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SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY
A favourite choice for Bangladeshi students
Located in the friendly, bustling seaside capital of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Saint Mary's University (or SMU) is known as a top choice for international students – especially those coming from Bangladesh.
Established in 1802, the university hosts hundreds of international students each year. In fact, one-fifth of SMU's entire student body population currently comes from overseas. For those newcomers, Halifax quickly proves itself as a welcoming introduction to Canada.
Along with its low tuition costs and great location, the quality of SMU's academic programs is another of the university's major drawing points. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level majors available within the faculties of Science and Arts alone, students have access to many degree options. For example: Chemistry, Computing Science, Geology, Forensic Sciences, Criminology, Economics, International Development, and Anthropology are just a few of the Majors students can pursue.
Engineering, as well, offers a long list of options just within the one academic area – including focuses in Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, Bio Systems, Chemical and/or Metallurgical Engineering. And then there are the university's business options – another major reason why many Bangladeshi students choose SMU.
“SMU's Sobey School of Business has AACSB accreditation,” explains Shafkat Chowdhury, the Canadian University Application Centre's Director in Bangladesh. “This, in itself, speaks volumes for the quality and prospects of its program and graduates. For BComm [or Bachelor of Commerce] students, the best part is the low cost of this internationally accredited program. The value for money is incredible.”
Meanwhile, for those interested in gaining hands-on work experience during their studies, many of SMU's academic programs also offer work-study or Co-op options. Co-op, short for Co-operative Education, is a program in which students can earn academic credits and salaries, by completing work internships with real companies related to their field of study – preparing them and building up references for exciting careers ahead!
Making Friends on the Path to a Canadian Degree
Annesha Chakma of Dhaka wasn't sure what her future held. As a high school student back home she dreamed about study abroad. She worried about being away from home, about the pressure to do well, and she worried about making friends.
After high school, she began her studies at Independent University, Bangladesh. “That was the plan all along,” she said, “to complete one or two years in Bangladesh before applying as a transfer student to study abroad.”
Annesha remembers her first few days in Canada as being equal parts excitement and challenge. “When I arrived in Halifax, I was so excited! Everything and everyone seemed so nice. People are friendly and helpful, and that if you approach them, they talk to you. So that is exactly what I did, I started talking to people at the cafeteria and in my classes and slowly started making friends.”
As Annesha begins her second year at Saint Mary's University, she says that she is a much different person. “I am more positive-minded and confident than I would have been if I hadn't approached people and made friends.”
A welcoming community
International students arriving to Saint Mary's are quick to remark how welcoming and friendly they find their new surroundings. It's friendly and full of fun things to do.
“My family didn't know much about Nova Scotia,” says Rabea, a 24-year old Finance and Marketing major from Karachi, Pakistan. “Until my mother came to visit me here and saw how safe Halifax is, she would call me about 20 times a day. Now we're down to once or twice.”
Rabea was also drawn to Saint Mary's by the university's reputation and the prospect of smaller class sizes and greater opportunities in a medium-sized university.
“I come from a very large city,” she says, “and I know the pitfalls of life in that kind of fast-paced environment. My parents told me that studying in a smaller, more nurturing setting would allow me to spread my wings and fly.”
“Saint Mary's really gives you a chance to shine,” she says. “If you have a skill or a talent, someone here will see it.”
Find out more
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about attending a Canadian university or college, then be sure to visit www.canada123.org - or, drop by the CUAC Dhaka office – located on Hosna Center, 2nd Floor, 106, Gulshan Avenue.
On Friday, October 18th, Canadian university representatives will be present at The Westin Dhaka, ready to answer all your questions in person! This event, however, is by INVITATION ONLY, so if you're interested in attending, please contact us in advance by email, at dhaka@canada123.org , or by phone, at 02.8826445or 01911365221.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
WHEN: Friday, 18th October - 12 noon to 8 pm
WHERE: The Westin Hotel, Gulshan 2, Dhaka
PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES: Winnipeg, Algoma, Bishop's, St. Thomas, & Saint Mary's (SMU).
PARTICIPATING COLLEGES: Confederation College, Sault College, Lethbridge College.
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