One on One Webinar: Open Forum

This discussion will be a unique way to engage each other as we share best practices, reflect on the past year and prepare for the future. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts as we collaboratively work our way out of this pandemic. Topics open for discussion include:

  • International student intake
  • Visa issuance
  • On-campus vs. online learning
  • Questions from attendees

New Pathway to Permanent Residency for International Graduates in Canada

Encouraging news was just announced for recent overseas students in Canada hoping to apply for permanent residency. Starting on May 6, 2021, those who possess the skills necessary to strengthen the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for permanent status under a new stream.

One on One Webinar: A Year Into COVID

After a year of lockdown measures and travel restrictions, the third session in our One on One webinar series revolved around how institutions in different parts of Canada have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and what their outlook is for the future. Moderated by Husain F. Neemuchwala of the Canada India Education Council, points mentioned include:

  • Challenges institutions should expect to face as students return
  • Changes that educators have made to maintain the student experience
  • Steps that must be taken before institutions re-open and students are back on campus

The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad

A recent article on Canada Campus Visits looked at many of the benefits and drawbacks of the study abroad experience. For some, traveling to a new country can be something they have looked forward to for years. Others though might be hesitant to leave their friends and family before going to a part of the world they barely know.

Canada Named Top Study Abroad Destination for Second Year in a Row

A new survey of 2,700 international students names Canada as the best country for studying abroad for the second consecutive year. While other countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA are typically thought of as leading places to earn an international education, overseas learners chose Canada once again.

International Students Discuss Studying Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic

International students in countries around the world are managing as best they can while they pursue their higher education overseas. In the attached video, five overseas students were asked about their university experiences in the age of COVID-19.

Canada Requires Pearson PTE Academic for non-SDS Study Permits

Canada Requires Pearson PTE Academic for non-SDS Study Permits

Source: Pearson PTE

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada accepts Pearson PTE Academic test results from Indian international students applying for study permits through the regular application process – also known as non-SDS (Student Direct Stream).

PTE Academic scores, along with TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are the only results that will be considered for applications outside of the Student Direct Stream. While this process is not the fast-tracked SDS that was recently introduced, approximately 46% of Indian students who chose to study in Canada in 2019 applied using this method.

Managing Director for Pearson Canada, Marlene Olsavsky, believes the PTE Academic test will be beneficial for Indian students hoping to further their education in Canada. “Test takers have a choice of more than 30 PTE centers currently open in India, including in Punjab, Gujarat and Hyderabad, all with required health and safety measures in place.”

Through PTE Academic, students receive the benefits of being able to schedule the time of their test online and typically have to wait just two days for their results.

Olsavsky states, “Once they get their PTE score, students are then able to send it to any number of universities they are interested in, unlike other English tests which limit the amount of institutions where a score can be sent.”

“We believe PTE Academic offers a huge advantage to test takers,” explains Olsavsky. “Our use of leading AI technology means colleges can trust that students’ English proficiency levels are scored accurately and with no bias. We also know students like the flexibility of booking and fast results we offer – making PTE Academic the increasingly popular English language test worldwide.”

PTE Academic is accepted by 194 education establishments in Canada and 90% of Canadian public universities. For more information, please visit their website: PearsonPTE.com

ICICI Bank Canada

ICICI Bank Canada

ICICI Bank Canada (ICICI Bank) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, which has its headquarters in Mumbai, India. ICICI is present in 14 countries across the globe. In Canada, the bank offers a wide range of financial solutions catering to personal, commercial, corporate, investment, treasury and trade requirements.

Why partner with ICICI Bank Canada

ICICI Bank has a unique advantage of being physically present in both India and Canada. ICICI Bank started the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), (erstwhile CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)), in 2016, and is now offering this program in 6 countries, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Morocco and Senegal being the latest inclusions.

Learn about the ICICI Bank Student GIC Program here: https://www.icicibank.ca/personal/newcomers/overview.page?

We believe a larger value can be created for international students by partnering with educational institutions in Canada, and in the process help educational institutions digitize and optimize costs as well as internationalize Canadian education.

Areas of collaboration with ICICI Bank with respect to student ecosystem

Unifee: A custom-built online portal for global payment solutions, Unifee facilitates easy payments between international students and Canadian educational institutions. Along with the flexibility to track incoming and outgoing payments online, you can also send official receipts and process refunds online.

To find out more about Unifee, visit here: https://www.icicibank.ca/unifee/pay-my-fees.page

International students’ banking: Moving to another country can be a complex process with challenges along the way. ICICI Bank supports residents from 12 countries to open a Canadian bank account before landing in Canada. Funds can be transferred to the Canadian account and availed upon landing in Canada.

More more information on ICICI Bank’s Hello Canada account, click: https://www.icicibank.ca/personal/newcomers/hellocanada.page?

Student Loan: Being a leading private sector bank in the country, ICICI Bank Ltd can offer loans to students, customized for educational institutions on better terms and also offer additional services/ benefits.

In campus services: ICICI Bank can conduct in-campus branch sessions to facilitate the banking needs of students or employees of the respective educational institution. These sessions can be conducted in selected locations as specified by the institution.

One on One Webinar: Seneca College

Our first session focused on Seneca College, located in Toronto, Canada and featured David Agnew (President), Keith Monrose (Executive Director, Seneca International) and Prashant Srivastava (Director, Regional Business Development, South Asia). As a top destination for international students they discussed what makes Canada, and Seneca in particular, an attractive overseas destination. Our speakers also addressed how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Seneca and what actions they have taken to ensure international students will be able to begin their studies soon.

The Digital Ecosystem & Canada’s Election

From disinformation to memes to political advertising, digital media are being used to generate and share information in new ways. In this talk we review the various kinds of actors and tools found in a digital ecosystem and use the case of the October 21st Federal Election in Canada to explore that ecosystem. We will discuss the use of political bots and automation, political memes, and political advertising in particular.

Dr. Elizabeth Dubois (PhD, University of Oxford) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society at the University of Ottawa. She is also a Fellow at the Public Policy Forum of Canada and member of Assembly based at Harvard’s Berkman-Klein Center. Her work examines political uses of digital media including media manipulation, citizen engagement, and artificial intelligence.

Ambitious Modi Plan to Restructure HE and Boost Research

Source: University World News

India’s Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) this week unveiled a draft National Education Policy (NEP) 2019 just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a solid majority for his Bharatiya Janata Party in national elections.