Overseas students rarely challenge landlords

Source: The Age

Many other students ‘pushed around in tenancies’.

When Yu Mao moved out of a rental property in Oakleigh she thought recouping her bond would be simple enough. But she was shocked to discover her signature on a claim form relinquishing most of the bond.

Ms Mao, who was an international student when she moved in, insisted she never signed the form. So she took it to police for analysis.

‘‘I had been trying so hard to prove I didn’t sign it,’’ she said.

The police analysis found her signature had been forged but was unable to determine who had written it.

Ms Mao has since become a permanent resident but said international students rarely spoke out about unfair treatment in their housing arrangements. ‘‘I don’t think they know there is a way to complain.’’

And the Council of International Students Australia says exploitation of foreign students in the rental market is rife.

The council’s public relations officer, Mohamed Ehsan Ebrahim, urged universities to ‘‘reach out’’ to students and help protect them from unfair situations. ‘‘A significant number of students have been exploited in the private rental market,’’ he said.

Withholding bonds was among the main problems.

Ms Mao said international students often left their tenancies without demanding their bond because they wanted to get home for their holidays. ‘‘Everyone is trying to leave the country as quickly as possible,’’ she said.

Ms Mao said the real estate agency she had dealt with agreed to return her bond after the police investigated.

Tenants Union of Victoria policy worker Mike Williams said international students rarely challenged their landlords.
‘‘Many international students are just pushed around in their tenancies,’’ he said. ‘‘Often they just don’t stand up for their rights.’’

He urged students to seek advice on their tenancies if they felt they had been mistreated. But few international students sought help from the union.

Hadi, who left Germany to do a PhD in Melbourne, never imagined he’d end up on the street when he moved into a house in Frankston.

But hoped speaking out about his sudden eviction would highlight the exploitation of international students in the rental market.

Hadi said in September he signed a contract that said he would mow the lawn and clean and maintain the house instead of paying rent.

Hadi, who did not want his surname published, said the landlord later demanded $150 a week. He said he agreed to pay $60 a week, but negotiations broke down.

Early this year, Hadi was walking outside his Dandenong workplace and found all his possessions dumped there.

He said a colleague handed him an eviction notice that had also been dropped off.

‘‘I went down to the garage and saw the other colleagues were laughing at me,’’ he said.

Hadi spent the night on a Swanston Street bench before crashing at a backpackers’ hostel in St Kilda for three weeks.

He recently challenged his eviction in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and won $1408 in compensation when the rooming house owner failed to appear.

The owner declined to comment.

Canada lures Indian Entrepreneurs with New ‘Startup Visa’

Source: Silicon India via Indian Economic Business News

The Canadian government has launched attractive schemes and provisions, to lure potential Indian entrepreneurs who are struggling to get their green cards or trying to extend their H- 1B visas in the United States, as per a report by Business Insider. Mr. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, has been aggressively campaigning to promote their governments move on offering startup entrepreneurs a new visa. The new “startup visa” was launched by the government in April. It will grant immediate permanent residency and a subsequent path to citizenship to those qualifying entrepreneurs, who can start a business in Canada and have attracted investments for their start-up ventures, and raise enough capital funds and angel investors.

CIEC Introduces Major Changes to CARE: Shortened & Inclusive Process, Decreased Fees, Free Application Pre-Screening

The Canada India Education Council has opened Agent Membership (CARE) to education agents, advisors, and counselors. After receiving feedback from education agents, CIEC has introduced significant changes to CARE:

  • Decreased Membership and Application Fees
  • Application Fee
    • Before: $525, Now: $225 (Sign up now and enjoy a FREE Pre-Screening)
  • Membership Fee
    • Before: $1500 – $4500, Now: $999 for a 2-year period
  • Application Fee waived for agents applying between June 1st 2013 – July 1st 2013
  • Membership Decision will be made upon receipt of the Application Form
  • Inclusive Process – Agents will not be tested on their compliance with CARE Standards (Voluntary Code of Ethics)
  • Process shortened from 4 – 6 months to 1 – 2 months
  • CIEC no longer conducting Site Visits or Staff Assessments
  • DFAIT training no longer mandatory
  • CIEC will organize an annual CARE Training Seminar in one or more major Indian cities

It is our hope that a more inclusive process will create a more immediate and widespread change in the student recruitment market. To get started please complete and send the Application Form (click here to download) to [email protected].

