Students Excited About the Benefits of Bilingualism
Canadian Parents for French- Nova Scotia (CPF Nova Scotia) enjoyed another successful Bilingual Career Exploration Day on February 23, 2018. The Bilingual Career Exploration Day gave 120 high school students the opportunity to explore career paths where French is an asset. The Bilingual Career Exploration Day took place at Saint Mary’s University.
CPF Nova Scotia’s first Bilingual Career Exploration Day was in 2006. Since then participation has continued to grow. “It was a great success; we have now reached over 5000 students across the province. It has a very positive impact in the schools and we have received great feedback from participating teachers, students and exhibitors,” said Rebecca Lancaster, Executive Director for CPF Nova Scotia.
Students had the opportunity to meet with university recruiters and representatives from many business and government sectors such as Marine Atlantic, Careers Nova Scotia, Coast Guard College, Musée canadien de l’immigration du Quai 21, Explore programme, YMCA Summer Work Exchange, and many more. Student volunteers from Saint Mary’s University also had the opportunity to visit with the exhibitors to learn more about career opportunities.
Students attended presentations given throughout the event to help emphasize the need for bilingual employees in the workforce and field questions from students. Students attended workshops on career paths, language and technology, German, Gaelic, and Arabic.
Zachary Comeau was the MC for the day. Mr. Comeau is a founding member of the Ligue Acadienne d’Improvisation de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, Nova Scotia’s first French improv league. He led two workshops with students to introduce them to the concept of improvisation.
Sponsors for the event were Saint Mary’s University and Université Sainte-Anne. Schools that attended were Citadel High School, Dartmouth High School and King’s-Edgehill School.