Author: CIEC Author

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Releases Report on Getting Graduates into Labour Market

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Source: CCC Report via Academica | Oct 16, 2014

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has released a new report entitled “A Battle We Can’t Afford to Lose: Getting Young Canadians from Education to Employment.” The report considers 3 factors that it says affect young Canadians’ ability to join the labour market: labour market information, career decision-making, and work-integrated learning. The CCC calls on governments, education providers, and businesses to collaborate in order to mitigate skills mismatching and to help students transition from education to employment, and identifies the development of basic skills—including literacy, numeracy, technological literacy, and problem solving—as a priority issue. The report emphasizes the value of “soft” skills, including relationship-building skills and communication skills, as being particularly important for entry-level positions; moreover, it highlights the importance of strong labour market information to help guide career decision-making, curricula design, recruitment strategies, and education policy-making. The CCC also emphasizes the value of work-integrated learning, and suggests that it is underused by university students.

SFU Establishes Visiting Scholars Program with India

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Source: SFU News Release via Academica | Oct. 15, 2014

Simon Fraser University [CIEC Academic Member] has formally signed an agreement with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to create a new visiting scholars program. The agreement reportedly makes SFU the first Canadian institution to receive ICCR support for such a program. Through the partnership, SFU will host scholars in disciplines including international studies, contemporary arts, business, and world literature. “This program strengthens our already extensive ties with India. Bringing leading Indian scholars to SFU will enrich our educational programs and research environment, while providing opportunities to further share India’s rich heritage and culture with the communities we serve,” said SFU President Andrew Petter.

HEC Montréal, Mouvement Desjardins Partner on International Institute for Cooperatives

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Source: HEC News Release via Academica | Oct. 10, 2014

HEC Montréal has partnered with Mouvement Desjardins to create the new Alphonse and Dormiène Desjardins International Institute for Cooperatives. The Institute will promote research into financial and non-financial cooperatives, as well as offer a forum for debate, learning, and the sharing of best practices among those involved in the cooperative movement. It will include the International Observatory on Cooperatives, which will facilitate access to research on cooperatives, and the Centre for Expertise and Knowledge Transfer on the Management of Cooperatives, which will organize knowledge transfer and training activities. “HEC Montréal has long aspired to be an international player in research into cooperatives. Now the creation of this unique institute has made it possible for us to support research into the management of cooperatives worldwide,” said HEC Montréal President Michel Patry. Rym Ayadi will serve as Director of the Institute.

NS to Hold New Round of Consultations on Role of University System

NS to Hold New Round of Consultations on Role of University System

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Source: NS News Release via Academica | Oct 10, 2014

Nova Scotia is launching a new round of public consultations into the role of universities in the province. The government will reach out to students, faculty, campus staff, university Presidents, businesses, and the international community to collect ideas on how universities can help improve the provincial economy and keep young people in NS. “Nova Scotia universities are among the top in the country in terms of bringing in international students. So we’re at the forefront of that, but it’s to make sure that there’s a good alignment between the needs of the province and what universities are providing,” said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Kelly Regan. Among the issues to be considered in the consultation process is how to make higher education more affordable for students. The latest round of consultations follows a report submitted to the province 4 years ago by economist Tim O’Neill, who recommended tying operating grants to population growth, government spending growth, or GDP, as well as exploring mergers, private-public partnerships, and tuition increases. The sessions are expected to lead to the release of a “vision paper” in early 2015.

New StFX President Commits to Research, Internationalization, Accessibility

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Source: StFX News via Academica | Oct. 7, 2014

At his installation ceremony on Friday, Kent MacDonald identified 3 priorities for his time as President of St Francis Xavier University. First, MacDonald announced a recommitment to StFX’s academic mission, pledging to add $1 M to the research budget for faculty and student researchers. MacDonald also announced his intention to expand StFX’s global reach through the development of a comprehensive international strategy. He further committed to increasing the number of international students on campus to 10% of all students. MacDonald also said that he aims to increase StFX’s total enrolment to 5,000 students. Finally, MacDonald announced that he intends to raise $25 M over the next 5 years through the Xavieran Legacy Fund to improve accessibility and offer educational opportunities to “the most talented students, regardless of background.”

Humber Shares its First Internationalization Strategy

Humber Shares its First Internationalization Strategy

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Source: Humber Blog via Academica | Oct. 3, 2014

Humber College [CIEC Academic Member] has published the details of its internationalization strategy. Humber’s approach is organized around 5 goals: recruit an increasingly diverse group of students from around the globe; provide opportunities for students to earn credits while studying abroad; ensure that faculty and staff are equipped to support internationalization; develop partnerships focused on intercultural academic exchanges and collaboration that engage the Humber community; and advance initiatives that enable faculty and students to contribute to international development initiatives globally. To achieve these goals, Humber will invest in marketing efforts and international student support services. Moreover, the institution has launched a Global Citizenship Certificate, a set of courses, travel experiences, and co-curricular activities that fit into students’ current studies. Humber says that it will also work on further internationalizing its curriculum and processes, as well as expanding its network of international partnerships, among other initiatives.

