Author: CIEC Author

UTSU Campaigns to Allow International Students to Serve on Governing Council

CIEC Author

Source: UTSU News Release via Academica | February 11, 2015

The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) is calling for changes to The University of Toronto Act that would allow international students to sit on the institution’s Governing Council. This year, 3 students were deemed ineligible to appear on the ballot because they were not Canadian citizens. “International students just want to be equal members of the University. Our tuition fees are the highest at the university, we lack equal access to healthcare, and yet we contribute so much to the university community. We want a say in our education,” said Cameron Wathey, an international student from St Maarten who serves as the UTSU’s VP Internal & Services. uToronto is reportedly just one of 5 institutions in Ontario at which international students are not able to represent their peers on governing councils or other similar bodies.

Canada Should Take an Ethical Approach to Internationalization

CIEC Author

Source: University Affairs via Academica | February 6, 2015

In an op-ed for University Affairs, Carleton University Provost Peter Ricketts and Canadian Bureau for International Education VP Membership, Public Policy, and Communications Jennifer Humphries call for an ethical approach to internationalization. Their piece argues that a lack of a coherent federal strategy for internationalization left Canada lagging behind other developed nations. Ricketts and Humphries cite the report of an Internationalization Leaders Network advisory panel that emphasizes internationalization cannot be pursued at the cost of quality or participants’ well-being. The ILN also advocated a set of 7 core ethical principles that should guide internationalization. These include that internationalization should be integrated into the core mission of an institution; that it be student-centred, equitable, and inclusive; that its agenda should not be dictated by fiscal imperatives; that there be mutual benefit to all parties involved; and that it be used as a means to achieve global-level civic engagement, social justice, and social responsibility.

CBU Launches Project to Increase Immigration to Area

CIEC Author

Source: Cape Breton Post via Academica | February 5, 2015

Cape Breton University has launched the Rural-Urban Immigration Pilot for Cape Breton Island, an initiative designed to increase immigration to the island. The project involves the creation of a task force consisting of members of various PSE institutions, municipal organizations, and private industry that will assess current needs and issues around immigration to Cape Breton. In addition, current international students in the area will be surveyed for their perspectives, and community-based research projects will help determine best practices and next steps. The initiative will conclude in the spring with a comprehensive report and strategic plan. “We have an opportunity to learn from international students studying in the area, to understand their challenges, identify opportunities, and eventually make changes that will make Cape Breton a desirable location to reside. This report will help the Island in many ways and will also be of interest to other rural and urban areas in the Province,” said Keith Brown, VP International and Aboriginal Affairs.

Boosting Canada-India Academic Ties

CIEC Author

Source: High Commission of Canada | February 5, 2015

Canada’s University of Toronto President, Meric Gertler, boosted academic ties with India on his first ever visit, from January 27 to 31. While in India, Dr. Gertler co-hosted a workshop on “Universities in Urbanization: Building Healthy, Sustainable & Innovative Cities” with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay). He also met with Minister of Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu, spoke at a conference on cities and urbanization hosted by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and visited the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR). Following the advice of Indian students at the University, Dr. Gertler also took the time to enjoy the food and the culture of India.

Vancouver Firm Converts Luxury Hotels into International Student Residences

CIEC Author

Source: The Province via Academica | February 4, 2015

A company called CIBT Education Group has purchased a 17-storey luxury hotel in downtown Vancouver with the intention of renovating it into housing for international students. The conversion is just one of several that the company is undertaking: it has 3 similar projects in development with 9 more in the planning stages throughout Vancouver and Richmond. CIBT CEO Toby Chu said that the need for international student housing in Greater Vancouver is desperate given Vancouver’s low vacancy rate. According to figures from 2011, approximately 100,000 foreign students live in the Greater Vancouver area. The renovated Viva Suites hotel will offer 200 beds, a fitness centre, an electronic library, a TV lounge, and a free shuttle service to area institutions. The company will also provide an airport pickup and shuttle service, a hot meal service, IT support, social activities, and academic counselling. Rent will range from $900 to $2,500 per month.

SFU Working to Improve Research Around Teaching and Learning

CIEC Author

Source: BCcampus News via Academica | February 2, 2015

[CIEC Academic Member] Simon Fraser University’s Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines (ISTLD) is working on the development of a framework and resource guide to assist faculty in designing and conducting research involving the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). “Institutions in other provinces have created tools designed to foster inquiry into teaching and learning,” said ISTLD’s Greg Hum, “But for the most part, they don’t focus enough on the specifics of research design and the analysis step in particular, and this is where we’ve seen many projects struggle. We saw the need for a new resource as an opportunity to create a better conceptualization—one that’s practical and will be embraced by our faculty.” SoTL research consists of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, but many researchers rely heavily on surveys and/or best practices that may limit the outcomes of the research. In addition to building the guide, ISTLD is also working to create user-friendly tools to assist with data analysis.

McMaster, Carleton among world’s greenest universities

CIEC Author

Source: UI GreenMetric University Ranking via Academica | January 30, 2015

6 Canadian universities are among the 100 greenest in the world, according to this year’s Universitas Indonesia (UI) GreenMetric Rankings. Université de Sherbrooke was the top Canadian institution at 14th overall, followed by York University at 35th. Concordia University was ranked 46th, [CIEC Academic Member] McMaster University 66th, the University of Victoria 84th, and [CIEC Academic Member] Carleton University 97th. The rankings are derived from institutions’ scores in 6 categories, including waste management, water usage, transportation, and energy and climate change mitigation. In total, 360 universities from 62 countries were ranked, up from 301 universities last year. The University of Nottingham (UK) took top spot, followed by University College Cork (IE) and Nottingham Trent University (UK). This marks the fifth year in which UI has released its rankings.

