Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast : Recent Episodes

Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast

Helping Caribbean Students Explore University Options in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island

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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

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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PreviousAll Bahamas Merit Scholarship

NextMount Allison University Pilot Program: Rob Robichaud Vantage Airport Group Scholarship in Aviation for Caribbean International Students

More For You!

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

April 21, 2018

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

Read More »

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time Job

April 9, 2018

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time

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

March 14, 2018

To Listen- Hit The Play Button Above! CS2AC Episode 5: A Dominican Student’s Journey from Canadian Boarding School to Studying Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie

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CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time Job

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Beautisca King, a third year Chemistry major at Dalhousie University.

She was born and raised in the Bahamas, where she attended C.R. Walker High School and then the College of the Bahamas (now University of the Bahamas). She is a recipient of the All Bahamas Merit Award from the Bahamas’ Ministry of Education.

On top of a demanding degree, this future doctor is currently President of Dal’s Caribbean Connection, a dancer, a dance instructor and works part-time at the university clinic.

In this session you will learn:

  • How she chose Chemistry as her major and what courses she is taking now (2:19)
  • Why she took the SAT even though she didn’t need it for admission to Dalhousie (4:35)
  • How she feels the SAT helped her secure the All Bahamas Merit Scholarship (4:35)
  • How she learned that she needed to be 19 to set up a cellphone in Canada (6:30)
  • How she was still able to get a phone despite the age barrier
  • How easy it was for her to set up a bank account (8:00)
  • How having a Canadian debit account and online banking helps her manage her day-to-day (paying rent, bills, receiving payment from work, etc) (8:58)
  • Why she chose to move off campus after her first year (9:57)
  • Why she said , “Kijiji for everything” (11:55)
  • How to get in touch with Dalhousie’s Caribbean Connection (13:08)
  • Why she loves University of King’s College Dance Collective and how you can join(14:25)
  • How she found her part-time job at the university clinic (15:57)
  • What her current strategies are for balancing everything and tips for future students (18:08)
  • Tips for surviving your first snow experience (20:20)

Hit The Play Button Below To Listen to Beautisca !

Resources

Dalhousie Chemistry Department

Bahamas Ministry of Education’s All Merit Scholarship

Dalhousie Student Job Bank

Dalhousie’s Caribbean Connection : Email (dalcaricon@gmail.com), Facebook, Instagram

University of King’s College Dance Collective

More About Kijiji

See Winter Gear here, here

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Ask A Question

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Stay In Touch

Stay on top of new episodes, scholarship information and other useful posts.

NEXT POST:

PreviousRothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick Helping Dominica After Hurricane Maria

NextAll Bahamas Merit Scholarship

More For You!

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

April 21, 2018

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

Read More »

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time Job

April 9, 2018

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time

Read More »

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

March 14, 2018

To Listen- Hit The Play Button Above! CS2AC Episode 5: A Dominican Student’s Journey from Canadian Boarding School to Studying Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie

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To Listen- Hit The Play Button Above!

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

PreviousLyford Cay Foundation Scholarship for Bahamian Graduate Students

NextDalhousie University : Reverend Trevor Phillips Memorial Scholarship for Caribbean Students

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See Canadian Application Process Here

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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

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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).

Resources Mentioned In This Interview

Mount Saint Vincent International Student Office

Mount Saint Vincent Co-operative Education Office

Kijiji and Nova Scotia Registries for apartment hunting

Bed Bug Registry in Nova Scotia

Building credit with student credit cards with RBC & Scotia

Winter Gear Mentioned by Kenya : Sorel Boots & Timberlands

Also See Winter Gear here and here

Thanks for Checking Us Out!

Help us reach more Caribbean students.

  • Like our Facebook Page
  • Leave a review on iTunes
  • Share this episode with someone that may find it helpful

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

To keep up with schools in Atlantic Canada and other student experiences:

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Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

View Details

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CS2AC Episode 3: Second-Year Software Engineering Student Describes Her Journey from the Corridors of Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica to the Halls of the University of New Brunswick

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Raven-Lee Mills, a second-year Software Engineering student at the University of New Brunswick. This is a great interview because Raven does a great job of breaking down the details of her paperwork, engineering program and co-op.

