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CS2AC Episode 7: An Accountant and Future CPA Talks About His Journey from Trinidad to the University of New Brunswick on a Swimming Scholarship

CS2AC Episode 7: An Accountant and Future CPA Talks About His Journey from Trinidad to the University of New Brunswick on a Swimming Scholarship

On this session of  the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Stefan Mader, a graduate from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Stefan is from Trinidad and Tobago. He left Trinidad to attend UNB on a swim scholarship. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and is now a Tax Specialist on track to becoming a CPA (Chartered Public Accountant).

 Stefan talks about how he secured his athletic scholarship, he goes into great detail about his responsibilities as a Tax Specialist and he breaks down the CPA exam .

In this Episode, Stefan talks about:

  • How he landed at the University of New Brunswick
  • The early days of his swim career (3:18)
  • How he ended up swimming for UNB (4:00)
  • How he personally secured his swim scholarship (5:00)
  • How swimming opened so many doors for him (8:00)
  • What it was like being on the UNB swim team (10:30)
  • His practice schedule as a student athlete (11:43)
  • Why he highly recommends accounting students take advantage of co-op opportunities especially if you are an international student (15:15)
  • His career and general duties as a Tax Specialist (17:00)
  • What it was like learning about the Canadian Tax System as a Trinidadian (20:09)
  • His journey to becoming a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) (22:29)
  • How graduating with honors puts one at an advantage when starting the CPA program (24:15)
  • What the CPA program is comprised of [Core 1, Core 2 and 2 electives] (25:30)
  • The advantages of working in a Public Accounting Firm when pursuing your CPA (29:00)
  • The advantages of obtaining your CPA designation as an Accountant (30:19)

Hit The Play Button Below To Listen to Stefan !

Resources

UNB BBA, Accounting

Varsity Reds-Swim Men

Varsity Reds- Swim-Women

CPA New Brunswick

CPA Atlantic Canada

 See Winter Gear here, here, here

 

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Dalhousie University : Reverend Trevor Phillips Memorial Scholarship for Caribbean Students

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Amount:  Undisclosed 

Samara Burton received this scholarship. Listen to what she had to say.

Dalhousie University 

Halifax, Nova Scotia,  Canada

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Who's Eligible

Student accepted to Dalhousie University

Awarded to students beginning their studies in any program directly from high school who are either Nova Scotia residents of Caribbean descent, or applying from the Caribbean.

General Entrance Award Application 

Deadline: March 15

DALHOUSIE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
NEVER MISS ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP

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About this Award:

Revd. Trevor A. Phillips was born in Jamaica on March 5, 1941. He received his early education at Kingston College and Union Theological Seminary in Kingston. He was an Ordained Minister at Mount Zion United Church in Jamaica before migrating to Canada. From 1969-72 he continued his pastoral work in Prince Edward Island. Revd. Phillips moved to Nova Scotia and worked at St. Paul’s United Church in Halifax from 1973-1981, and then Sambro-Parkhill-Jollymore Pastoral Charge from 1981 until his passing in 2008. He obtained degrees at the University of Prince Edward Island (BSc), St. Mary’s University (MEd) and Dalhousie University (BEd 1975 & MA Education 1980) Science, Education, Educational Psychology, Counselling, Educational Administration and Supervision. During his career he was a teacher and guidance counsellor at several schools within the Halifax Regional School Board and a member of their Crisis Intervention Team. He was also a presenter at several national and provincial conferences delivering workshops on multi-culturalism, human rights, curriculum reform and discipline strategies. Revd. Phillips was a man of excellence with great passion for life. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed badminton (at Dalplex with the “Silver Tigers” Table Tennis), cricket and jogging. His compassion and dedication to Christian Ministry, counselling within the community and caring for people in need was extensive and extraordinary. His amazing laughter and sense of humour brought joy to many lives. He was a legend in his time. On Eagles’ Wings is an autobiographical account of his life and faith. The Revd. Trevor Phillips Memorial Scholarship was established as a “living” memorial so that his name and his excellence will be remembered in a significant way.

View On Dalhousie website

Hear From A Recipient of this Award

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Memorial University of Newfoundland

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St. Thomas University : President’s International Scholarship

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Value: Varies up to a Maximum of Full Tuition and Differential Fees and Renewable for 3 additional years.