OECD Publishes 2015 Education Policy Outlook

CIEC Author

Source: University World News via Academica | January 27, 2015

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published its Education Policy Outlook for 2015. The report identifies a number of key issues and goals for each member nation, as well as identifying high-level international trends. The report notes that many countries are looking to expand PSE graduation rates as a means to combat unemployment and overcome skills gaps, and that the proportion of persons aged 25–34 with tertiary education was consistently higher than that of persons aged 55–64. The report also identified what is described as a reverse gender gap at the PSE level; 46% of women aged 25–34 have attained a PSE credential, compared with 35% of men of the same age. The report also recommends PSE institutions increase pathways to the labour market. In its look at Canada, the report notes the importance of increasing the participation of minority-language and Aboriginal students in PSE, and recommends improvements to the apprenticeship system. It also notes that improving access and efficiency of funding will be an important goal for Canada. The report highlights a number of specific policy responses to these challenges that have been implemented by Canadian institutions.

CBIE Assesses Progress of Canada’s International Education Strategy

CIEC Author

Source: CBIE News via Academica | January 27, 2015

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has issued a progress report on last year’s International Education Strategy (IES), which proposed to double the number of international students studying in Canada by 2022. CBIE reports that there are now nearly 300,000 international students studying in Canada, suggesting that the goal is attainable. CBIE notes that although numbers were already on the rise thanks to institutional and provincial efforts, the federal strategy provided a coordinated approach and allowed organizations to prepare for the necessary student services and supports. Changes to student visa regulations now allow international students to work part-time off campus without obtaining further documentation, making Canada more attractive to those seeking work experience as well as education. CBIE hopes to see an increase in the number of Canadian students studying abroad, in order to strengthen the internationalization of education in general. On this note, CBIE suggests the creation of 15,000 study grants by 2017 to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary and to encourage global engagement.

New Canadian Additions to This Year’s Financial Times World MBA Rankings

CIEC Author

Source: Financial Times via Academica | January 27, 2015

The Financial Times has released this year’s rankings of the top MBA programs in the world, with 6 Canadian universities making the top 100. The Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto is the top-ranking Canadian business school, but dropped 3 places from last year to come in at 53rd. Second place in Canada goes to UBC’s Sauder School of Business (81), with the University of Alberta’s School of Business and Queen’s University’s School of Business tying for third in Canada and 86th overall. Both uAlberta and Queen’s re-entered the rankings this year. [CIEC Academic Member] Western University’s Ivey Business School (97) and McGill University’s Desautels School of Management (100) round out the remaining Canadian schools that appeared in the top 100. Harvard Business School topped the list this year, followed by London Business School in second. The rankings are based on surveys of business schools and alumni, including criteria such as the career progression of alumni, “idea generation,” and the diversity of students and faculty.

MRU to Launch Ambitious 10-year Plan Next Month

CIEC Author

Source: Metro News via Academica | January 26, 2015

Mount Royal University is set to unveil an ambitious 10-year strategic plan that would see the institution expand its degree offerings, roll back its applied programs, and significantly boost enrolment of Aboriginal and international students. According to a draft of the plan obtained by Metro News, MRU will look to add 4 baccalaureate degree programs and phase out its 5 applied degrees. It also hopes to increase the number of majors offered from 42 to 60 and boost total enrolment to 13,000 students by 2024–25, a 60% increase over the current number. In the draft version of the document, MRU President David Docherty describes the plan as “a framework for excellence” that “identifies our key strengths as well as areas where additional focus will benefit our students and university.” The plan, entitled Learning Together, Leading Together, will go before the board of governors for approval in late February.

New Education Abroad Lexicon released by CBIE

CIEC Author

Source: CBIE News Release via Academica | January 23, 2015

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has launched Canada’s Education Abroad Lexicon. The resource is available online and consists of terms and definitions useful to those involved in international education. The lexicon was developed in consultation with educational institutions in Canada, through the use of a survey asking for agreement on certain definitions. New terms will be added to the resource in the future, as the CBIE hopes to create “Canada’s comprehensive and authoritative vocabulary for education abroad.” The terms currently included are meant to help institutions and governments develop new programs and track Canadian participation in education abroad.

CFI Awards $35M in Research Infrastructure Funding

CIEC Author

Source: CFI News Release via Academica | January 22, 2015

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded $35 M in research infrastructure funding to 37 universities across the country. The funding was awarded through the CFI’s John R Evans Leaders Fund, which was created to help universities develop infrastructure in order to attract and retain highly skilled researchers. Canadian Minister of State (Science and Technology) Ed Holder made the funding announcement at the University of Saskatchewan [CIEC Academic Member], where researchers will use CFI funding for projects related to animal health, pet food, biofuels, cancer, and freshwater monitoring and rehabilitation. “Thanks to new CFI-funded research tools, our researchers are working with industry partners … to come up with innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and help build healthy and prosperous communities,” said uSask VP Research Karen Chad. A complete list of recipients is available as part of CFI’s announcement.

BCIT to Offer New Degree in Mining and Mineral Resource Technology

CIEC Author

Source: BCIT News Release via Academica | January 21, 2015

The British Columbia Institute of Technology [CIEC Academic Member] will soon offer a new Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering, reportedly the first such degree in Canada. The program will offer students “a unique combination of geology, mineral exploration, and mining.” In a news release, BCIT says that this will be the only degree in Canada that combines skills such as mineral exploration geology with mine engineering. “This degree will close the knowledge gap that often exists between geologists and engineers. By leading the way in our field, BCIT is addressing a direct industry need for qualified persons with a diverse skill set,” said Robert Stevens, Associate Dean of Engineering and Natural Resources. The program is expected to launch in September.