In this session you will learn:

  • How Raven learned about UNB and why she chose engineering as a career
  • What she needed to get accepted into UNB from high school in Jamaica
  • The documents she needed to submit in order to receive her study permit
  • The things she needed to do in order to work while she studied
  • What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and why an international student needs one
  • How she set up her bank account
  • How to obtain Proof of Address if you are an international student interested in renting
  • What on-campus jobs Raven had
  • How UNB helps students get set up to work outside of the classroom
  • Her first co-op work position and the value it provides her as an international students(A co-op work experience combines what was learned in the classroom with job experience prior to completing one’s degree. )
  • Her tips for combating the snow

JUMPSTART !

Things you can do now for classroom and career

Learn coding with Codeacademy

Store your projects on Github

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 Software Engineering Program

UNB Engineering Co-op Education Program

Applying for a Social Insurance Number

Find A Service Canada Near You

See Winter Gear here and here

Stores around Fredericton that may be useful: Walmart, Best Buy, Sobeys, Superstore

Thanks for Checking Us Out!

To keep up with schools in Atlantic Canada and other student experiences:

  • Join our Facebook community
  • Join our email list

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

Help us reach more Caribbean students.

  • Like our Facebook Page
  • Leave a review on iTunes
  • Share this episode with someone that may find it helpful

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

View Details

Hit the Play Button Above .

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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  • Share this episode with someone that may find it helpful

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

ALSO FOR YOU

See Scholarships Offered By These Schools

Cape Breton Univserity

Dalhousie University

Mount Saint Vincent University

Also Recommended For You :

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

April 21, 2018

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

Read More »

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time Job

April 9, 2018

CS2AC Episode 6: An Interview with President of Dalhousie University’s Caribbean Connection About How She Manages Being A Chemistry Major on Scholarship with A Part-time

Read More »

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

March 14, 2018

To Listen- Hit The Play Button Above! CS2AC Episode 5: A Dominican Student’s Journey from Canadian Boarding School to Studying Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie

Read More »

View Details

Hear Podcast Episode

Hit The Play Button Above

CS2AC Session 1: Bahamian Student's Journey Through Computer Engineering at University of New Brunswick

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Andy, a past Computer Engineering student at the University of New Brunswick. Andy takes us through his process of dorm set-up, cell phone acquisition and opening a Canadian bank account. He also dives into the details of his scholarship and paid work co-op.

In this session you will learn:

  • Why Andy chose the University of New Brunswick
  • How he and his father navigated Fredericton upon landing
  • About what was needed to set up his first dorm room
  • What steps he took in order to secure a scholarship
  • About his paid UNB Co-operative work experience and how he used it to help pay school fees after completion (A co-op work experience combines what was learned in the classroom with job experience prior to completing one’s degree. )
  • His suggestions for students wanting to study computers and enter the technology industry
  • His advice for Caribbean students combating the snow

JUMPSTART !

Things you can do now for classroom and career

Learn coding with Codeacademy

Store your projects on Github

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 Computer Engineering Program

UNB Engineering Co-op Education Program

See Winter Gear here and here

Stores around Fredericton that may be useful: Walmart, Best Buy, Sobeys, Superstore

LISTEN TO THE NEXT EPISODE

Thanks for Checking Us Out!

To keep up with schools in Atlantic Canada and other student experiences:

  • Join our Facebook community
  • Join our email list

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

To Help Us Out:

Help us reach more Caribbean students.

  • Like our Facebook Page
  • Leave a review on iTunes
  • Share this episode with someone that may find it helpful

Let us know what kind of student experiences you’d like to hear next!

ALSO FOR YOU

See Scholarships Offered By These Schools

Cape Breton Univserity

University of Prince Edward Island

Mount Saint Vincent University