Initiatives and Events

CBIE Atlantic Regional Meeting – June 2019

On June 20 and 21, EduNova co-hosted the 2019 Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Atlantic Regional Meeting. This year’s conference theme was inspired by the region we live in—the waves and shores of Atlantic Canada, and the dynamic landscape of internationalization that surrounds us. Taking place at Saint Mary’s University with more than 100 people in attendance, the two-day meeting facilitated active dialogue between keynote speakers, presenters and participants on the future of international education. Participants gained practical tools, resources and developed a deeper understanding and awareness of the innovative models of support and research in the internationalization of the education sector.

EduNova’s 15 Anniversary Party – June 2019

EduNova celebrated its 15th anniversary as an organization. The organization’s accomplishments over the past 15 years speak to EduNova’s impactful work and to everyone who has helped ensure our success along the way. On June 20, 2019, EduNova hosted an anniversary celebration at Murphy’s on the Water. EduNova had the opportunity to thank and celebrate many people and organizations for their continued support of our mission to champion Nova Scotia as a leader in international student experience.

Airport Welcome Desk – August/September 2018

EduNova held the fourth annual Airport Welcome Desk between August 23-August 31. Designed to ensure arriving students’ first experience in Nova Scotia is positive and memorable, students were greeted by friendly faces, assisted in finding transportation to their respective schools, and gifted tote bags. The desk staff— alongside Halifax MP Andy Fillmore, Nova Scotia Immigration, Honourable Lena Metlege Diab and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage—welcomed 664 international students to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. “We are proud to partner with EduNova by providing a friendly and positive first impression of Nova Scotia,” said Sherrie Clow, Stakeholder & Community Relations Advisor for Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The Airport Welcome Desk was made possible through support from ACOA, the Nova Scotia government and collaboration between our member institutions.

Boston Tree Lighting & Counsellors PD Event – December 2019

EduNova joined in celebrating the historical connection between Boston and Nova Scotia at the Boston Tree Lighting. One hundred and two years ago, Bostonians came to the aid of Halifax residents devastated by an accidental explosion, the largest of its kind at that point in history. It is tradition for Nova Scotia to donate a Christmas tree to commemorate that act of kindness in our hour of need. Before the lighting ceremony, EduNova hosted a professional development session for New England guidance counsellors to learn more about post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia. Representatives from Acadia, CBU, Dalhousie, King’s, MSVU, NSCAD, St.FX and Saint Mary’s University joined Rob Batherson and Mike Hennigar from the EduNova team to discuss the many great advantages of a Nova Scotia post-secondary education. One counsellor was awarded a $2,500 tuition award for one of their students to study at a Nova Scotia university in the fall of 2020.

Premier of Nova Scotia China Mission – November 2019

From November 8-19, 2019, EduNova travelled across China with Premier Stephen McNeil to strengthen relations and build partnerships between Nova Scotia and China. EduNova held two Nova Scotia Education Promotional Events—one in Fuzhou and one in Guangzhou. Interim President & CEO Rob Batherson also met with Dr. Deng Yunfeng, Director General of the Education Department of Shandong Province, to discuss education opportunities between Shandong and Nova Scotia. While overseas, EduNova distributed over 2,500 Nova Scotia China Connections Magazines to students studying at Nova Scotia curriculum schools across the country. China continues to be a key target market for EduNova and our member institutions, as every year, thousands of Chinese students choose to study at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions..

China Connections Magazine

Every year thousands of Chinese students choose to study at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions. Both China and Nova Scotia agree that international education is an area of mutual benefit. The goal of the China Connections Magazine is to target students and parents at the Nova Scotia curriculum high schools--putting Nova Scotia on the map. Unlike many ‘viewbooks,’ the magazine includes student testimonials, individual campus activities, a welcome message from the Nova Scotia’s Premier and the Chinese Society of Nova Scotia, alongside highlights from Tourism Nova Scotia and Promising Education Group. Over 2,500 magazines have been distributed to date.

Halifax Pride Parade 2019

On July 20, EduNova had over 80 people walk (and dance) with the EduNova pride float—representing international students and our members in the 2019 Halifax Pride Parade. Together, we continue to create a more inclusive and diverse Nova Scotia. Show your colours. Show your pride. The Halifax Pride Festival has grown into a celebration that includes numerous events that highlight the unique character of our diverse community, welcoming upwards of 120,000 participants every summer.

EduNova Billboards

EduNova collaborated with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and ISANS to roll out digital billboards across the city designed to highlight the many benefits of international students and immigration. One billboard stated, “15,000 international students add $400,000,000 to the Nova Scotia economy.” EduNova has long been an advocate for the recruitment and retention of international students. One of EduNova’s guiding principles in our 2019-2024 strategic plan is to “celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion in our student population and Nova Scotia communities.” The billboards were simply another way to demonstrate our support for the sector, immigration and the benefits to Nova Scotians as a whole.