Language Skills Prevent Skilled Immigrants from Realizing Economic Potential

CIEC Author

Source: Vancouver Sun via Academica | January 20, 2015

In a piece for the Vancouver Sun, columnist Don Cayo calls on Canada to do more to help immigrants develop their English and French language skills. Cayo says that while many immigrants to Canada are highly educated, they must often settle for lesser jobs and smaller paycheques because of difficulty communicating in one or both of the country’s official languages. Cayo cites research from scholars at the University of Waterloo and Princeton University that suggests that “linguistic proximity”—the degree of similarity between an immigrant’s mother tongue and one or both of Canada’s official languages—bears a relationship to an individual’s ability to get a better job in Canada. Language difficulties, Cayo says, prevent immigrants from reaching their professional and economic potential in Canada, and inhibit them from contributing to the broader economy. Cayo goes on to suggest that improving language skills is essential in the face of a looming shortage of skilled, articulate, and well-educated workers.

uWindsor Offers Unique Border Management and International Trade Certificate

CIEC Author

Source: uWindsor News Release via Academica | January 19, 2015

The Cross-Border Institute at the University of Windsor will offer a new Border Management and International Trade Certificate program. The program, described as the first of its kind in the world, will be made available in partnership with the Forum for International Trade Training. Students will complete 8 courses to build expertise in areas such as international trade, border management, and cross-border logistics and security. It has been designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals and students working in complementary disciplines. “This is a program that bridges the traditional disciplines and will address emerging trends in international trade while taking into consideration the needs and focus of stakeholders from such areas as government, industry, and academia,” said Bill Anderson, Director of the Cross-Border Transportation Centre.

Premier Robert Ghiz Strengthens Trade and Academic Ties

CIEC Author

Source: High Commission of Canada

Premier of the Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island, Robert Ghiz, led a provincial delegation to India to further strengthen education and business ties with India. In addition to participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Premier Ghiz also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Canada’s University of Prince Edward Island and India’s Uka Tarsadia University. In Mumbai, Premier Ghiz interacted with entrepreneurs and innovators at Zone Startups/India.

UBC Program Offers Path for Internationally Trained Midwives to Work in BC

CIEC Author

Source: BC News Release via Academica | January 16, 2015

A new program at UBC will pave the way for internationally trained midwives to be granted licenses to work in British Columbia. The program, which will complement UBC’s existing 4-year midwifery undergraduate degree program, will launch as a pilot with 4 students this spring, with plans to accept 8 first-year students by January 2016. The program will be tailored for each student in order to recognize individuals’ diverse experience and training. After completing the program, students will be eligible to sit the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination to apply for licensure from the College of Midwives of BC. BC will provide $680,000 in support of the program. “This program, combined with the doubling of enrolment in our 4-year bachelor’s program, will help UBC fill the province’s growing need for qualified midwives by providing an additional pathway to licensure,” said Michelle Butler, Director of UBC’s midwifery program. She also noted that the program will help diversify the profession to reflect BC’s immigrant and second-generation communities.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Visits IIM Bangalore

CIEC Author

Source: IIM Bangalore | January 14, 2015

Emphasizing Canada’s focus on fiscal rectitude and innovation, the zeal with which it advocates open markets and its concerted efforts to overcome skills mismatch, Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander wooed talented Indians, be they entrepreneurs or MBA graduates, in his hour-long talk at IIM Bangalore today.

“We want to pursue the value of immigration. We have carefully and deliberately reformed our immigration system,” he said, listing Canada’s Express Entry visa and the Start-Up visas for entrepreneurs as steps in that direction.

Inviting start-ups to be incubated in Canada, he said many Indian entrepreneurs had set up businesses last year and there were many projects in the pipeline from Bangalore this year. “You talk of Silicon Valley in our neighbor country, we we have Quantum Valley in our country where cutting-edge research happens.”

He spoke of his country’s focus on strategic investments, complemented by a relatively low tax business environment and openness to new markets had led them to go from just 5-6 free trade agreements a decade ago to free trade agreements with 49 countries now. “We want to move at the speed of business, not at the speed of bureaucracy,” he said, observing that India was the centerpiece of such partnerships. “Whether it is pharmaceuticals or medical research, life sciences or fields such as Ayurveda and yoga, India excites us,” declared the minister who arrived in the city after leading the Canadian delegation at the Vibrant Gujarat summit.

Delighted at the number of exchange partnerships that a management school such as IIM Bangalore has with top B-schools in Canada, he said: “We cannot grow without leadership, exchange and innovation.”

Describing immigration as the key factor for Canada’s growth, he said his country was keen to benefit from the talent and unique skills of people from anywhere in the world. He drew attention to the quality of life in Canada’s top cities and said: “A youngster looking to work in animation or video games or keen on a technology start-up will feel most at home in any of our cities. When I say we are welcoming, I don’t mean those huge welcome signs at the airport but the ways in which people treat you on the metro.”

Charting the course of Canada’s business environment from the 1960’s to now, he said the turning point had arrived when entrepreneurship and innovation were brought into government. “We repaid debt, we launched an ambitious plan for reducing taxes, we targeted tax relief for families, especially the middle class, and we put our on focus on fiscal discipline. That’s why though we were tested by the 2008 crisis, unlike our neighbor, our banks neither failed nor bailed out, unemployment did not spike and the real estate market did not tank.”