St. Thomas University (STU)

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

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Who's Eligible

Student accepted to St. Thomas University  

Awarded annually to top-ranking international students entering first year.

Academic excellence is the sole selection criterion.

To be eligible for the renewable portion of the award, students must achieve a minimum annual average of 3.5 on a minimum of 30 credit hours.

SEE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STU
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Memorial University of Newfoundland

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All Bahamas Merit Scholarship

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CS2AC Session 2: From the Shores of Trinidad to a degree in Finance, an MBA, and a Soccer Scholarship at University of New Brunswick

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CS2AC Session 2 : From the Shores of Trinidad to a degree in Finance, an MBA and a Soccer Scholarship at University of New Brunswick

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Keagan Marcus, a Trinidadian making strides as a businessman and entrepreneur in New Brunswick. Keagan obtained both his Bachelors in Finance and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Brunswick .  Listen as he walks us through his time as a student athlete (on a soccer scholarship), how he earned spending money as a student and how he went about finding pre-owned appliances for his dorm room.

In this session you will learn: 

  • The existing partnership between University of New Brunswick and UWI- Roytec 
  • What was needed to set up Keagan’s first dorm room at Aitken House
  • How he utilized the classifieds website Kijiji to purchase appliances
  • How Keagan balanced being a finance student and a soccer athlete
  • What he did to earn spending money during his undergad
  • Why he chose the path of entrepreneurship and what its like being an entrepreneur in Atlantic Canada
  • What advice he has for caribbean students combating the snow for the first time

We have a great article on what Kijiji is and how students can use the platform to navigate the various stages of university.

ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is entrepreneurship ?

Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business.

 “Entrepreneurship is much broader than the creation of a new business venture…At its core, it is a mindset – a way of thinking and acting. It is about imagining new ways to solve problems and create value.”~ Bruce Bachenheimer

UNB & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How UNB supports entrepreneurship

For Entrepreneurs and Innovators

  On its campus, UNB has the Pond-Deshpande Center . Founded by two  tech entrepreneurs that are also graduates of the school ,  this center’s main goal is to facilitate innovation/ entrepreneurship in New Brunswick.

 If you see yourself as someone with great ideas, you have this great resource right on campus !

About the City

About Fredericton:  As a Caribbean student in Fredericton, you will not be disappointed while taking a break from the books!  Located along the Saint John river, there are lots of walking/ bike trails and museums. The small town atmosphere makes all feel welcomed. It is not uncommon for students to switch up the scene and hold meetings or study sessions in one of the many coffee shops around town. 

Resources

UNB Fredericton Campus Business Administration Program

UNB  Saint John Campus Business Administration Program 

UNB MBA Program 

UNB Fredericton Varsity Reds Men’s Soccer Team 

Aitken House

Student Employment Programs  

 

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ALSO FOR YOU

See Scholarships Offered By These Schools

Cape Breton Univserity

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All Bahamas Merit Scholarship

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College in Atlantic Canada: 10 Helpful Links for International Students Before and After the Acceptance Letter

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Deciding to leave your country and pursue higher education is a big step!

Whether you are applying to Cape Breton University (4 year programs) or Holland College (2 year programs),there are so many new avenues to navigate as an international student from the Caribbean. 

The question is where to start?! Here are a few links to get you started. 

Before the Acceptance Letter

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! Language tests, visas and essays are all apart of the college application process for an international student. We’ve listed some basic resources below for you. 

1. Official Business– The Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship Canada (CIC)Website – As an international student, no matter the country, you will spend a lot of time here.  This site is where you will apply for a study permit , a work permit (when necessary) and a travel visa or eTA for accompanying family members. 

2. Transcript Assessment Websites– World Education Services (WES). Depending on your program, your future college or university may need to assess how the credentials you obtained outside of Canada compare  to theirs. Your school will tell you if this this is necessary. 

3. English Proficiency – International English Language Testing System (IELTS)– When applying to a program taught in English and English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency is necessary. For example, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, requires an IELTS overall score of no less than 6.5 if english is not your mother tongue. 

Your institution will inform you of the score they  require. Other proficiency exams include TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). 

4.  Learning About Canada–Educanada, well, educates you about life in Canada. The site features a student life section, an international scholarship section and a work after graduation section.  

After the Acceptance Letter

Once you’ve been accepted and all immigration paperwork is squared away , you may start thinking about  travel and what life in your future home will be like. The links below are a great start.

