Nova Scotia – Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada

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CS2AC Episode 5: A Dominican Student’s Journey from Canadian Boarding School to Studying Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie University

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Samara Burton, a second year Applied Computer Science major at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. Born in Dominica, Samara attended Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick before attending Dalhousie. She tells us about her first coding experience, her current scholarship and so much more. Listen to the entire interview above.

In this session you will learn :

- About the current state of Dominica after being hit by Hurricane Maria
- Why Samara chose Dalhousie after Rothesay Boarding School in New Brunswick
- The difference between Computer Science and Applied Computer Science
- About the courses that help make up a degree in Applied Computer Science
- How Samara got her start in coding while in Dominica
- What filling out her immigration paperwork was like
- Why she recommends Caribbean students attend international student orientation
- Why students should utilize Dalhousie webinars before you arrive
- Why she moved off campus after first year and resources she used
- About The Dalhousie scholarship she is on that is specifically for Caribbean students
- Samara’s advice when it comes to applying for scholarships as a Caribbean student
- Her upcoming co-op work term and Dalhousie’s co-op application process
- What Samara’s first snow experience was like
- Her tips for Caribbean students experiencing the snow

JUMPSTART !

Interested in doing what Samara does ?

Things you can do now for classroom and career

Learn coding for free with Codeacademy

Store your projects on Github

Hurricane Relief

Dominica Hurricane Maria Disaster Relief

Resources

Dalhousie’s WiTS (Women in Technology Society)

Applied Computer Science Program

Dalhousie Pre-Arrival Webinars

Dalhousie – Orientation for International Students

Reverend Trevor Phillips Memorial Scholarship

See Winter Gear here and here

Facebook

More Episodes for You

Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships for Bahamian Students

KPMG Cayman Islands Scholarship for Public Accounting Students

See Canadian Application Process Here

Let Us Show You How !

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Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast

CS2AC Episode 4: A Bahamian Graduate with a Degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University Explains How Embracing Change and New Experiences While Studying Led to Great Opportunities After Graduation

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Kenya Dames, a recent graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She pursued a Public Relations degree with a minor in Marketing.

Kenya, who is from Grand Bahama, Bahamas, graduated from Grand Bahama Catholic High School and headed to university after graduating. Kenya delves into the details of her degree, apartment set up and job advice . She also talks about how her co-op work experience through MSVU led to a full-time position with the Canadian government after graduation.

“...Me even being here was a sacrifice , and I refused to allow myself to be miserable for four years, getting a degree in something that I wasn’t passionate about…”

~ Kenya Dames Tweet

In this session you will learn:

What it was like for Kenya to switch universities
Why she chose an apartment off campus instead of on-campus accommodations
How she utilized Kijiji and Bed Bug registries when hunting for a new spot
How the MSVU International Office made a huge first impression on her
About how she received $2,500/ semester from the MSVU bursaries program
Why she chose to work while being a student and her job-hunting tips
The importance of honing your people skills
How volunteering can be a great resume builder for international students
How MSVU walks students through the co-op process ( A Co-op work term combines what was learned in the classroom with job experience prior to completing one’s degree. )
Snow management tips for international student *Hint: Say No To Sheepskin Ugg Boots!*

A CAREER IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public Relations (PR) is about managing reputation
It refers to the relationship between a company and the public
See Details about MSVU’s Bachelor of Public Relations Degree here

About the City

About Halifax: As a Caribbean student in Halifax, you will not be disappointed while taking a break from the books! The Halifax waterfront boardwalk is found alongside the world’s second largest ice-free harbour. There are also lots of restaurants, cafes and galleries for you to check out. Read more about Halifax (here).