Stating that there was a lot of scope to “right size” Canada’s relationship with India through all the new immigration initiatives, he said: “We are in territory a little bigger than you – all right, so we are a lot colder than you – but we are just 35 million to your 1.2 billion. We want to benefit from your talent and your uniqueness,” he said.

Earlier in the afternoon, N Ravi, Career diplomat and Senior Fellow, IIM Bangalore, introduced the minister to the gathering.

The minister’s talk was followed by a Q&A session, where students and entrepreneurs in areas as diverse as transport and sports management sought information on Canada’s integration initiatives for immigrants.

Lumina President Says PSE Must Change to Accommodate Shifting Demographics

CIEC Author

Source: The Hill via Academica | January 13, 2015

In an editorial published in The Hill, Lumina Foundation President Jamie Merisotis argues that PSE must adapt to meet changes in student demographics. Merisotis notes that today’s students are far more diverse than those in the past, and coming from a broader range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, as well as being older and having more work experience. He also cites a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research that shows that a quarter of all college students are raising dependent children, with half of those being single parents. Merisotis says that PSE leaders must “redesign education beyond high school” in order to improve attainment rates and close the talent gap. He calls for 3 specific shifts: first, he calls for changes to financial aid to maximize its impact, including incentives for students who make rapid progress and complete their degrees; second, he says that educators should measure student learning rather than classroom time, turning to a more competency-based approach to assessment; and finally, he calls for the “democratization of high-quality instruction” by making the knowledge and skills needed to obtain credentials more accessible.

Global PSE Participation Rates Predicted to Reach 50% by 2025

CIEC Author

Source: Times Higher Education via Academica | January 13, 2015

PSE participation rates should continue to climb as demand increases in countries such as China and India, according to Simon Marginson of the University College London Institute of Education. Marginson told attendees of a recent conference of the Society for Research into Higher Education that the global gross tertiary enrolment ratio (GTER) has climbed from 14% in 1992 to 32% in 2012, and that it will exceed 50% by 2025. Marginson said that growth over the next 10 years will be fueled not by state planning or the world economy, but by the rise of an aspirational middle class in developing countries. “Once a mass system is in place,” he argued, “popular demand is rising and the costs of non-participation is apparent, [so] the state is less crucial.” Marginson also said that a poor graduate job market will not act as a deterrent due to the “incoherent” relationship between higher education and the labour market.

COTR Reports “Substantial” Uptick in Winter Enrolments

COTR Reports “Substantial” Uptick in Winter Enrolments

CIEC Author

Source: COTR News Release via Academica | January 12, 2015

College of the Rockies [CIEC Academic Member] in BC is reporting what it is describing as a “substantial” increase in enrolments in its university transferable courses as well as in many other programs for the winter semester. Tourism, Kinesiology, and Business are seeing the largest growth. Registrar DJ Silva said, “this indicates that students continue to see us as a viable option for starting their university education. Smaller class sizes, affordable tuition, and the ability to stay at home for the first year or 2 of their postsecondary journey makes starting at the College an appealing choice.” Silva noted that online enrolments and international enrolments are also up. Lethbridge College also recently announced an increase in winter enrolments, thanks in part to their online programs.

New Tuition Incentive in NS Aims to Recruit Doctors to Rural Areas

CIEC Author

Source: NS News Release via Academica | January 9, 2015

The Nova Scotia government has announced a new initiative designed to recruit doctors to underserved communities in the province. The incentive program offers to repay the cost of tuition for medical school, up to $120,000, in exchange for a 5-year commitment to practise in an underserved community. The program is open to 25 medical students in residency, or doctors from outside the province who have practised for less than 7 years, over the next 4 years. The program is the main recommendation of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Action Team, an expert panel set up to identify ways to recruit and retain doctors. “Not only will this program represent a first step in assisting new and recent graduates repay student debt, it will have a positive impact on the health of Nova Scotians by placing physicians in underserviced areas of the province,” said Russell Christie, President of Dalhousie Medical Students Society.

BC Releases Labour Market Forecast for Next 7 Years

CIEC Author

Source: BC News Release via Academica | January 7, 2015

British Columbia’s government has released a new report that predicts that there will be nearly 1 M job openings between now and 2022. Two-thirds of those openings are expected to be due to the retirement of baby boomers, with the remaining third attributed to economic growth. Four-fifths of the positions will require some form of PSE, and 44% of the jobs will be in skilled trades and technical occupations. The province also suggests that liquid natural gas development could add an additional 100,000 openings to the forecasted figure. The 3 occupation groups with the most expected openings over the next 7 years are projected to be sales and service occupations; business, finance, and administration occupations; and trades, transport, and equipment operators and related occupations. Most openings will occur in the Lower Mainland, while the Northeast, the North Coast and Nechako, and the Lower Mainland/Southwest regions are expected to see growth in demand for workers at rates above the provincial average of 1.2%.

Study Finds That Out-of-Province and International Students Remain in NL After Graduating

CIEC Author

Source: The Telegram via Academica | January 6, 2015

A survey by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador has found that many students who move to NL to study are sticking around. The study surveyed 3,500 PSE students, finding that 43% of Canadians from other provinces were still living in NL 2 years after graduating. Among international students, 71% were still residing in NL 2 years after graduating. Meanwhile, 90% of local students remained in the province. NL’s Auditor General has suggested that the province’s tuition freeze be reviewed, but Advanced Education and Skills Minister Kevin O’Brien said that “the number of out-of-province students staying after graduation proves the freeze is doing what the government wants.” Tuition fees have been frozen in NL since 1999 and are currently the lowest in Canada.

