EduNova, a co-operative association of education providers in the Canadian province, says it has launched its training program to ensure that agents are “equipped to provide high-quality seamless support to prospective international students”.
The Canadian Bureau for International Education will deliver the training online and the course will cover the Canadian education system, the post-secondary options available in Nova Scotia, and the immigration pathways available to overseas students.
The free training is specifically targeted at agents working with Nova Scotia’s post-secondary institutions, with the aim of decreasing study permit rejection rates and increasing the number of international students studying in Nova Scotia.
An estimated 40% of study permit applications to Canada were rejected in 2021.
In the first year of the program, 30 agents will be nominated by EduNova members and vetted by the organisation.
Upon completion of the course, they will receive a certification from CBIE and attend a graduation ceremony in Nova Scotia.
Shawna Garrett, president and CEO of EduNova, told The PIE News that the program will support agents to be “better equipped to select successful candidates for study in Nova Scotia” and allow them to “acquire a thorough understanding of the various factors that impact the decision-making process of a study permit application”.
“International education is crucial to our future here in Nova Scotia”
The agent training program is one of five projects that EduNova is introducing in 2022/23 to support international students’ experiences in Nova Scotia.
Last month, EduNova announced that it will launch a new digital platform for foreign students to help them make “informed decisions” about studying in the region.
“International education is crucial to our future here in Nova Scotia and across Atlantic Canada,” said Robert Summerby-Murray, president & vice-chancellor of Saint Mary’s University.
“These investments in high-quality recruitment, professional development for key staff, and in support of pathways to immigration and employment will ensure that Nova Scotia looks ahead with confidence and expertise toward our global future.”
Nearly 18% of all university students in Nova Scotia come from countries other than Canada annually, according to EduNova.
