Your MSVU Journey Begins Here: Pre-Arrival Online Support

Each semester, the International Education Centre (IEC) offers a series of online webinars designed to support international students before they arrive at MSVU.

These sessions cover everything from preparing for life in Canada to getting started with your academic journey, so be sure to check out the updates below and take advantage of these valuable resources.

 

Have questions? We’re here to help! Email us anytime at international@msvu.ca.

Pre-arrival webinars (July-August 2025)

Please Note:

  • All webinars are scheduled in Halifax local time (Atlantic Time Zone).
  • A reminder email with the session link will be sent to your MSVU email address the day before each webinar.
  • To join the sessions, please download Microsoft Teams (Work or School edition) and log in using your MSVU email and password.

 

These webinars are designed to help you prepare for your journey to MSVU; don’t miss them!

Upcoming Webinars

Port of entry and travel to Canada (Aug 21)

This webinar aims to help you be fully prepared for your travel to Canada and MSVU, such as what documents you need to bring with you and what you need to do when going through customs at the airport, etc.

We’ve prepared 3 sessions. You’re welcome to attend any or all of them. Click the sessions for registration.

Port of Entry (PDF)

Session 3: 10:00-11:00 AM, August 21, 2025

 

Financial preparation part 2: How to manage your budget (Sep 12)

Now you have successfully made it to Canada. Congratulations! You may think you have prepared enough money or your family will financially support you. However, if you do not manage your budget in a wise way, you will probably encounter some challenges. Join us to learn how you can manage your budget well and ease your life here in Canada. The seminar requires your presence in person. The location is Seton Annex 102, International Education Centre (No. 10 on the map).

Register here for 1:30-2:30 PM, September 12, 2025

International graduate students: An academic introduction

In this webinar, we’ll look at some helpful information, such as understanding your program requirements, registering for courses, contacting your program advisor, etc., which will help you transition to the Canadian academic culture with more confidence. 

20250710 International Graduate Students: An Academic Introduction (PDF)

Educational technology training

Studying at MSVU will require students to familiarize themselves with the digital services, such as the University’s website, taking classes online, doing homework by using the Microsoft Office suite, or connecting their e-devices to the campus internet, etc. Please join us for more information on this.

20250715 Intro to Educational Technology (PDF)

Financial preparation part 1: How to budget your life in Canada

Learn about the cost of living in Halifax and how to prepare an initial budget so that you and your financial supporters can have a realistic understanding of the setupcosts and ongoing expenses to make your transition stress-free.

20250717 Presentation of Budgeting for Study and Life in Canada (PDF)

20250717 Sample of Budgeting Plan Sheet for Living on Campus (PDF)

20250717 Sample of Budgeting Plan Sheet for Living off Campus (PDF)

Campus residence life

Living on campus will provide you with convenient access to the campus services and classes. You will also have the opportunity to make friends and hang out with people from diverse backgrounds.

20250724 Residence Life (PDF)

Financial services at MSVU

Money matters! This webinar will introduce the financial services for students at MSVU and some important financial matters students need to be aware of.

20250729 Financial Services (PDF)

Introduction to academic advising for undergraduates

This webinar will help you understand what academic advising is, why it is important, and how to enroll in and drop classes. We’re hosting two sessions, and you’re welcome to attend either or both. Click the sessions for registration.

Please email advising@msvu.ca for 1 on 1 advising.

 

 

Canadian health care system and NS MSI

Health insurance is extremely important for international students during their stay, work and living in Canada. This webinar will help you understand the Canadian health care system and the Nova Scotia medical service insurance.

20250805 Healthcare System in Canada (PDF)

Previously Recorded Webinars on Student Life in Canada

Get to Know Career Services at MSVU

Are you looking forward to brushing up on your cover letter and resume? Do you want to learn more about the job or volunteer opportunities? Attend this webinar to learn about Career Services.

Recording of the webinar

Workshop-IEC NISO Get to Know Career Services 2023 Aug (PDF)

Resource-IEC NISO Career Services Helpful Links 2023 Jan

Rental Scams

Empower yourself by attending this webinar. We will look at how to be good tenants as well as protect yourselves from common rental scams and illegal practices.

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slides below.

Rental Scams (PDF)

Previously Recorded Webinars on Academic Support

Important Academic Terminology

Please join Nicolle for an informative examination of the academic vocabulary that you will encounter in your courses and the registration process at MSVU.

We did not record this webinar. Please view the PDF slides below.

Important Academic Vocabulary (PDF)

Differentiating Between MSVU Writing Assignments

This presentation will focus on different types of academic writing genres and assignments you may encounter in your programs such as a 5-paragraph essay, a lab report, a reflection, and more.

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slides below.

Differentiating MSVU Writing Assignments (PDF)

Interpreting Assignment Instructions

This webinar will look at how to break down assignment instructions, expectations, and evaluation. Knowing exactly what you are required to submit makes completing your task much easier!

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slides below.

Interpreting Assignment Instructions (PDF)

Academic Integrity and Citation

Understanding Academic Integrity and Citation is a big part of becoming a successful student in Canada. This webinar will highlight how academic integrity is defined, as well as approaches to avoiding it, like citation and referencing.

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slide below.

Academic Integrity and Citation FINAL (PDF)

Parts of an Essay

Do you know how to write an essay? This presentation will take you through the steps to write an effective 5-paragraph essay.

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slide below.

Parts of an Essay (PDF)

Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Join me for a comprehensive session offering strategies for paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as vocabulary and practice.

We did not record the webinar. Please view the PDF slide below.

Paraphrasing and Citation (PDF)

Classroom Expectations and Academic Success

Recording of the webinar

Classroom Expectations and Academic Success (PDF)

Navigating a New Culture: Canadian Classroom Culture and Academic Success

Attend this webinar on Academic Culture for International Students to deepen your understanding of academic culture in Canada before classes even start. We’ll address cultural differences—and similarities—and how they impact your actions (and reactions) both inside and outside the classroom.

Recording of the workshop

Understanding Your Data Form - for Graduate Students

This webinar is designed specifically for graduate students at MSVU to learn about their program’s requirements.

Recording of the workshop

Understanding Your Data Form (PPT)