Study and Stay – Foundations Program 

The Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Foundations Program is designed to support international students during their first to third years of study at a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution. Through our modular learning levels, targeted programming and relevant resources, the Study and Stay – Nova Scotia Foundations Program goal is to help participants study, stay, and thrive in Nova Scotia.  

Modular Learning Levels

Program participants can select their learning priorities and complete the Foundation Learning Levels at their own pace. Participants will receive microcredential badges upon completing different modules, which can be shared within their network and verified by future employers.  

The Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Foundations Program is a stepping-stone into the Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Capstone Program, which supports international students during their final year of study at a post-secondary institution within Nova Scotia.  

Program Benefits: 

• Participants become better positioned to find meaningful work, develop community connections, and build their lives in Nova Scotia.
• Students can earn digital microcredential badges that can be shared on their resumes and LinkedIn which are verifiable by employers.
• Students will be eligible to apply for the Study and Stay™ – Nova Scotia Capstone Program when they are in their final year of studies.
• Opportunities to grow your network by building the right connections on campus and within your communities in our social networking events and workshops. 
• Access to entrepreneurship, volunteering, and immigration resources. 

Eligibility

Free support is available to individuals who meet all of the following criteria. 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

• Be international students enrolled in post-secondary education in Nova Scotia, or recent graduates from a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution.

• Hold a valid student permit or post-graduate work permit.

About the Study and Stay™ Capstone Mentorship 

The Study and Stay™ Foundations Program is seeking dedicated professionals across Nova Scotia to mentor international students at any stage of their academic journey. Foundations Mentors play an essential role in helping students build early confidence, adjust to life in Nova Scotia, and begin exploring meaningful career pathways. By offering guidance on academic success, networking, community connections, and goal-setting, mentors help students lay the groundwork for long-term success in the province.

Mentorship Objectives

Through this mentorship, students will:

• Build confidence in navigating academic and cultural environments
• Explore early career interests and set short- and long-term goals
• Strengthen communication, time management, and leadership skills
• Learn how to create and expand professional networks in Nova Scotia
• Gain insight into workplace expectations and career development pathways
• Develop a sense of belonging and community connection in their new environment

The Foundations Mentorship commitment is designed to support meaningful relationship-building and early career exploration. Running from March to July, the program encourages students to take initiative by scheduling four mentorship meetings, typically 45 minutes each, either in person or virtually. These sessions allow mentors to share personal experiences, offer guidance on challenges, and help students develop the confidence and clarity needed to move forward in their academic and professional lives.

Mentors are welcome to track their mentee’s progress and provide constructive feedback at the end of the program. While the formal mentorship concludes in July, mentors and mentees may choose to stay connected informally, continuing the supportive relationship as the student grows in their studies and career development.

How to Become a Foundations Mentor

We welcome mentors with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia who are enthusiastic about supporting international students. Foundations Mentors should be available for a minimum of four meetings with their mentees between March and July and be open to offering encouragement, guidance, and insights as students begin shaping their future in Nova Scotia.