Atlantic Regional Meeting

Canadian PSIs are partnership champions. Many pride themselves in having hundreds of agreements with institutions around the world. But are they all suited to host student mobility programs? This session will explore the risks associated with sending students abroad and how diligent partners can contribute to the mitigation of institutional risks. Leveraging off an initiative piloted by UNB, presenters will introduce best practices that Atlantic institutions could implement to promote safe, sustainable, and inclusive international mobility experiences to their students.

Presenter: 

• Marie-Claude Du Cap, CEO, Aléas

As we continue to experience the impacts of the pandemic: staff burnout, compassion fatigue, mental health and the adjustment to in person activities/classes, we are also managing the high cost of living, housing shortages and the impacts of geopolitical issues on students and staff. Join us as we share and hear about your experiences, as well as the challenges and lessons learned supporting students and staff. This session will be interactive and focus on peer-to-peer exchange, while taking comfort in knowing colleagues from across the country and globe are working hard to support students and each other.

Presenters:

• Cindy Boland, Manager, The Counselling Centre, Saint Mary’s University
• Ashley Pinsent-Tobin, Manager, International Learning (Inbound),Nova Scotia Community College
• Lynn Walsh, Manager, Internationalization Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland

CBIE will present key findings from a national data collection exercise on learning abroad that was held in the spring of 2023. This initiative aimed to deepen understanding of the Canadian outbound mobility landscape and surface trends to inform evidence-based decision-making and foster an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for future learning abroad programming. The presentation will offer insights from data contributed by post-secondary institutions across Canada. To contextualize the lived experience, data collected from students and alumni learning abroad participants will also be presented.

Presenter: 

• Melissa Payne, Director, Membership, Research and Learning, Canadian Bureau for International Education

Join us for an insightful session exploring the experiences of international students at Canada’s borders and the pivotal role of CBSA officers. We will cover essential processes at the Point of Entry (POE), including primary and secondary inspections, after clearing POE the stage, and address common obstacles faced by both students and officers. The discussion will offer best practices for preparing students for their journey, including initial entry procedures and strategies like flag poling. Advisors will gain valuable tips to help mitigate potential issues at the POE, ensuring a smoother transition for students entering Canada. Enhance your understanding and support the successful integration of international students with practical guidance and expert insights.

Presenters:

• Gaetan Amirault, Inland Enforcement Officer, CBSA
• Brittney Hansel, Border Services Officer, CBSA

During the panel, five students will share their experiences as international students graduating from different institutions. The panel will provide precious insights to service providers to understand how students can be better supported during their studies. Panelists will be asked open ended questions to spur the conversation; interactions with the public will be encouraged.

Panellists: 

• Mobina Ali, Dalhosuie University
• Yeshani Sugunendran, Saint Mary’s University
• Pushkaraj Jadhav, Mount Alison University
• Teo Kim, Nova Scotia Community College
• Amy Chen, Saint Mary’s University

Moderator:

• Ilaria Pivi, Projects Coordinator, NSCC International