Congratulations to Jodi-Ann Francis for graduating with her Master of Arts in Geography from Saint Mary’s University! In addition to graduating, Jodi-Ann delivered the valedictorian address at the spring convocation.

Jodi-Ann’s research focused on understanding the motivations of international students studying at Halifax universities as they are about to graduate. The research strived to understand how international students make decisions of where to live upon graduation: return to their home countries, stay in Nova Scotia, or move elsewhere in Canada. Jodi-Ann’s research aided to the academic understanding of international students’ motivations, the public policy implications, and the implications for post-secondary education institutions. For more information about Jodi-Ann’s graduate research visit http://ruraldev.ca/to-stay-or-to-leave/.