CICIC Redesigns Website to Better Meet Needs of User Groups

CIEC Author

Source: CICIC Website via Academica | December 16, 2014

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) has unveiled its newly redesigned website. The website offers resources to help students and education professionals find critical information on mobility and credential recognition. It offers specific information to users based on their situation and needs. For individuals, the site includes information on the credential recognition process to study or work in Canada or abroad, as well as directories of Canadian educational institutions, occupational profiles, Canadian offshore schools and international education resources, and international labour-mobility resources. Assessors can access a number of international academic credential assessment resources as well as information about important initiatives related to credential assessment. Education professionals, meanwhile, can find information on education systems and quality-assurance mechanisms in Canada. The site’s new “Connect the Dots!” feature helps users identify with a simple questionnaire the information most pertinent to their needs.

StatsCan Report Offers International Context for Canada’s Education Indicators

CIEC Author

Source: StatsCan Daily via Academica | December 16, 2014

Statistics Canada has released a new report that puts Canada’s education indicators in an international context. According to the report, the proportion of Canadian adults aged 25–64 with college or university completion has risen from 40% in 2000 to 53% in 2012, the highest rate among Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) countries. 25% of Canadians aged 25–64 had completed non-university certificates or diplomas from community colleges, schools of nursing or university certificates below the bachelor’s level. The report also indicates that the 2012 employment rate among Canadians aged 25–64 who had completed a college or university program was 80%. Canada was found to have allocated 95.2% of the total expenditure per student to core services; the total expenditure per student at the university level was US$27,102, the highest among all OECD countries. StatsCan also notes that Canada allocates 6.4% of its GDP on educational institutions, just slightly higher than the OECD average of 6.1%. In 2011, the report says, there were 122,277 international students registered in college or university programs in Canada, accounting for 8.2% of all students enrolled in tertiary education; the highest proportion of those (27%) came from China.

HEC Montréal Receives $1M Donation to Create Professorship and Scholarships

CIEC Author

Source: HEC Montréal News via Academica | December 15, 2014

Lallemand Inc has donated $1 M to HEC Montréal to create the Lallemand – Marcel and Roland Chagnon Fund. The donation will help establish a professorship in international business and international exchange and entrepreneurship scholarships to further strengthen HEC Montréal’s global business research and initiatives. Research conducted in the Department of International Business enables Quebec businesses to create and maintain global business networks. “By encouraging access to higher studies through scholarships, Lallemand is paving the way for international success for future managers fascinated by the interdependence of nations, the strategic issues related to internationalization and innovation, and global social development,” said HEC Montréal Director Michel Patry. The donation was made as part of the Campus Montréal fundraising campaign.

Ryerson Launches New Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Doctors

CIEC Author

Source: Ryerson News Release via Academica | December 12, 2014

Ryerson University’s G Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education yesterday launched the new Internationally Trained Medical Doctors Bridging Program. The program will help integrate qualified, internationally trained doctors into non-licensed health-care employment. It will address a number of barriers faced by internationally trained doctors through an 11-week curriculum that will include sector-specific in-class training and 4-week practicum placements. The program is responding to an identified need for health professionals qualified to participate in and support non-clinical initiatives. Students will also develop their skills in areas such as health research, health informatics, data analysis, and health management. The first cohort of students will begin their studies in mid-January.

AUCC Report Shows That Internationalization Is A Priority, But Flow Goes One Way

CIEC Author

Source: AUCC News Release via Academica | December 11, 2014

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) has released a new report on internationalization at universities. According to the report, 89% of universities surveyed said that the pace of internationalization is accelerating on campus, 96% ensure internationalization is integrated in strategic plans, and 80% identify internationalization as being among their top 5 priorities. 97% of Canadian universities offer international experience, with nearly all allowing students to complete coursework abroad, 70% sending students to foreign field schools, 67% offering service work or volunteer opportunities abroad, 67% helping students do research abroad, and 66% offering foreign work experience. 53% of institutions said the most important reason for internationalization was to “prepare internationally knowledgeable and inter-culturally competent graduates.” However, the survey also shows that internationalization remains a largely unidirectional affair: just 3.1% of full-time undergraduate students had an international experience in 2012–13, with just 2.6% participating in a for-credit experience abroad. Cost and inflexible credit transfer policies were cited as particular concerns in this area. The report also found that China is the top focus of most universities’ internationalization activities, while students’ preferred destinations are primarily English-speaking and major western European countries.

5 Canadian Institutions Among Top 100 in Global Employability Rankings

CIEC Author

Source: Times Higher Education via Academica | December 9, 2014

Times Higher Education has released its 2014 Global Employability survey rankings. The rankings are based on surveys of 2,500 international recruiters in 20 countries. The top Canadian university on this year’s list is the University of Toronto, which appears in 13th position, up one spot from last year. McGill University finished in 28th position, up 2 places from last year. HEC Montréal moved up 12 spots, from 59th in 2013 to 47th this year. UBC dropped 4 spots from 51st to 55th, and McMaster University dropped from 73rd to 80th. The University of Cambridge finished in first place overall, followed by Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oxford, and the California Institute of Technology.

uSask Celebrates End of Construction on New Cyclotron

CIEC Author

Source: The StarPhoenix via Academica | December 9, 2014

Researchers, politicians, and campus leaders gathered at the University of Saskatchewan [CIEC Academic Member] last Friday to celebrate the end of construction on the institution’s new cyclotron. The $25 M technology will be used beginning in 2015 to produce medical isotopes used in imaging to help diagnose and treat diseases including cancer. The isotopes will also be used to help develop new ways of diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. “This new facility will improve human, animal, and plant health through advanced molecular imaging research. Each and every day, we are going to be helping patients,” said uSask VP Research Karen Chad. Previously, Saskatchewan had been the only non-Atlantic province without its own active cyclotron.