5. Booking your tickets – Sites like kayak.com are really helpful platforms for price comparisons.

6. International Foods at the Canadian Border – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency – If your mom is like ours, she may try and send you with the entire contents of the kitchen cupboard. But, it would be wise to check and see if the sweet bread, frozen conch and beef patties  she is sending are border friendly. If they are not, border patrol will dispose of the goods and may even enforce a fine. See the list of things you can bring into Canada. 

7. Keeping Up with the Weather –Environment Canada– Maritime weather is like no other and when winter rolls around, you will want to know what outside feels like before stepping out . Environment Canada provides official weather forecasts, warnings and storm tracking for all of Canada.  You can type your east coast city or town in the ‘Access City‘ box (found at the top right of the website).  

8. Local News– CBC News – This is one of the best ways to stay in tune with what is going on in your town, city or province. Each city has their own dedicated page, so specify your location from the dropdown list under the ‘Local’ tab.  Also, this is another great way to keep up with the local weather!

9. Groceries – Atlantic Superstore– If you don’t have a meal plan or you are opting for an apartment, chances are you will be needing groceries. Check Atlantic Superstore’s website for weekly discount flyers.  

10. Previously Used Appliances & Furniture– Kijiji is a great place for a used microwave or mini fridge. Check out this article on how international students can use it for other things like hair and tutoring services . 

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Bahamian Students: PUBLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

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Name of Scholarship: Public School Scholarship Programme

Range: From $7,500 US to $15,000 US/ academic year

Deadline : Last Friday in March in the Year Student is Applying

  THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN!

UPDATED FOR 2018

Please note that scholarship requirements may have changed. The information presented below represents criteria at the time of writing. We encourage you to confirm that requirements have not changed.

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Overview

  • Scholarship is renewable
  • Students are able to apply for separate awards 
  • Bahamas Ministry of Education, Science & Technology partners with local and international universities and colleges 
  • Atlantic Canada Partnerships include: Saint Mary’s University, University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College

The Schools Below Have A Partnership With This Scholarship

See what other opportunities they have to offer

Saint Mary's University

University of Prince Edward Island

Eligibility/Criteria

  • Must be a Bahamian Citizen
  • Must be enrolled in a public senior school
  • First preference given to students who will be first in their family to receive a college education
  • A GPA of 3.00 or greater for academic students
  • A GPA os 2.75 or greater for technical and vocational  students
  • Must pursue one of the outlined careers of national need
    • Have at least five (5) BGCSE (Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education) Examinations with grade of a “C” or above inclusive of Mathematics and English Language (Academic Student Requirements)
    • Must be eligible for a Student Visa/Study Permit, complete all Visa requirements and pay all associated fees

Student Interview

Listen to what it was like for this Bahamian Student to live and study in Canada.

Andy, who is from Nassau, studied at the University of New Brunswick, received a scholarship and got work experience as he studied. Find out more about how he did it.

Documents Needed

*You will need to have scanned and saved the required documents in PDF format.

    • Copies of relevant examination certificates and test scores (AP, BGCSE, ACT, SAT, etc.)

      • Three(3) letters of recommendation:Two (2) from teachers at your school AND One (1) from a guidance counselor at your school

        • A copy of the college/ university acceptance letter

          • An up-to-date official school transcript

            • A copy of the first four (4) pages of your passport or certificate of citizenship

              • A copy of your valid National Insurance Card

              • A valid Police Character Certificate

                  • A medical certificate (Required before the issuance of the award)

Essay Requirement:

Applicants are required to submit an original essay on the following topic:

What does a College Education mean to me? (If you are the first in your family please indicate the value this opportunity will bring to you and your family.)

Document Images

Apply Online here  . (See Public School)

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How UNB Is Helping International Students Cope With Winter

The one consistent thing that Caribbean newbies want to know  is…”How do I deal with winter!?”.

Well, the University of New Brunswick’s International Students Advisor’s Office (ISAO) is providing a great resource for winter items that international students may have missed while shopping.

This is really helpful and very encouraging to any one facing an east coast winter for the very first time.

Their video shows how they are helping to keep fingers and toes warm 🙂

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Kijiji: 11 Things A New International Student Should Know

You may have heard about Ebay or Craigslist , but have you heard about Kijiji?

Kijiji (which is Swahili for village), is Canada’s largest free classifieds website used for posting local ads. It allows people within a community to purchase and provide goods / services amongst each other.