Business Schools Offering International, Aboriginal Programs to Meet Diversity Needs

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Source: Financial Post via Academica | Sept. 26, 2014

The Financial Post has published a report on how business schools are adjusting to meet the needs of International and Indigenous students in the face of a diversifying student body. Murali Chandrashekaran, Associate Dean of UBC’s Sauder School of Business, says that there is a broad need for a more diverse approach to business education. Diversity, he said, is critical for long-term sustainability of global business. 76% of Sauder’s business instructors have international backgrounds, up from approximately 40% 10 years ago. The school uses a team-teaching approach to provide a variety of perspectives to its students, who last year represented 32 different countries. [CIEC Academic Member] Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business has introduced an EMBA program in Aboriginal Business and Leadership to promote Aboriginal leaders’ business education as well as to help managers working with First Nations communities build stronger relationships. The program relies on guest speakers from Aboriginal communities and counts chiefs and counsellors among its student body. “There’s a lot of expertise in that room,” said Program Director Mark Selman, “and the best faculty members are the ones who learn to take advantage of that and use it as an asset in the classroom.”

Brands Miss Out By Not Marketing to International Students

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Source: Marketing via Academica | Sept. 26, 2014

An article in Marketing magazine questions why Canadian marketers don’t devote more attention to international students. The article cites Canada’s ambition to double the number of international students and researchers in Canada, as well as a 94% increase in the number of international students entering Canada in the past decade. These students spent more than $8 B and helped create 81,000 jobs in that period; moreover, as a market, international students are likely to enjoy a certain amount of disposable income. The author of the article notes that the number of countries from which international students originate can make a unified strategy impossible, but points to overarching trends that should inform international student marketing strategies. She suggests that brands draw insight from their multicultural marketing efforts and focus on digital marketing strategies, as well as on geo-specific campaigns centred around PSE campuses.

Queen’s Principal Announces Priorities for 2014-15

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Source: Queen’s News via Academica | Sept . 25, 2014

Queen’s University Principal Daniel Woolf has announced his goals and priorities for the coming academic year. Woolf committed to increasing the number of opportunities for expanded credentials, including opportunities for experiential and entrepreneurial learning. Woolf also committed to sustaining Queen’s tri-council success rate, to supporting faculty engagement and development, and to maintaining Queen’s position among Canada’s top universities for faculty awards, honours, and prizes. Woolf pointed to the need to ensure the university’s financial stability by meeting its annual fundraising target, diversifying its revenue, and pursuing long-term sustainability for its pension plan. Woolf further intends to improve the institution’s international profile through increased international enrolment at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as through the growth of international collaborations and partnerships. Finally, Woolf committed to promoting and developing top-quality faculty and staff with strong succession planning, well-developed competency models, refined hiring practices, and discussion among Deans around the matter of faculty renewal.

CIEC Endorses: Pradeep Sood

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Pradeep Sood is seeking the Federal Liberal nomination for the Markham-Unionville riding. “I am a strong believer that if given the chance, I can contribute positively to Canada and the riding that I have lived in for over 21 years. I have a proven track record of job creation, fighting for small and medium businesses and supporting our health care through my work with both the Business Chambers and many not for profit organizations.”

Please e-mail [email protected] to find out how you can support his election campaign.

CIEC Endorses: Sabrina Zuniga

CIEC Endorses: Sabrina Zuniga

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Sabrina Zuniga, PhD, is running for TDSB School Trustee in downtown Toronto. “I am running for Trustee because I believe in the power of public education and I want our learners to benefit from the best that our schools can offer. I am a veteran educator, entrepreneur and community volunteer with the knowledge and experience to lead our school communities.”

To learn more about Sabrina Zuniga and how you can support her election campaign, click here.

UBC Releases Details of Flexible Learning Strategy

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Source: University of British Columbia Update via Academica | September 17, 2014

UBC has published its flexible learning strategy. The strategy document identifies a series of trends that have informed its creation. These include changing expectations of students and employers, demographic shifts such as the increasing proportion of older and international students, government policies that have increased universities’ reliance on tuition revenue, and an increased emphasis on the measured value of university programs. The strategy suggests that these trends are reinforced by the development of disruptive technologies including massive open online courses (MOOCs), automated assessments and adaptive learning, and increased transparency. To respond to these changes, the strategy prioritizes 3 key areas. First, UBC plans to improve its learning technology ecosystem, based on feedback from faculty and staff. Second, UBC aims to support new personal, professional, and career development programs through the creation of a new unit in the Provost’s office. This role will support the university’s faculties with development, marketing, planning, and budgeting for innovative new credit programs. The third priority area identified by UBC is its membership in edX as a contributing charter member.

Canada Tops OECD Rankings in PSE spending, Adult PSE Attainment

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Source: Times Higher Education via Academica | Sept 10, 2014

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its annual “Education at a Glance” report. According to the report, Canada spent 2.8% of its GDP on postsecondary institutions in 2010. This was sufficient to surpass the US as the world leader in this category. Canada was found to have spent twice as much as the OECD average to educate each PSE student. 43% of the cost of PSE in Canada is picked up privately, higher than the OECD average of 31%. The report says that Canada’s colleges have helped the country achieve the highest rate of adult PSE attainment in the developed world. 24% of Canadian adults were found to have graduated from a community college, and 57.3% of Canadians were reported to have achieved postsecondary degrees. Canada’s share of international students increased by about 5% between 2000 and 2012, while the US’s share slipped from 23% to 16%. However, Canada’s math scores—while still higher than the OECD average—have dropped from 2003 levels. Canada is not the only country in which math scores have fallen, with Finland and the Netherlands also seeing reductions.

AUCC Launches New Online Resource for Students Planning PSE

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Source: AUCC News Release via Academica | Sept. 2, 2014

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) has released a new website, universitystudy.ca, designed to help students, parents, and guidance counsellors find information about Canada’s PSE institutions and PSE programs. The online resource includes profiles of institutions and AUCC’s searchable program database, as well as articles and tips for students on PSE planning. In addition, the new site contains dedicated information for Aboriginal students, and information for international students considering studying in Canada. “With this new website, AUCC is pleased to help students navigate the breadth of high-quality universities and programs offered across Canada,” says AUCC President Paul Davidson.

