Provincial investment will be dedicated to improving and enhancing international student services.

The Mount is pleased to announce that the International Education Centre (IEC) has been awarded $310,000 by the University Excellence and Innovation Fund to enhance and improve services for students. This investment is the result of provincial funding dedicated to supporting efforts to reduce costs and foster innovation at Nova Scotian universities and colleges.

“This is welcome recognition of the great strides our team has made in attracting and retaining the vibrant international community that makes up 15 per cent of our student population,” said Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Mount. “With students arriving from over 50 countries each year, we are pleased to receive this vote of confidence as we further develop our global presence.”

This new funding will go toward creating a common space for IEC staff while enhancing programs such as language and academic preparation, immigration advising, and student exchange opportunities.

“Our team has seen double-digit growth in international student enrolment for the past 10 years and has really stepped up to meet students’ needs,” said Paula Barry, Director of the IEC. “These funds will help us streamline our services and enhance the work that we have been doing to support our international community.”

In addition to this investment, the Mount has already received dedicated funding to develop a Learning Commons on our campus and is involved in a number of shared/combined applications with other institutions.