NovaNews: June 2025

Welcome to the June edition of the NovaNewsletter! As we move into the summer months, we're excited to share several important updates and celebrations from across the EduNova network. This month, we’re proud to announce the launch of our International Admissions Staff Training Program in partnership with ECCTIS, an initiative designed to strengthen global credential recognition among our post-secondary members. We’re also celebrating key milestones within the Study and Stay™ programs, including the upcoming Capstone graduation and the introduction of new opportunities for international students. One of these is the return of the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE), offered in partnership with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, which provides international students with funding, mentorship, and hands-on training to help launch their business ideas. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight on June’s Member of the Month, Natalie MacIsaac, whose commitment to collaboration and student success continues to inspire.

Launching International Admissions Staff Training Project

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of EduNova’s 12-month membership with ECCTIS for 11 of our post-secondary members. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Department of Advanced Education, will provide international admissions staff with specialized training and tools to strengthen their ability to assess academic documents and detect fraud more efficiently. This partnership is a significant step in supporting the integrity and effectiveness of international admissions processes across Nova Scotia.
 

Study and Stay™ Capstone Student Graduation is Coming!

We’re thrilled to announce that the Study and Stay™ Capstone Student Graduation is coming up this July! This special event will celebrate the achievements of our incredible 9th Capstone cohort as they complete the program and take the next steps in their career and settlement journeys. Final details will be shared directly with invitees ahead of the event. If any Capstone students have questions about their graduation eligibility, please contact jill@edunova.ca. We couldn’t be prouder of this inspiring group of students and all they’ve accomplished!

Applications Open: 2025 Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE)

EduNova is proud to continue our partnership with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University to offer international students the opportunity to participate in the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE). This 10-week program supports aspiring student entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship, weekly workshops, a $2,000 startup grant, and the chance to pitch for additional funding. SEE is designed to help students develop entrepreneurial skills, test business ideas, and build confidence as future founders—all while being supported by a dynamic and experienced team.

Are you an international student with a business idea? Applications for SEE 2025 are now open! Click the button below to learn more and submit your application. 

June Member of the Month

This month, we’re proud to recognize Natalie MacIsaac, Senior Campus Director at CLLC – Canadian Language Learning College, as our June Member of the Month. A dedicated member of EduNova’s Language Sector and Student Recruitment Committees, Natalie brings a collaborative spirit, positive energy, and deep commitment to supporting international students in Nova Scotia. Her contributions continue to strengthen the language sector and move our collective mission forward. Congratulations, Natalie, and thank you for all that you do!

Update re: Study and Stay™ Capstone Program Team

We want to share that Demilade Adebayo, who joined EduNova earlier this spring as the Retention Coordinator for the Study and Stay™ CONNECT Capstone Program, has moved into a full-time, permanent opportunity with RBC.
 

Though his time with EduNova was brief, Demilade made a meaningful impact through his thoughtful approach to student support and his passion for community engagement. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with the dedicated staff, members, and students who make up the EduNova network, and we are equally grateful to have had him as part of the team.

At EduNova, we take pride in being a launchpad for talented professionals building their careers in Nova Scotia. While it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, we are proud to see our team members pursue exciting new chapters, and we wish Demilade every success in this next stage of his journey.

We’re happy to share that Francille Ciconetto, who previously coordinated the Capstone Program, has returned to support this year’s cohort. Her continued commitment to international student success is a true reflection of the community we foster at EduNova—once you're part of the team, you're always part of the team.