TCS Insights: Students from Canada as well as from abroad now have an additional resource to help them learn about different educational institutions in the country as well as programs offered while they plan their academic futures.

Immigrant Employment Projects Get Funding from MB, Canada

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Source: Canada News Release via Academica | Aug 21, 2014

The governments of Canada and Manitoba have teamed up to provide $1.1 M to Employment Solutions for Immigrants for 2 projects designed to help immigrant youth reduce barriers to employment. The first project will help 120 immigrant youth gain life and employability skills through workshops and work placements. The second project will provide 20 immigrant youth with job placements in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, transportation, and health care services. “These programs offer newcomer youth with a much better chance of entering the Canadian workplace, not only with enhanced preparation and increased confidence, but also in a field and at a job level that is on a par with their existing skills and experience. In short, these programs set up newcomer youth for career success,” said Executive Director of Employment Solutions for Immigrants Loraine M Nyokong.

Canadian Schools Partner and Lower Language Requirements to Attract Foreign Students

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Source: Globe & Mail via Academica | Aug 14, 2014

Canadian PSE institutions have begun to loosen standards around English-language proficiency in order to attract more foreign students, reports the Globe and Mail. The move is usually part of a partnership between a school board and university or college, as in the case of the Limestone District School Board in Kingston, Ontario, which has partnered with Queen’s University. Queen’s pays part of the board’s recruitment costs, and students are conditionally accepted into the arts and science faculty at Queen’s, with reduced requirements for English-language proficiency. The Toronto District School Board says it is negotiating a similar partnership with the University of Toronto, where the language proficiency exam requirement would be waived for foreign students that have attended 2 years of high school in one of the board’s schools. Many schools at both the secondary and PSE level have begun to recruit heavily in international markets to offset a declining youth demographic. The Vancouver School Board currently has more than 1,300 foreign students attending its schools, with total revenue from foreign student tuition expected to reach $20 M this upcoming year.

Canada Prepared to Capitalize on US Immigration Reform Roadblocks

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Source: Winnipeg Free Press via Academica | Aug 11, 2014

Canadian employment minister Jason Kenney said that Canada is poised to take advantage of the slow immigration reform process in the United States. “We’re seeking very deliberately to benefit from the dysfunctional American immigration system. I make no bones about it,” said Kenney. He believes that Canada will be able to capitalize by luring foreign-born graduates of top US programs with a new start-up visa program and programs that will fast-track some individuals to permanent residency. “If the United States doesn’t want to open the door to permanent residency for them, that door will be opened in principle for them to come to Canada,” Kenney said. He mentioned that the government had installed a large billboard in California that generated “massive interest and buzz” in Silicon Valley. Kenney made his comments while in Vancouver to announce a $3.3-M funding package to help foreign-trained newcomers find work in British Columbia’s energy and resource sectors, part of afederal push to attract skilled employees.

Internationally Trained Lawyers Get Help Transitioning to Canadian Law at uToronto

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Source: uToronto News via Academica | Aug 5, 2014

A University of Toronto program that helps internationally trained lawyers integrate into Canadian law practice is being highlighted as a success. The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP), reportedly the only one of its kind in Canada, helps lawyers who are qualified to practice law in their home countries obtain a license to practice law in Ontario while providing a networking and support system to help students connect with the legal system and pursue career opportunities. One recent student complimented the program, including its internship component, noting that she now has a “better understanding of the Canadian legal profession… the internship opportunity was truly very important because now I have acquired some Canadian law experience.”

All Work and No Play Makes Gautam a Dull Boy

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Source: Gautam Nath, Vice President – Balmoral Multicultural Marketing

Contact: (416) 364-0046 Ext. 234; [email protected]

Summer’s here and this is when the city transforms itself. And like every good Canadian, we too have to soak in the sun.

Building your brand is not only about resumes, not only about networking or even not only about volunteering.

One big part of building your brand in Canada is to get to know Canada.

This is now our mother-ship and we now have to take the time, the energy and the effort to learn about it.

Summer brings many events, activities and shows. Many are free and some cost so cut your coat according to your cloth.

Toronto is full of weekends when streets are blocked off to traffic and transformed into a carnival like setting – a bounty of food stalls, trinkets for sale and entertainment where large crowds gather.

Imbibe, that is what I do, visiting at least half a dozen such street fairs in the city every year. Watching, listening, eating and enjoying the ambiance. The variety of ethnicities and culture is amazing – that is Toronto and I expect that is also Vancouver, Calgary as many other big cities in the country.

Then comes the parades – a jamboree of floats, dancers, music and color exhibiting the diversity of our cities and our people.

All in the learning curve, different from back in the home country but essential learning’s for every New Canadian striving to acculturate in this new country of choice.

This makes us proud of our new home, this brings appreciation of the multitude of cultures and people and who knows perhaps your next boss, your peers or your juniors at some point of time in the future. We cannot live without them and they cannot live without us, we are all living happily together.

You cannot build your brand in this environment unless you know and appreciate the environment so while it looks like play, mind you me, it is an integral part of your strategy to move forward.

Summer brings long daylight hours and several opportunities for long weekends too – use them to explore the country outside your city.

Day trips or overnight trips and you will be amazed at what you learn.

The African Lion Safari is not a long flight away in South Africa but a 90 minutes drive from Toronto.