After arriving in Atlantic Canada , it can be a useful  resource for any college student looking to supplement on-campus offerings or save a few dollars on a purchase.

We thought it would be helpful to provide some useful tips for potential first time Kijiji users  as well as list a few ways the website can be helpful.

Note: We always encourage students  to look into  university options first. With that said, we believe it is always a great idea  to be informed about everything a new city or town has to offer.

Kijiji: First-time User Info

1. Things Are Usually Sold As Is -The second hand economy is great, but remember things are generally sold as is. So ask lots of questions, request additional pictures- whatever you need to do  to  ensure you are getting what you want.  

2. Choose a Neutral Location for Meet Ups – Generally, we’ve found that people are  honest and kind. However, you still will want to be smart about your meet-up /transaction. Remember: Malls and coffee shops are great for meeting your seller and never provide credit card or banking information.  Kijiji produced a great video about remaining safe while meeting a buyer or seller.

3. Talk to A Local Canadian Friend – Still not too sure about what Kijiji is and how it can help ? Talk to your Canadian roommate or lab partner who is from your school’s town. Chances are they have used the platform  and can break down the do’s and don’ts for you.

4. Posting Your Own Ad is Pretty Easy –  Can’t find an on-campus buyer for your microwave? Kijiji makes it really simple to upload pictures and prices for all of your stuff.  They also have an app that makes posting and browsing even faster.

Kijiji: How Its Useful

5. Hair braiding and other hair services –As a Caribbean international student, its not always easy to find someone to take care of natural or processed hair in this neck of the woods. But there are hairdressers and braiders that advertise with Kjiji to reach their clientele. 

Be sure to take all the precautions discussed in our post when  meeting up.

6. Off campus housing- Kijiji provides a great list of student targeted housing options; from single rooms to apartments to houses. Check out their article on how to find a student apartment.

7. Furniture- Decided to move out of your campus residence and a brand new couch not in the budget? Kijiji has sofas and dining tables at every price point.

Tip: Check out Kijiji’s ‘Free Stuff’ tab under the ‘Buy & Sell’ menu option. Thank us later!

8. Appliances- There is no shortage of  microwaves and mini fridges listed on Kijiji. These can be oh so handy for those all-nighters in your dorm room .

9. Tutors– Colleges and universities usually have a well established tutoring system, so we suggest you start there. But, if for some reason you need more options, Kijiji is a great platform to search. From time to time you may come across past graduates offering their services on the site.

10. Textbooks – Students are constantly listing previously used textbooks. 

11. Car –If you live off campus, a car may be something you are considering. After ensuring that winter tires, annual safety inspections and general maintenance can fit within your budget, Kijiji is a great way to figure out your city’s vehicle market and narrow down general offerings.

Navigating a new place is never easy so we hope this helped!  Have you heard about Kijiji before? Let us know!

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4 Engineering Programs That You May Want to Consider

If you are considering engineering as a profession you may already be familiar with civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. However, as we dived into this field of study, we came across some pretty interesting engineering disciplines that we wanted to bring to your attention. 

1. Ocean & Naval Architectural Engineering

Offered by Memorial University of Newfoundland this program involves some of the world’s biggest structures that just so happen to be off shore!

2. Geodesy & Geomatics Engineering

The University of New Brunswick’s GGE program uses your aptitude  for math and science in order to analyze data about the Earth’s surface. 

3. Mineral Resource Engineering

Managing available resources and figuring out how to extract them in a sustainable manner are all part of mineral resource engineering. Offered by Dalhousie University, the  details can be found here.   

4. Sustainable Design Engineering

At the University of Prince Edward Island, sustainable design engineers design solutions and/ or products that utilize resources in a way that does not compromise the environment or deplete materials. Find out more here. 

Universities in Atlantic Canada that provide engineering programs include:  University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University,  Memorial University of Newfoundland , St. Francis Xavier University, and Acadia University . 

We want to hear from you.

Let us know what type of programs you would like us to talk about.

Last week on the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast (CS2AC), we spoke to Andy. Andy, who is from the Bahamas, is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick’s computer engineering program.

Listen to what Andy has to say about his experience as a UNB Engineering student.

Stay Connected !

Keep up to date with school and scholarship information 

Suscribe to our podcast on iTunes

We’d love to hear from you so feel free to leave a review  too 

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