WesternU to Open $5 M AIDS Research Facility

CIEC Author

Source: WesternU News Release via Academica | December 4, 2014

Western University has announced plans to establish a new $5 M facility dedicated to the study of pathogens such as HIV/AIDS at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Researchers at the facility, to be called The Imaging Pathogen and Knowledge Translation Facility, will use advanced imaging technology to track viruses, bugs, and treatments in lab animals without having to rely on dissections. “This type of facility doesn’t exist anywhere in the world,” said researcher Eric Arts. Arts added that he expects that the new building, which will replacing outdated existing pathogen containment facilities at WesternU, will enable the institution to attract more leading researchers. “We haven’t been able to do the imaging work,” said Greg Dekaban, who had been involved in the creation of a containment facility at WesternU in the late 1980s. “I’m really pleased to see this re-birth.”

SK Launches New International Education Strategy

CIEC Author

Source: SK News Release via Academica | November 26, 2014

Saskatchewan has launched a new International Education Strategy that aims to increase the number of SK students studying abroad, increase the number of international students studying in SK, and increase the number and value of international research partnerships. The Strategy outlines several initiatives that will be implemented to accomplish these 3 goals, including the foundation of an annual International Future Scholarship to help SK students study business abroad; the re-establishment of a postsecondary international education council to foster collaboration between government, PSE institutions, and industry; and the development of a provincial marketing strategy to promote studying internationally for SK students and to attract international students to SK. “We want our young people to acquire the skills they need to work in a global context and strengthen our province’s cultural business expertise worldwide,” said SK’s Advanced Education Minister Kevin Doherty. “This will help to build relationships with our trading partners, to increase investments and partnerships to keep our provincial economy strong. For the students that return to their home countries, they will become excellent ambassadors of our province.”

8th Annual ICEF Agent Barometer Survey Gathers Insights from 104 Countries

CIEC Author

Source: ICEF Monitor | November 26, 2014

The results from the 2014 installment of the ICEF i-graduate Agent Barometer – the most comprehensive survey of education agents regarding their perspectives on the international education markets – are in. This is the eighth year in a row the survey has run, providing a wealth of multi-year trend data.

The 2014 survey ran for three weeks during October, with 1,065 agents from 104 countries responding.

For a full analysis of the 2014 i-graduate Agent Barometer, please visit the ICEF website.

CIEC would like to thank ICEF for their thought provoking presentation at the 2014 CBIE Conference in Ottawa and for making their presentation slides available here.

CBIE Says Canada Must Send More Students to Study Abroad

CIEC Author

Source: CBIE News Release via Academica | November 24, 2014

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has released its annual report on the state of international education in Canada. According to the report, the number of international students coming to Canada is increasing; however, only 3% of Canadian students are studying internationally. CBIE says that this number needs to improve to 15%. “If we don’t increase the number of students studying abroad, we won’t be involved in the trade deals that Canada is putting into place now, or in meeting global challenges,” said CBIE President Karen McBride. The report also found that 50% of international students intend to apply for permanent residence in Canada, that 55% of international students intend to pursue additional studies in Canada after completing their current program, and that 2013 figures show an 84% increase in international students in Canada over the last decade and an 11% increase over the previous year.

Survey Shows International Students Believe Canada is Safe, Affordable for Studies

CIEC Author

Source: Asian Pacific Post via Academica | November 20, 2014

A new survey of international students from Asia and the Middle East has shown that, among English speaking destinations, Canada has a strong reputation for affordability and safety. The survey polled 1,000 students who had used the services of the global education agency IDP. Canada ranked as the top nation for affordability and safety, and was ranked second for graduate employment opportunities and government student visa requirements and policies. Canada ranked fourth for quality of education, finishing behind the US, Australia, and the UK. 44% of the students completing the survey were enrolled or planned to enrol in STEM fields; 43% in commerce and management; and 10% in health. Three-quarters said that they had parental support to fund their education. Respondents said that the top reason they felt an international education was “worth it” was “to gain better knowledge/skills than at home,” followed by “obtaining a good job in a chosen field” and “earning more money.”  The majority of respondents were from India.

Ivey Named Top International Business School by Businessweek

CIEC Author

Source: Businessweek via Academica | November 13, 2014

Businessweek has released its biennial rankings of full-time MBA programs, naming the Ivey School of Business at Western University [CIEC Academic Member] the top international business program. Ivey climbed 6 places to take the top spot. Queen’s University’s business school appears in 10th spot, falling 6 places from its position in the 2012 rankings. The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business climbed 3 spots to reach 11th on the list, with McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management appearing at 15th, down from 10th in 2012. Concordia’s Molson School of Business appears on the list for the first time, ranked 20th. York University’s Schulich School of Business was ranked 24th, down from 14th in 2012. Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business was named the top American school.