Cottage country has so many options to relax and enjoy a glass of wine under the stars sitting on a lake shore far from the maddening crowds listening to the wail of the loon. Ontario Parks offers camping facilities for the family and kids, learning all about living a rustic outdoor life for a few days – what great family bonding in this otherwise period of stress.

And the sports – baseball, basketball, swimming, jogging or merely walking along the Lakeshore – wonderful activities that come with the sun and the long daylight hours of the summer.

For those lucky enough to have some land to call their own – growing flowers in the front yard and a small vegetable patch in the back brings so much joy to the eye and the kitchen table.

This is summer – Learn to live a bit, live beyond networking and net-giving and worrying about tomorrow, live life today and tomorrow will take care of itself. If you are motivated, recharged and experience the new things around you, your next steps will have that much more energy and bounce. You deserve it, every bit.

Born of Czech and South Asian lineage, Gautam Nath now lives in Toronto. He is the Vice President at Balmoral Multicultural Marketing and serves on several Boards and Committees in the city. Gautam is also the recipient of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award of 2011.

SIAST Creates New Resource Centres For Newcomers and International Students

SIAST Creates New Resource Centres For Newcomers and International Students

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Source: Leader-Post via Academica | July 23, 2014

The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology has created Newcomer and International Centres to help welcome international students to campus this fall. SIAST is responding to student feedback that indicated a demand for a space to meet and interact with peers. Students, advisors, and faculty will help international students and newcomers with academics, socialization, culture, and settlement. “This group brings a whole new set of challenges for instructors, as well as challenges for the students because they’re coming to a new country, a new educational system that might be confusing to them, and all their stressors and cultural differences they need to get used to,” said SIAST’s Director of Student Development Brian Henderson. While it will take longer for the physical centres to be ready for use, the new services will be ready for the fall.

Dalhousie’s Pilot Program Helps Put International Students in NS Workplaces

Dalhousie’s Pilot Program Helps Put International Students in NS Workplaces

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Source: Chronicle Herald via Academica | July 23, 2014

Dalhousie University has launched a pilot program to help international students establish themselves in Nova Scotia’s workplaces. “We’ve noticed that many [international students] are having to go back to their home countries to do their work terms in order to stay on track… and graduate with our [commerce] program,” said Anna Cranston, Director of Management Career Services at Dal. The new workplace experience program helps international students establish contacts and build their confidence in the Canadian workplace. Students and employers alike learn more about cultural differences as well as the challenges faced by international students looking to join the Canadian workforce. “It’s only a small way but if there’s a way that we can find to make international students feel more comfortable in the workplace and out getting jobs, then maybe there’s a chance that they’re going to stay when they graduate,” said Robert Everist, Chief Operating Officer for Cox & Palmer, a firm that hosted a student this summer. NS recently created pathways to encourage international students to stay in the province post-graduation.

Study Identifies Barriers Experienced by International Students Looking to Work in Canada

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Source: Research Findings via Academica | July 22, 2014

A recently-released research project out of the University of Guelph [CIEC Academic Member] and York University examines the experiences of international students transitioning to the Canadian labour market and identifies a number of barriers these students must overcome in order to integrate into employment. The researchers framed the study around the new International Education Strategy, which aims to double the number of international students studying in Canada, and Ontario’s focus on international students as potentially filling labour gaps. The study found that difficulties finding work in one’s field of study, prejudice against international students, and “inconsistency of information and lack of clarity on constantly changing immigration policies and processes” were some of the barriers experienced by international students. The study also found that the respondents viewed the educational experience at Ontario’s PSE institutions very highly, and often found support and employment within the PSE sector after graduation. The report makes several recommendations for PSE, policy makers, and employers to help ease the transition for international students, including creating more internships and co-op employment opportunities.

Canada Adds 10 Occupations to “Priority” Immigration Program

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Source: Canada News Release via Academica | July 22, 2014

The federal government has announced the addition of 10 occupations to its “priority assessment program” that fast-tracks the recognition and processing of foreign credentials for in-demand occupations. The 10 new occupations increase the program’s list to 24, and include geoscientists, carpenters, electricians, heavy duty equipment technicians, heavy equipment operators, welders, audiologists and speech language pathologists, midwives, psychologists, and lawyers. Healthcare and trades have been highlighted as experiencing skills shortages in certain areas across Canada. Skilled immigrants have often complained that they must take on low-skilled employment while waiting for paperwork to be processed. “We recognize that skilled newcomers help fill shortages in key occupations and make an important contribution to Canada’s economy. That is why we are speeding up foreign credential recognition for 10 more occupations … This means that even more new Canadians can put their skills to work sooner across Canada,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism.

Colleges Ontario Reports Increase in Applications

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Source: Colleges Ontario Report via Academica | July 10, 2014

Applications to Ontario’s public colleges are up this year, according to Colleges Ontario’s 2014 Environmental Scan, released this week. 197,433 distinct applications were received in 2012-13, up from 185,049 the previous year. Of the new fall 2013 applicants to Ontario’s PSE system, 58% applied to college programs. Applications from international students have also increased, with more than 23,000 received in 2013. Additionally, the report provides information on the pathways to college undertaken by students. 29% of students came directly from high school; 26% were delayed, meaning there was a gap between high school and PSE, but no prior PSE experience; and 43% had some prior PSE experience, 25% of whom had completed college/university credentials. Regarding graduation, more than 82,000 students graduated from college programs last year, and 83% of 2011–12 college graduates in the workforce were employed within 6 months of graduation.

