V. 16 I. 9 – Sept 2016

Show, Not Tell, in Marketing to International Students

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Inside Higher Ed via Academica

“Lofty (yet unsubstantiated) claims of ‘high-quality teaching’ or graduates who ‘go on to start amazing careers in a variety of well-known companies’ don’t cut it for international prospects,” writes Megan Brenn-White for Inside Higher Ed. To this end, the author suggests that institutions with positive international rankings should focus on promoting awareness of their rankings or awards. For those with a less compelling ranking or awards record, the emphasis should be on testimonials from students and alumni. Finally, the author argues that institutions can be more concrete about their commitment to quality by promoting awareness of initiatives they are undertaking to enhance specific aspects of their institution.

UAlberta Students Hold Turban-Tying Event in Reaction to Posters

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Edmonton Journal via Academica

In response to the recently discovered and removed racist posters on campus, the Sikh Students’ Association and the World Sikh Organization of Canada held a turban-tying event called “Turban, eh?” in the University of Alberta Students’ Union building. The event invited any interested persons to have a turban tied on their heads, and provided the opportunity for participants to ask the volunteers questions. Faculty, staff, and students from UAlberta were joined by politicians and community members for the event. UAlberta President David Turpin commented that he was filled with pride at the event, stating that “it really is an opportunity to stand up and say what it means to be Canadian.”

Capilano Signs Transfer Agreements with Douglas, Langara, Okanagan

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Capilano University via Academica

Capilano University [CIEC Academic Member] has signed agreements with Douglas College, Langara College [CIEC Academic Member], and Okanagan College that will allow students from all three colleges to transfer directly into year three of Capilano’s bachelor of Arts with a major in Liberal Studies. Capilano states that applicants who meet agreed-upon requirements will be guaranteed admission to the university with full block transfer of credits. All three agreements are reportedly in effect for the September 2016 intake of students. “With these partnerships, we’re pleased to ease the transfer process for eligible college students to efficiently complete their education at our University,” says Richard Gale, acting president of Capilano University. “We are happy to continue to strengthen our partnerships with these colleges.”

Fostering Closer Canada India Parliamentary Relations

Fostering Closer Canada India Parliamentary Relations

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

The India Canada Friendship Circle is hosting an event on September 25 at Rockcliffe Park Community Centre Hall in Ottawa featuring MP Chandra Arya. He will discuss the role of MPs in strengthening Canada–India Parliamentary Relations. Admission is $12 & guests are welcome.

Canada Sees Steady Growth in International Student Numbers

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Edmonton Journal via Academica

The past five years show a “national trend toward a steady rise in the number of overseas students arriving in Canada,” reports the Edmonton Journal. The article notes that Manitoba has nearly doubled the number of international students studying in the province since 2011-12, while Alberta has seen a 40% increase and Saskatchewan has seen a 24% increase over the same period. The article highlights how specific institutions in AB have promoted themselves to international students and how they benefit from growing international cohorts. “Internationalization is important because the world is becoming more globalized and it’s important that students and staff have the capabilities to work well with each other,” says NorQuest College Chair of Graduate Studies Ron Horton.

Western President Explores the Many Values of Intl. Ed.

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Universities Canada via Academica

“The intrinsic value of developing a broad world view through international education is self-evident,” writes [CIEC Academic Member] Western University President Amit Chakma. The author highlights a number of strides the federal government has made to boost the role of international education in Canada, which include rebranding the country as an education destination, improving the Express Entry program, and renewing the country’s commitment to study abroad. Chakma also takes time to remind readers that in addition to the country’s ambitious targets, “what’s more important to consider is the philosophy behind the idea, along with the merits of pursuing such a policy more aggressively to better support the development of our future global citizens.” Chakma concludes with a discussion of the barriers currently faced by students looking to pursue study abroad and how institutions and governments might better address them.

Shifting Discussion from Benefits of Attracting International Students

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance via Academica

“We need to start shifting our focus from the benefits [international] students bring, to ways that we can help them succeed while they are attending our institutions,” writes Colin Aitchison for the OUSA. Aitchison critiques the ways that current discussions about international students talk about the “benefits” these students bring to Canadian universities, such as “unique perspectives in class discussions” or “a significant economic impact.” While these benefits are real, the author writes, they also draw attention away from the significant barriers that international students face at Canadian institutions. Aitchison outlines several ways that institutions can shift the focus of this discussion by better supporting international students.