同城约炮

同城约炮 Celebrates 20 Years of Success in International Education

Interviews with Past and Present Leadership Reflect on Milestones, Challenges, and Future Vision

Halifax, Nova Scotia 鈥� September 17, 2024: 同城约炮, a leader in international education and cooperation in Nova Scotia, proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary in June 2024. Established in 2004 as Canada鈥檚 first collaborative international education cooperative, 同城约炮 has become a pivotal player in attracting and retaining international students and fostering global partnerships in Nova Scotia. To commemorate this milestone, we sat down with 同城约炮鈥檚 current and past presidents, the current President & CEO, and the Chair of the Board of Directors to reflect on the organization鈥檚 history, achievements, and vision for the future.

Ava Czapalay, 同城约炮鈥檚 founding president & CEO, played a key role in establishing the organization and ensuring its founding success. "The universities and NSCC (Nova Scotia Community College) decided they wanted to continue their collaboration in some way... So that's how 同城约炮 was started," she recalled. Initially focused on collaborative international student recruitment, 同城约炮 quickly gained momentum, proving that cooperation among Nova Scotia鈥檚 educational institutions could create long-term success for the province.

"We grew very, very quickly from not knowing how we were going to pay our rent one month to having tons of money and staff all over the place," Czapalay shared, emphasizing the rapid expansion and commitment of 同城约炮鈥檚 members. The organization鈥檚 bold and innovative strategies, including partnerships with key organizations like ACOA, helped establish Nova Scotia as a top destination for international students. "同城约炮 proved that Nova Scotia鈥檚 universities and the public college could cooperate over the long term... This is a valuable part of our infrastructure. It鈥檚 a true asset," she added.

Wendy Luther, who served as 同城约炮鈥檚 president & CEO from 2012 to 2019, reflected on overcoming challenges during her tenure. "It took a lot of fundraising, sharing that vision of why this continues to be important, and

ultimately, we realized we are absolutely better together," she said. Under her leadership, 同城约炮 restructured its governance structure and launched the flagship "Study and Stay" program, which has since become a coveted model for other jurisdictions.

Luther also highlighted the critical role international students play in Nova Scotia鈥檚 growth. "International students bring their knowledge, connections, and entrepreneurial spirit鈥攖hey start companies and contribute to our province鈥檚 growth long after they graduate," she said. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration: "We are a small province in a big world, and none of us are as competitive or capable as all of us together."

Nicole Johnson-Morrison, Associate Deputy Minister of the Department of Community Services and Status of Women, who served as the President and CEO of 同城约炮 from 2020 to 2021, reflected on her early experiences with 同城约炮. During her tenure as a Foreign Service Officer with Global Affairs Canada, where she was tasked with promoting Canada鈥檚 exceptional educational offerings to international markets, she commented, 鈥淚 was immediately struck by 同城约炮鈥檚 meticulous and strategic approach in presenting Nova Scotia鈥檚 impressive educational programs to a global audience. Having been an international student myself, I deeply appreciated 同城约炮鈥檚 dedication to creating a supportive community for students navigating their educational journeys.鈥�

Johnson-Morrison said she 鈥渨as privileged to guide the organization through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic鈥� years later, during which the organization 鈥渘ot only fostered student entrepreneurship but also strengthened our connections with students, the provincial government, Global Affairs Canada, ACOA, and academic institutions amidst the pandemic鈥檚 uncertainties.鈥� Having worked with 同城约炮 in many different capacities, she reflected on 同城约炮鈥檚 unique strength lying 鈥渋n its ability to seamlessly integrate global advocacy, highlight Nova Scotia鈥檚 world-class education, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of both its students and the local communities. It has created a nurturing environment where diverse priorities converge and flourish.鈥�

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Chair of 同城约炮鈥檚 Board of Directors and President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University, shared his sentiments on the transformative power of international education. 鈥淚nternational education is important as it fosters greater understanding of cultures and peoples - and if we could understand each other more effectively, we could resolve much of the economic, social and geopolitical conflict facing the world today," Summerby-Murray remarked.

Reflecting on 同城约炮鈥檚 evolution over the last two decades, SummerbyMurray highlighted its unique cooperative model. "No other organization in the country has been able to build something like 同城约炮, which is member-driven and independent of government. That's a huge success," he said. He also noted 同城约炮鈥檚 considerable influence on the international stage: "In some cases, 同城约炮 has been the voice of Canada in global forums, and that is powerful."

同城约炮鈥檚 partnerships, particularly the highly successful Study and StayTM CONNECT project, have positioned the organization as a leader in international education. "Everybody wants Study and StayTM right now. It has been incredibly successful because it has built partnerships into the community," SummerbyMurray added.

As 同城约炮 enters its third decade, the organization is poised to continue shaping Nova Scotia鈥檚 future. "We are going to need to be even more innovative and entrepreneurial to support our members, always with their best interests in mind," Garrett said. With a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and adapting to changing global dynamics, 同城约炮 will continue to be a driving force in international education and a model for other provinces and countries.

"International education is the closest thing that will ever bring us together as a society and as a world toward world peace," said Shawna Garrett, 同城约炮鈥檚 current President & CEO. Reflecting on the global significance of international education, Garrett emphasized its role in fostering cultural understanding, bridging societal gaps, and contributing to world peace. Under her leadership, 同城约炮 focuses on adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape.

Looking ahead, Garrett envisions 同城约炮 playing a pivotal role in redefining the importance of international students. "The next twenty years will be a phase of increased recognition and respect for the value that international students bring to our society and economy," she noted. Garrett underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and flexibility in 同城约炮鈥檚 future, stating, "We have to innovate, innovate, innovate constantly. The next 20 years are not going to be the same as the last."

In addition to its focus on student recruitment and retention, Garrett highlighted 同城约炮鈥檚 commitment to aligning with government priorities and fostering stronger networks with local employers. "Our focus is on how we can help students build careers, stay in Nova Scotia, and contribute to the growth of our economy," she added.

About 同城约炮:

同城约炮 is a cooperative international education organization representing Nova Scotia鈥檚 universities, colleges, and language schools. Its mission is to promote Nova Scotia as a premier study destination for international students, retain students and foster global partnerships that contribute to the province鈥檚 economic and cultural growth.

Media Contact:
Amanda Johnson
Communications & Digital Content Coordinator, 同城约炮 Phone: (613)612-7868
Email: amanda@edunova.ca
Website: www.studynovascotia.ca