The project aims to increase the low number of international students who remain in Nova Scotia after completing their studies. Only 2-3% currently continue to live in the area, and a recent study recommending efforts to increase the number to 10% inspired EduNova to partner with institutions such as Dalhousie University to improve student experience and retention.

“Seeing all these people fighting for us makes me even more motivated to stay here”

The graduates have found full-time employment in their fields of study just one month after finishing the program, the organisation has reported.

Speaking to The PIE News, EduNova’s director of recruitment and marketing Michael Hennigar, noted that has not been a single-party effort.

“The success we’ve had is a testament to the input that we’ve had from the institutions that we work with, the hard work of our retention coordinator, all the mentors and government folks that have been generous funders of the program”, he said.

Hennigar noted that the group of student mentors have been especially important, making deep and meaningful bonds with the international students on the program.

“One of the things that really struck me when I attended a graduation about six weeks ago was just how strong a relationship many of the mentors had developed with these international students”, Hennigar said.

Along with a strong mentorship program to help students feel welcome and at home in Nova Scotia, the scheme’s participants have met with senior politicians, such as the mayor of Halifax and the Canadian minister of immigration.

One of the first graduates, Wendy Zhao, said the high profile meetings made her realise that people in Nova Scotia were invested and interested in helping international students stay in the province.

“Seeing all these people fighting for us makes me even more motivated to stay here after graduation, and make my contribution,” she told EduNova.

Despite the success of the first cohort, EduNova is not planning to expand their efforts for the second cohort, intending instead to remain true to what Hennigar refers to as its “guiding principles”.

“We have to be able to follow through on the promise were making to students, that we’re going to be able to offer you all of the things that we have said we’re going to offer, and really work with you in a one-on-one capacity that you really get meaningful training, specific to your own personal needs”.

Although expansion is the ultimate goal for Stay in Nova Scotia, the cohort which will be chosen in September will remain at 50, and include students from China, India and the Philippines.