The program connects international students in Nova Scotia with employers in Atlantic Canada through short, project-based work experiences hosted on the Riipen platform.
What is the EduNova Study and Stay™ Career Connect program?
The EduNova Study and Stay™ Career Connect Program provides international students in Nova Scotia with an opportunity to gain real-world work experience by completing a short project with a company in Atlantic Canada.
Students will complete a 30-hour project through the Riipen platform. These projects allow you to apply your academic knowledge to real business challenges while developing practical skills and building professional connections.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is open to international students in their final year of study at an academic institution in Nova Scotia.
Participants should be interested in gaining practical work experience related to their field of study and exploring career opportunities in Atlantic Canada.
To apply, eligible EduNova Study and Stay™ students must apply directly with EduNova.
Is this a paid opportunity?
No. The Career Connect projects are unpaid experiential learning opportunities.
These projects are designed to help you:
Gain hands-on professional experience
Build your resumé and portfolio
Develop in-demand skills
Connect with employers in Atlantic Canada
How much time will the project require?
Each project requires approximately 30 hours of work in total. We recommend aiming to finish the deliverables in 20-25 hours, saving the remaining hours to implement valuable employer feedback.
Projects are designed to be flexible so you can complete them alongside your academic commitments. You will be able to manage your time independently, within the cohort timeline, while working toward the project deliverables.
What kinds of projects are available?
Projects are offered by companies located in Atlantic Canada and may cover a range of business challenges.
Examples include:
Process improvement initiatives
Artificial intelligence and emerging technology research
Digital marketing and social media strategy
Event planning and management
Data analysis and reporting
Market research
Business operations and strategy
Projects are designed to help you apply what you have learned in your studies to real workplace scenarios.
Will I work independently or with a team?
Students will work individually on their assigned projects.
While multiple students may work with the same company on different projects, each student is responsible for completing their own work and deliverables.
How will I be assigned to a project?
Students will be matched to projects based on their area of study, skills, and interests.
Once you are assigned to a project, you will gain access to the project details on the Riipen platform, including:
The business challenge
Project goals
Deliverables
Timeline
What will I deliver at the end of the project?
Deliverables will vary depending on the project but may include:
Strategy reports or recommendations
Marketing or social media plans
Data analysis reports or dashboards
Market research findings
Process improvement proposals
Presentations or summaries for the employer
Note: Your work should demonstrate thoughtful analysis and professional recommendations for the company.
Will I interact with the company during the project?
Yes. You will communicate with a company representative through the Riipen platform.
Employers may:
Provide additional context about the project
Answer questions
Review your work and provide feedback
Students are expected to maintain professional and timely communication throughout the project.
What support is available during the project?
If you need support during the project, several resources are available:
Employer partner – for questions about the project or company
Riipen Support – for platform or technical questions
Program administrators – for questions about the EduNova Study and Stay™ program
Will I receive feedback after completing the project?
Yes. After completing your project:
Employers may provide feedback on your work and contributions
You may receive recognition for completing the experience
You can add the project to your resumé, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile
This experience can help demonstrate your practical skills to future employers.
How can I make the most of this experience?
To get the most value from the program:
Communicate regularly with your employer
Manage your time to complete the 30-hour commitment
Deliver thoughtful, high-quality work
Ask questions and seek feedback
Save examples of your work for your professional portfolio
The program is an opportunity to gain experience and build connections with employers in Atlantic Canada. See our Best Practices help article for more details.
Who can I contact if I need help?
If you have questions or encounter issues during the program, you can contact:
Riipen Support through the platform help center or by email: edunovacareerconnect@riipen.com
EduNova program staff for questions related to the EduNova Study and Stay™ program