TCS Insights: International students are choosing colleges in Ontario as their educational destinations more now than in previous years. Graduation and employment rates are also high, suggesting future international students should consider this province for their own studies.

Queen’s Implements New Program to Welcome International Students

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Source: Queen’s News Release via Academica | July 16, 2014

Queen’s University has implemented a new program intended to help ease the transition of international students into life at the university. The Acculturation and Transition to Life and Academic Success (ATLAS) program allows international students to arrive at residence a day early to settle in and connect with fellow international students at an optional reception. Students can also participate in a number of activities and experiential learning opportunities to allow them to adjust to life in their new homes and learn more about the university and its services. “The aim of ATLAS is to give international students that soft landing at Queen’s so they can more easily fall in with the rest of the first-year students and be part of it all,” said Susan Anderson, Assistant Director of the Queen’s University International Centre.

Researchers say Universities Should Pursue “Mission Over Movement” with Internationalization

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Source: University World News via Academica | July 17, 2014

PSE institutions have yet to realize the potential of internationalization, says an article published in University World News. Rahul Choudaha and Eduardo Contreras argue that institutions have not paid due attention to what they describe as “two extremes of the internationalization process.” They say that PSE leaders have not adapted the definition of internationalization to their institutional missions and contexts; the researchers also claim that insufficient work has been done to assess the impact of internationalization on the campus community. Choudaha and Contreras recommend that universities pursue “mission over movement” in order to “focus on the substance of internationalization… over the perceived glory of goals that do not fit the mission of their institutions.” They also advocate more systematic data collection in order to better assess the impact of internationalization and to inform internationalization strategies.

Tell Us How You Would Promote Canada as a Study Destination & Win a Trip to Canada

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Source: Consulate General of Canada| July 14, 2014

The High Commission of Canada announces a Marketing Strategy Competition for Indian Students

The High Commission of Canada, in India in partnership with the Rotman School of Management (Canada), today launches a marketing strategy competition for student on the theme of “Positioning Canada as a destination of choice for higher education and research among students in India.” 

The grand prize is a 10-day study trip to Canada at the prestigious Rotman School of Management in Toronto. Cash prizes of INR 20,000 and INR 10,000 will be offered for the second and third positions, respectively.

To take part in this competition, participants have to submit their marketing strategy by 31 August 2014. For rules and details on the application process, please visit: www.ican.net.in/canadacompetition 

Students currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or young professionals currently enrolled in an MBA entrance preparatory program, such as CAT or GMAT, are eligible to apply.

For further queries, please write to: [email protected]  

To RSVP or for additional information, contact:

Lana Edwards at: [email protected] / 9967515930

OR

Preeti Prabhu at: [email protected] / 9867015095

Carleton Offers Support for Students with Invisible Disabilities

Carleton Offers Support for Students with Invisible Disabilities

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Source: Carleton News Release via Academica | July 11, 2014

Carleton University [CIEC Academic Member] has developed innovative services to improve accessibility for students with “invisible” disabilities such as chronic pain, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, hearing or vision impairments, and mental health disorders. At Carleton, 8% of students are registered with the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities (PMC), and 92% of disabilities among students are classified as non-visible. The PMC offers support including counselling, extended time for examinations, and assistive technologies. The school has also implemented the From Intention to Action (FIT:Action) program to help students better manage stress and improve academic performance and support students who may not have documentation for a disability. Students must make a 12-week commitment to the program, regularly meeting with a counsellor. “There are different gradients of service that support different groups of people,” said John Meissner, FIT:Action project leader. “There is a whole lot more to going to university than getting good grades.”

Internationalization Benefits PhD Students

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Source: Times Higher Education via Academica | July 7, 2014

Attendees at the European University Association’s annual meeting on doctoral education in Liverpool, England heard from several speakers about the importance and benefits of internationalizing doctoral training. Alastair McEwan of the University of Queensland, Australia told audience members that international doctoral students not only helped his institution overcome a reduction in domestic doctoral students, but “are absolutely critical” to research output and are “a very cost-effective way to promote international linkages.” He added that international doctoral students also provide considerable knowledge about other cultures which, he said, is a critical transferable skill and can enhance PhD graduate employability. Barbara Knuth of Cornell University, meanwhile, spoke of the difficulties faced by universities and international students in navigating complex immigration regulations. She added that institutions need to do better at encouraging students to stay post-degree. Internationalization has been a point of emphasis for the Canadian government; however, some argue that significant changes to the nation’s international education policy are needed.

TCS Insights: Greater amounts of international students not only build bridges to other nations but can increase the knowledge of domestic students in regards to new cultures. With their role in conducting research spoken highly of as well, universities should welcome more qualified students from across the globe.

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister to Visit Mumbai

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Source: Consulate General of Canada | July 7, 2014

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander will visit Mumbai on 9 July, 2014. While in Mumbai, he will meet with business leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss the strong ties between the two countries and enhance the bilateral relationship.

Minister Alexander will discuss economic immigration to Canada and highlight Express Entry, a new economic immigration application management system.

In Mumbai, Minister Alexander will announce the coming into force of the Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of India.  At the Bombay Stock Exchange, Minister Alexander will address companies from Ryerson University’s Zone Startup India and explain the benefits of Canada’s new Start-up Visa for entrepreneurs. He will also speak to university students about global mobility and opportunities to study in Canada.