More International Students Are Choosing Canada

CIEC Author

Source: Canada News Release via Academica | November 11, 2014

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander last week announced that Canada is on track to welcome a record number of international students this school year. According to preliminary reports, Canada has so far issued 103,999 study permits to foreign students, an 11% increase over 2013, and a 26% increase over 2012. More than half of these students are coming from China (29,414), India (13,758), South Korea (7,284), France (7,045), and the United States (4,847). “Our government is proud that Canada continues to be a study destination of choice for international students. International students generate an estimated $8 billion in economic activity in Canada each year and thousands will remain in Canada permanently, putting their education and experience to work and contributing to economic and job growth in Canada,” said Alexander. In January, Canada released a new International Education Strategy that aims to increase the number of international students in Canada to 450,000 by 2022.

B.C. Premier Christy Clark in India

CIEC Author

Source: CONNECT: Canada In India | November 10, 2014

The Premier of the Canadian province of British Columbia, Christy Clark, led a trade mission to India, from October 9 to 18, joined by British Columbia’s Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk, and trade and education delegates.

In addition to meeting the Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, Premier Clark met with key government officials and business leaders in Chandigarh, New Delhi, and Mumbai to further strengthen trade and bilateral ties with India. Minister Virk also traveled to Bengaluru to raise awareness of the great potential for secondary and post-secondary education partnerships, joint research initiatives, and student exchange.

The trade mission focused on a number of key areas including education, natural gas, clean technology, life sciences, film, digital arts and finance.

Week of High-level Engagement with India

CIEC Author

Source: CONNECT: Canada in India | November 10, 2014

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird Minister of International Trade Ed Fast and Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights Deepak Obhrai and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice Bob Dechert visited India during a week of high-level visits in October.

Minister Baird and Minister Fast notably met India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss international security and the expanding bilateral relationship between Canada and India.

During his visit to New Delhi, from October 13 to 14, Minister Baird and India’s Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj participated in the second annual Canada-India Strategic Dialogue. Minister Baird also participated in several other events to further bolster ties and areas of cooperation between the two countries.

As part of his visit to India, from October 12 to 18, Minister Fast, joined by Minister Findlay, led a trade mission to Mumbai, New Delhi and Chandigarh, accompanied by representatives from 14 Canadian companies. In addition to bilateral meetings with senior leaders and ministers, Minister Fast and Minister Findlay also witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at bolstering Canada-India trade and investment partnerships.

In the lead-up to their visit, Minister Baird and Minister Fast announced the appointment of Nadir Patel as the High Commissioner-designate for Canada to India.

BC Awards $42.6 M in Research Funding to 6 Institutions

CIEC Author

Source: BC News Release via Academica | Nov 4, 2014

British Columbia has awarded $42.6 M in research infrastructure funding to 6 PSE institutions in the province, to be distributed through the BC Knowledge Development Fund. The funds will support 100 research projects in BC, especially in the priority research areas of life sciences, technology, clean technology, and natural resources. “Our government invests in innovation to grow and diversify our economy. Development of research and innovation into commercial opportunities leads to the jobs and investments that make the technology sector a major contributor to the provincial economy,” said BC Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson. Simon Fraser University [CIEC Academic Member] will receive $12.6 M in funding to support projects ranging from chronic pain to solar energy, while UBC will receive $26.9 M for 70 research projects, including an initiative to map the universe and a project on personalizing cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Durham, UOIT Partner to Create Pathways for International Students

Durham, UOIT Partner to Create Pathways for International Students

CIEC Author

Source: Durham News Release via Academica | October 30, 2014

Durham College [CIEC Academic Member] and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology have signed a new pathways agreement that will help international students complete diploma and degree requirements more quickly. Under the agreement, eligible international applicants to Durham College will receive a letter of admission that states that they will be eligible for direct enrolment with advanced standing in a relevant UOIT undergraduate program. “The Pathways agreement further strengthens our partnership with Durham College and our collective commitment to providing seamless access to high-quality, industry-driven and career-oriented programs,” said UOIT’s VP Research, Innovation and International Michael Owen. Nevzat Gurmen, VP Corporate Services at Durham, added, “we look forward to working with UOIT to provide new international applicants with access to academic pathways that will enable them to earn both a diploma and a degree in several different areas right here in Durham Region.”

Canada Creates Panel to Improve Recognition of Foreign Credentials

CIEC Author

Source: Canada News Release via Academica | October 30, 2014

The federal government has created the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians in order to improve the recognition of the credentials of internationally trained professionals. “Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Our government recognizes that skilled newcomers will help fill shortages in key occupations and make an important contribution to Canada’s economy. The work of the Panel will help to shape strategies to better integrate newcomers into the workforce and break down barriers faced by employers when hiring and retaining newcomers,” said Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism. The panel will consist of experts in newcomer integration, diversity, and certification. Immigrant advocate and social entrepreneur Nick Noorani [of CIEC Academic Member Destination Canada Information Inc.] will serve as Chair of the panel.

Ontario Considering Funding for International Grad Students

Ontario Considering Funding for International Grad Students

CIEC Author

Source: The Globe and Mail via Academica | Oct. 22, 2014

Ontario is weighing the possibility of offering funding for international graduate students in response to pressure from the province’s universities. Leaders at Ontario’s universities say that the lack of funding for international graduate students limits their ability to attract top-notch global talent; as a result, universities say that they face challenges when competing on the world stage. The lack of funding has made Ontario institutions very cautious when accepting applicants. Allison Sekuler, Dean of Graduate Studies at McMaster University, said, “We are not able to bring in the best and brightest from around the world and we will start to see Ontario universities falling in the rankings. We’ve started to see that a little bit.” Ontario is currently one of a minority of provinces that does not provide funding for graduate students from abroad; Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia provide the same amount of funding for international students as they do domestic students, while Quebec and British Columbia provide partial funding. However, such a move would likely be controversial in Ontario; a previous attempt by then-premier Dalton McGuinty met widespread criticism.

