Nova Scotia Launches Website to Attract International Students

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Nova Scotia Launches Website to Attract International Students

To help market the province's educational institutions internationally, the province is launching a new website, novascotiaeducation.com .

More than 3,000 international students are calling Nova Scotia home this year. That's an increase from 1,600 just five years ago.

"Nova Scotia has a tradition of welcoming international students to our universities," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development. "These students contribute to the cultural experience of our Canadian students and their host communities. They also contribute economically, each spending about $26,000 annually."

All of Nova Scotia's 11 universities, the Nova Scotia Community College, and school boards have approved this site, which features a video tour and slides that showcase the province and our educational institutions. There are also links to each of the institutions for quick access by students. By accessing this site, academic institutions will also benefit. They will be able to create their own presentations using the material located on the site, ensuring they will be promoting Nova Scotia with quality materials and consistent messaging.

"This website will help spread the word about the tremendous opportunities our education system offers for students everywhere," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage and acting Minister of Education. "It will be well- used."

"Nova Scotia universities are collaborating in their efforts to recruit well-qualified international students. The website is an example of the quality of our joint promotional activities," said Sheila A. Brown, president of Mount Saint Vincent University and past-chair of the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents. "Our international student enrolments have increased significantly in recent years. Nova Scotia is becoming known as a quality education destination for students at home and abroad."

The launch of novascotiaeducation.com coincides with the first international education week, Nov. 15-19. This special week is intended to raise an awareness and understanding of international education, its significant benefits to Canadian educational institutions and to all Canadians.