Media Availabilities on Wednesday, 09 July, 2014

Time: 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Living Room, Four Seasons Hotel, 114, Dr. E Moses Road, Worli

Format: Press Conference with MIB and FICCI on the Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of India

Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm

Location: Xavier’s College, New Marine Lines

Format: Student address

Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Location: Zone Startups India, 18th Floor, Bombay Stock Exchange

Format: Public address followed by a short media availability.

To RSVP or for additional information, contact:

Lana Edwards at: [email protected] / 9967515930

OR

Preeti Prabhu at: [email protected] / 9867015095

194 GTU Students Attending Classes in Foreign Universities

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Source: Gujarat Technological University Press Release | July 2, 2014

On 18th June, 2014 GTU honored His Excellency Mr. Steward Beck, High Commissioner of Canada to India at Hotel Courtyard Marriott where a small gathering was organized as a part of his farewell visit to Ahmedabad. GTU initiated its first international experience program with University of Alberta, Canada in the year 2011. Visa Denial can restrict such program to grow. Since 2011 most of the students were granted visa to fly to Canada for IEP. GTU honored High Commissioner of Canada to India for his support and contribution towards the development of the International Experience Program of GTU.

On the occasion Dr. Akshai Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor of GTU said that His Excellency Mr. Steward Beck has always been very pro-active in contributing to the success of GTU IEP. First the Deputy High Commissioner visited GTU and interacted with the students, who wanted to go to Canada. Then H.E. Mr. Steward Beck personally visited GTU. Dr Aggarwal said that GTU was thankful to H.E. Mr. Steward Beck for his constant support in the development of GTU’s IEP.

Presently 194 students of GTU are in foreign universities for the 8 week education program. 98 Students have gone to Laurentian University in Canada, 44 students have gone to Wismar University, Germany while 52 students are studying at Kansas State University in USA. All the students went to foreign universities between 12th to 14th June 2014 and their classes started from Monday, 16th June 2014 in respective campuses.

During the IEP students learn 2 of the subject and also appear in the mid-semester exams of the subjects they studied in a foreign university. GTU credit those marks to the respective students in their semester result. Students don’t only attend the classes during IEP but also go for industrial visits. Exposure to the different educational system, climate, place and culture all together provide a unique opportunity for students to learn.

Since 2011, GTU’s International Experience Program has provided an opportunity to study in foreign Universities for the GTU students. In association with German, Canadian and American Universities GTU’s IEP has turned out to be India’s largest International Experience Program. In the year 2013, GTU also signed MoU with Sias University, China for IEP.

Quotes from Students

Jainam Mehta has gone to Laurentian University, Canada. During the interview he said that he is the first one from his family going abroad. He said that I want to explore to have a new experience in the world so I decided to go to Canada IEP. I have decided to focus on my studies over there and also to explore places.

Another student named Ekta was all excited to go to KSU. She said that I did not sleep on the night previous to departure due to the excitement. I have heard a lot about the advance education system at KSU from the last year IEP students, which tempted me to go to the IEP at KSU. My Mom is worried as I have never travelled without her, but is happy also as this is a great opportunity.

 

 

Report Encourages “Fresh curriculum” for Canadian International Education Policy

CIEC Author

Source: MacLean’s via Academica | June 17, 2014

A new report published by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE) says that Canada needs to do more to attract foreign students. The study claims that Canada is “punching below its weight” in international student enrolments, especially when recruiting from China, and emphasizes the value of international enrolments in terms of trade, international development, and diplomatic opportunities. Given increasing global competition for international enrolments, the report recommends that Canada create a new Crown corporation to promote its international education strategy and help the federal government coordinate with the provinces and territories. This body would spearhead new marketing initiatives to replace the current “Imagine Education au/in Canada” campaign. The report also recommends greater investment in an international education strategy that would encourage Canadian students to study abroad. Canada hopes to double the number of international students in Canada by 2022.

TCS Insights: While enrolment numbers for international students have rose in certain situations, Canada can still do more to bring students from abroad into the country to work towards a college or university degree. A government-run agency responsible for a national education strategy could raise enrolment rates and should be looked into further.

Use and Management of Agents by Canadian Institutions Highly Variable

CIEC Author

Source: CMEC Report via Academica | June 18, 2014

A new report issued by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada outlines the use of education agents by Canadian schools. According to the report, the use of agents is common across Canada’s international education system except in Quebec, where administrators reported difficulties tapping into the demand for English-language education that typically drives international enrolment. The report also says that the recruitment and management of agents varies within Canada’s education systems. Institutions employ varying levels of regulation, with some using robust internal or provincial protocols and others relying on student complaints or feedback from peer institutions. Lesser-known institutions were more likely to depend on agents to build brand awareness than “super-league” institutions. Some respondents whose institutions depend on agents for enrolment expressed reluctance to terminate an agent’s contract even if misconduct occurred.

TCS Insights: The importance of education agents to post-secondary institutions in Canada continues to grow. Smaller schools are more likely to make use of agents but those who do enjoy many benefits. For information on CIEC Agent members, click here.

Divya Joseph’s Consulting Group

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djiec-logoDivya Joseph’s Consulting Group Pvt Ltd, is a leading overseas education consultant, with its reputation spanning across India. Within a short span of over 8 years, it has solid reputation of being one of the most reliable educational agencies, and is well known for its successful authenticity and professionalism. The vast variety of services at Divya Joseph’s, is not restricted to detailed information about the universities, visa guidance but also support services to students even after reaching their study destination. Our credentials: AAERI, Certified UK agents, PIER Qualified Education Agent Counselor.

We recruit students to Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada & Singapore.