SFU Formalizes Partnerships with Indian Firms

SFU Formalizes Partnerships with Indian Firms

CIEC Author

Source: SFU News Release via Academica | October 21, 2014

Simon Fraser University [CIEC Academic Member] and Ryerson University last week signed an agreement with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute (BSEI), formalizing a letter of intent signed in January. The signing officially creates the BSEI-Ryerson-SFU Accelerator Program India, a Mumbai-based incubator/accelerator that will help entrepreneurs in both countries launch start-ups and connect with mentors, investors, and customers. SFU also signed an agreement with Indian Oil Corp Ltd (IOCL) to further their collaborative research into hydrogen and fuel cell technology. SFU previously announced plans to work with IOCL on an initiative to bring Indian PhD students to SFU to train in the fuel cell technologies, hydrogen, and clean energy, a program which will commence in January. SFU also recently announced an agreement with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to create a new visiting scholars program.

CIEC and Stephen Harper Attend the 14th National Diwali Celebration in Toronto

CIEC Author

On October 18, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with Husain F. Neemuchwala (CIEC – CEO) & Kalpa Pathak (CIEC – Director of Public Affairs & Member Services) took part in the 14th National Diwali Celebration at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada.

Visit our YouTube channel

View photos from the 14th National Diwali Celebration on our Google+ page

PM Stephen Harper Delivers Remarks in Brampton

CIEC Author

Source: Government of Canada | October 18, 2014

Video: Husain F. Neemuchwala (CIEC – CEO) & Kalpa Pathak (CIEC – Director of Public Affairs & Member Services) on Toronto’s CP24 News

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today delivered the following remarks at the 14th Annual Diwali Celebration in Brampton:

“Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Namaste and happy Diwali everybody! I just want to begin by acknowledging all of my colleagues. First of all, by thanking our master of ceremonies today, one more big hand for Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Chris Alexander. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to my introducer and caucus colleague, as we know who is the gentleman who really put Diwali on our national calendar in Canada, one more hand for the Honourable Deepak Obhrai. And of course colleagues I’m just delighted with how many of my friends and colleagues from both Houses of our Parliament have come here today. So I’d ask everybody – Parm Gill, everyone else –  to stand. Please give one more round for all these great Members of Parliament who are joining us. Colleagues from all levels of government, members of the diplomatic corps, respected religious and spiritual leaders, ladies and gentlemen. I want to extend my personal gratitude to our host here today, the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and to all the regional temples – there are so many – who are playing a role in today’s festivities. This is a very impressive turnout. So a big hand to all of the organizers of this event.”

“Friends, the Indo-Canadian community has a proud and rich history in our country. Since the first Indian immigrants arrived in Canada more than a century ago, the Indo-Canadian community has grown in size and prominence. And you, India’s sons and daughters, have and continue to make lasting contributions to Canada’s strength and to our prosperity. Some of these contributions can be seen, quite literally, all around us. This beautiful Hindu Sabha Mandir, I’m told as Deepak said, the oldest and largest of its kind in Canada, and my second visit – what a beautiful place to hold this, thank you everybody, our hosts here. Not far from here, the extraordinary BAPS Mandir, a stunning complex that I had the great honour to officially open back in 2007. There’s the Gur Sikh temple, the oldest standing SikhTemple in North America. And of course the Vishnu Mandir, which I had the pleasure of visiting two weeks ago. Those and many other impressive Hindu and Sikh facilities are true, visible monuments to the accomplishments and vitality of our Indo-Canadian community. Of course, in addition to stunning temples, you’ve also helped to build stronger cities and communities. Indeed, as a result of your commitment to work and education, to faith and to family, you’ve helped build a better and more prosperous country for all of us. So thank you for that.”

“Now, friends, all of these beautiful temples remind me of my two trips to India, the two trips that Laureen and I have had the pleasure of making. I want to thank you as well for the important role that I know many of you here are playing in strengthening relations between Canada and India. The bottom line is this: the relationship between Canada and India is strong. In fact, it is stronger than it has been in decades. It is a great relationship. Something that we all should be very proud of. And friends, our Government is committed to continuing to enhance this special relationship with India, a rising economic power, and one of the fastest growing regions in the world today. In the world; I should also add in the Solar System, because just recently, India became the first country ever to put a spacecraft in Mars-orbit on the very first try. And I know Deepak had an opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on that remarkable achievement. Friends, you can be sure that India will remain a key priority in Canada’s international agenda. We will continue to work to eliminate barriers that interfere with bilateral trade and investment, and we will continue to reform our immigration system to make it easier for immigrants to build a life here in Canada and contribute to this country to the maximum of their capacity.”

“Now ladies and gentlemen, I just want to close with this on this occasion. As you know, we’re here today to celebrate the great Hindu, Sikh and Jain tradition, now the great Canadian tradition of Diwali. And I will admit that this year – perhaps more than any other – I am pleased to mark Diwali, ’The Festival of Lights,’ because in this year, much of our world has become a darker place, and certainly, it has become more dangerous. And friends, that is precisely why we need to celebrate Diwali. For Diwali reminds us that light always casts out darkness. That truth always dispels ignorance and fear. That there is good in the world, and that, in the end, good will triumph. Diwali also reminds us that we have much to be thankful for: safe and healthy families in a country – a home – that is peaceful and prosperous and full of opportunities for those looking to build a better life for those they love. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank all of you for being here, particularly our hosts, and for all that you are contributing to this magnificent country. Happy Diwali, everybody!”