates: August 13, 2023 – August 20, 2023
Destinations: Halifax and Sackville, Nova Scotia; St. John’s and Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Fredericton, New Brunswick

The Counsellor Fam Tour is tailored for high school counsellors from South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Agents Fam Tour
Tour Dates: September 17, 2023 – September 26, 2023
Destinations: Halifax, Wolfville, Charlottetown, Sackville, Fredericton, Truro, Sydney, St. John’s

The Agent Fam Tour targets agents from South Asian countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore campuses across Atlantic Canada, fostering cultural understanding while enhancing their professional development. These tours exemplify EduNova’s commitment to creating enriching experiences and strengthening international educational partnerships.


Breaking New Ground on Credential Exchange Across Nova Scotia

EduNova would like to celebrate the launch of Dalhousie University, the University of King’s College, Université Sainte-Anne, and Mount Saint Vincent University on the ARUCC MyCreds™ National Network. This province-wide digital credential collaboration aims to enhance the student experience, modernize operational procedures, and bolster competitiveness within the higher education sector.

Acadia University, Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, NSCAD University, St. Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College are all poised to join the ARUCC MyCreds™ National Network in the coming months, which will further contribute to the advancement of the exchange of digital credentials in the province.

This initiative showcases the dedication of Nova Scotia’s academic community to innovation, collaboration, and the continuous enhancement of the student journey. The province’s forward-thinking approach paves the way for a more streamlined and effective educational ecosystem.


Blackout Podcast

On July 31, Shawna on behalf of EduNova took part in a thought-provoking conversation with Isreal Ekanem as a featured guest on his “Blackout” podcast. Shawna delved into EduNova’s commitment to aiding international students in their journey to study, stay and thrive in Nova Scotia. To explore more engaging conversations you can access all episodes of Blackout podcast on their YouTube channel: Blackout Podcast.