WesternU Enrolment Climbs In Spite of Provincial Trends

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Source: WesternU News Release via Academica | June 12, 2014

Western University‘s [CIEC Academic Member] projected enrolments for 2014 are increasing even as the Ontario provincial average has dipped slightly. Data from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre indicates that WesternU’s confirmations are up by 11.6% over last year’s figures. The provincial average dropped 3% overall. Meanwhile, applications and confirmations from out-of-province and international students also climbed. Applications rose 10.4% and confirmations 14%, compared to a 5.3% increase Ontario-wide. The results confirm the success of a number of recruitment initiatives launched by WesternU in the past year, including a social media campaign, enhanced e-newsletters, and student video testimonals. “Western’s admission numbers reflect the collaborative efforts of the faculty and staff across campus,” said WesternU Provost Janice Deakin.

TCS Insights: While provincial enrolment numbers have slipped, Western University is taking steps to increasing their domestic and international student population. These efforts on the part of the university exemplify a commitment to making the institution a notable destination for students looking to attain a higher education.

International Student Enrolment in BC Grows

International Student Enrolment in BC Grows

CIEC Author

Source: BC News Release via Academica | June 6, 2014

A record number of international students enrolled at British Columbia PSE institutions in 2012–13, according to new figures. The province saw a 20% increase in international students, growing from 94,000 in 2009–10 to 112,800 in 2012–13. The increase was largely driven by applicants from India and China, whose numbers increased by 188% and 68%, respectively, over the 3-year period. The influx of international students has also benefited the BC economy. The new figures say that international students spent approximately $2.3 billion in BC on tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses, as well as on arts, culture, and recreation. This figure marks a 28% increase from 2009–10. International students’ dollars helped support 25,500 jobs. BC hopes to increase the number of international students coming to the province by 50% by 2016, in accordance with the federal International Education Strategy.

TCS Insights: Students from India are making an impact as they choose to study abroad in Canada. The impact on the economy of British Columbia has been clear and the province is looking to further this trend in the coming years.

Nova Scotia Offers Immigration Pathway to Keep International Students Post-Graduation

Nova Scotia Offers Immigration Pathway to Keep International Students Post-Graduation

CIEC Author

Source: Nova Scotia News Release via Academica | June 6, 2014

Nova Scotia has made changes to its Provincial Nominee Program that are designed to make it easier for international students to immigrate to the province. As of June 6, international graduates who have a job offer in-hand from a NS employer will be able to apply for permanent residency through the program’s Skilled Worker stream. It is hoped that the changes will help NS retain skilled workers as well as help the province’s PSE institutions attract more international students. “International graduates are educated, they’ve made friends, they know the language, and they’re already familiar with all the great things Nova Scotia has to offer. Over the past year, there hasn’t been a provincial door open to help them stay. Today, that changes,” said NS Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. Demand for university education in the maritime provinces has been decreasing, and NS and the federal government have made attracting international students a priority.

TCS Insights: Students looking to pursue higher education in Canada now have increased incentive to do so in Nova Scotia. If students can earn an offer of employment when their academic experience concludes will be able to attain permanent resident status sooner. This will benefits students looking to continue their lives in Nova Scotia as well as the province itself.

Study Examines Reasons Why International Students Don’t Complete Programs

CIEC Author

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education via Academica | May 28, 2014

A new study by US-based organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators suggests that while growth in the numbers of international students studying in the US continues, the satisfaction and retention of those students may be faltering. The study is considered one of the first to examine retention issues affecting international students across multiple institutions, with 500 educators and 500 students at more than 100 colleges participating. According to the researchers, educators and students differed in their opinions of why international students leave programs before completion. While educators felt that there was a combination of factors including finances, academics, English-language problems, and the desire to attend an institution that is a “better fit,” students said the issues were all financial (access to jobs or internships, affordability, and availability of scholarships). This suggests that “there may be a gap in understanding about what students want and what they’re getting.” Recommendations from the report include increased transparency regarding the costs of a program and the creation of internships and work placements.

TCS Insights: Educational institutions must have open lines of communication with international students to become more aware of the reasons why they decide not to complete their academic experience. Scholarships, internships and jobs must be accessible for students to encourage them that there is something available for them when their studies are finished.

CIEC & Agints.com Partnership Improves Education Agent transparency via Academic & Student Reviews

CIEC & Agints.com Partnership Improves Education Agent transparency via Academic & Student Reviews

CIEC Author

The Canada India Education Council (CIEC) and Agints.com today announced a strategic alliance to bring transparency, integrity and accountability to the student recruitment market and enable Canadian colleges & universities, as well as students, to connect with reputable education agents via peer [academic] & student reviews of education agencies. 

As part of its CARE Initiative (Canadian Academic Advisors Representing Excellence), CIEC conducts academic reference checks and now publicizes the CARE Agents’ average score in key areas on the CIEC website.  This allows academic institutions across Canada the means to conduct peer-reviews of education agents and solidifies CARE Agents’ commitment to ethical and quality student recruitment. 

Agints.com is a new website providing student reviews of education agents as well as a listing of the institutions they represent, the professional bodies they belong to, and the industry qualifications that they hold. 

 “Both CIEC, through its CARE program, and Agints.com share very similar goals – we want to improve the quality and transparency of the services provided by education agents. It made perfect sense to team up.” said XXX of Agints.com 

“By accessing academic and student reviews, education agents and students can accurately gauge CARE agents’ professionalism, ethical standards, and knowledge of the Canadian education system,” CIEC’s CEO Husain Neemuchwala said.  

“We are excited about the partnership with Agints.com because it gives our CARE Agents (Agent Members) a way to promote their business and CARE membership more widely. It also benefits our Academic Members and other academic institutions across Canada.” 

Visitors to agints.com – whether students or educational institutions – can easily search CARE Agents from the home page. Simply click on Browse by Professional Body, and then CARE. Agints.com, together with its partner sites, has a network of over 2,500 education agents and 1,200 colleges and schools all over the world.  Agents, colleges and schools can register a free trial account – click here to get started. 

Visitors to CanadaIndiaEducation.com can view a listing of CARE Agents and learn more about the simple & inclusive CARE process (CIEC Agent Membership – Enjoy a free pre-screening).  Each agent profile displays the agent’s academic peer review scores and contains a link to their agints.com profile for student review scores, qualifications, and other information. CIEC is an independent national, non-partisan, event-driven organization operating within the Canada-India education corridor. CIEC enhances ties and creates opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.

Canadian Business Schools Focus on Female Applicants

CIEC Author

Source: Globe and Mail via Academica | May 23, 2014

Several Canadian business schools have developed recruitment strategies designed to attract a demographic that has been historically underrepresented in MBA programs: women. Queen’s University, Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business [CIEC Academic Member], and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business are among those who have made female students a priority. Sauder says that it wants to lead “Canada’s globally ranked business schools in female MBA enrolment within 5 years.” Dean Robert Helsley said, “There is no sense in which this is affirmative action. We are just trying to make sure that qualified applicants from all populations want to come here and have the opportunities we can provide them to be successful.” To encourage female applicants, business schools are collaborating with female leadership organizations as well as offering scholarships and one-on-one recruitment sessions. Jennifer Berdahl, an incoming professor at Sauder, says that while there is much more work to be done, such efforts stand to benefit male as well as female students.

TCS Insights: Canada represents a welcome home for female students working towads earning their MBA. Numerous Canadian institutions are working to further this reputation and provide a worthwhile academic experience for students, regardless of gender.

BrockU Launches Recruiting Website for International Students

CIEC Author

Source: BrockU News Release via Academica | May 22, 2014

Brock University has launched a new website designed to help attract and assist international students. The website describes for students the variety of programs available at Brock and offers information about campus life and the Niagara region. Students will also be able to access information on policies and procedures that will be relevant following their application, including information on applying for study permits, registering for courses, and paying fees. The site includes a calendar of important dates, including dates and times of recruitment events. It is currently available in English and Chinese, but plans are in place to add additional languages.

TCS Insights: Brock University is beginning the process of becoming a major destination for students coming to Canada from abroad. By launching this website to provide prospective students with the information they need before enrolling at Brock, they are letting students know that there may be a place for them at their institution.

Canadian Business Schools Make Executive Education Rankings

CIEC Author

Source: Globe & Mail via Academica | May, 16, 2014

The Financial Times has released its 2014 ranking of executive education programs at business schools, with 6 Canadian institutions making the list in the open enrolment category (top 70), and 4 in the customized programs (top 80) category. In the open enrolment category, University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management tied for 20th spot, followed by Ivey Business School at Western University (22); Queen’s University’s School of Business (28); York University’s Schulich School of Business (39); Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (49); and the University of Alberta’s School of Business (66). In the customized programs category, Rotman placed 42nd followed by Ivey (45), Schulich (57), and Alberta (77). uAlberta was a newcomer to both lists this year.

TCS Insights: Canadian institutions are continuing to see their reputations rise in 2014 as another ranking system has validated what Leiden, Times Higher Education and others have said. International students would do well to consider pursuing higher education in Canada.

Canada’s Higher Ed System Again Ranks Third in World

CIEC Author

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education via Academica | May 14, 2014

Universitas 21 has released its 2014 Rankings report, which ranks national higher ed systems as opposed to individual institutions. Canada has once again come in at third place, following the US and Sweden in first and second, respectively. The rankings consider 50 countries which are ranked separately in 4 areas (Resources, Environment, Connectivity, and Output) before being ranked overall. Each area includes 24 measures in order to “create a very detailed picture of the higher education system in each country.” New this year is a separate ranking that includes the other 4 areas, but adds consideration of each country’s GDP and income levels; in this second ranking, Canada falls to 7th, with Sweden, Finland, and Denmark leading the pack. This is the third year that Universitas 21 has released national system rankings.

TCS Insights: The latest Universitas rankings further solidify where Canada stands as a nation in terms of being able to provide a worthwhile higher education. These findings support previous studies that rank Canada as the third most desirable destination for business school graduates and second when it comes to access to a post-secondary education.

Canadian Universities Work With India on Water for Health Project

CIEC Author

Source: uAlberta News via Academica | May 9, 2014

A joint initiative between Canadian universities and the Government of India will help provide people in need with safe drinking water. The $3-million Water for Health initiative brings together India’s Department of Biotechnology and IC-IMPACTS, a Canada–India Research Centre of Excellence [and CIEC Academic Member]. The University of Alberta will play a critical role researching management practices for safe drinking water, including quality monitoring and finding affordable treatment solutions. The University of British Columbia, meanwhile, will focus on sustainable infrastructure and the University of Toronto will tackle public health. “We have a common goal, a common passion to make a big difference in Canada and India,” said uAlberta professor Sushanta Mitra. It is hoped that the research will benefit not only India but also the 5 million people in Canada who do not have access to safe drinking water.

TCS Insights: Established educational institutions from across Canada are taking initiative to aid those without access to safe drinking water in India. The impact of this work will not only grow the relationship between both nations but will help citizens in need on both sides of the world.