Benefits of Agent Membership (CARE) include:

  • Use of CARE logo and goodwill of the ‘CIEC’ brand
  • Display of CARE – Recognized Membership Certificate and Membership Statement
  • A listing in the bi-weekly CIEC online newsletter, ‘Disha,’ besides opportunities for marketing on the CIEC website, newsletter, events and e-mail campaigns distributed to 19 000 education stakeholders in both countries
  • Listed as a recognized CARE agent on CIEC’s website (with a dynamic profile linking to your services) and social networking platforms
  • Use of the CIEC Representative Office in Toronto to establish your presence in Canada. CIEC can also arrange face-to-face interviews at our member institutions
  • Exposure at our annual Synergyblockbuster networking event. Includes a reduced registration fee and for agents arriving from India, free airport pick-up & a one-night free stay at the hotel
  • Greater visibility and recognition by CIEC member colleges and universities as well as governments in both Canada and India
  • Exclusive airport pick-up for your students (for a nominal fee)
  • Access to CIEC webinars, networking and training events
  • Access to Annual Training Seminar in one or more major Indian cities
  • Establish your reputation and promote your business through an advisory position on our ‘Student Discussion’ Facebook group / website forum
  • Personalized assistance & insights in growing your network of reputable Canadian institutions & on-the-ground support

For more information about membership benefits, please visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/care/benefits

The much-lauded CARE Initiative is designed to bring transparency to the agent sector in India by promoting the CARE Standards. CARE is supported by CIEC’s member institutions which includes Canadian Colleges & Universities and is poised to soon become the benchmark & establish standards for counselors and agents promoting Canadian education in India. Agent Membership (CARE) will be granted by the CIEC Executive Team in consultation with the impartial Membership Committee, comprised of academic experts representing 3 major Canadian Colleges.

CARE serves as a cost-effective way for education agents to gain exposure, establishing their credentials, and distinguishing themselves in the exciting Canada-India education corridor. Agents wishing to strategically position themselves in an increasingly fierce and competitive international environment are invited to become an CARE Recognized Member of the Canada India Education Council.

To get started please complete and send the Application Form (click here to download) to Gaurav Verma at [email protected].

We look forward to working with you and becoming a trusted partner as you guide students to quality post secondary institutions in Canada.

Regards,

imgHusain                                                imgRoseann

Husain F. Neemuchwala                                      Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
CEO – CIEC                                                            Carleton University
                                                                                      Academic Advisor – CIEC

 

Meet the 2012 Premier Agency Business Award Nominees

Source: EduNova – Nova Notes

The anticipation continues to grow as we announce the 2012 Premier Agency Business Award nominees! Only the highest standards have guided the judges on their quest to recognize the leaders in international education. Ethical business practices, integrity, strategic vision and innovation are the hallmarks of those chosen to represent the best in the industry. On May 11th, 2013, the city of Toronto will play host to the first annual Premier Agency Business Awards. Be a witness as your industry reaches new heights.

An elegant evening of entertainment and decadent food has been dedicated entirely to celebrating the nominees and their businesses. Join us, for what promises to be a memorable event as well as an industry first. This event is open to all. Please visit www.CLLC.ca/aboutus/paba for ticket information. Seats are limited. All educational agencies are now welcome to apply for the 2013 Premier Agency Business Awards. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain worldwide recognition and prestige. 2013 applications and sponsorships are now open.

CIEC accepting CARE applications

CIEC accepting CARE applications

CARE agents enjoy many benefits.  CIEC invites you to visit our website for a detailed overview of the CARE process and benefits.

Benefits include:

  • Use of the CARE logo, CARE certificate, and goodwill of the CIEC brand
  • Use of Toronto ‘Rep’ Office
  • Access to training provided by Department of Foreign Affiars (DFAIT) & attend CIEC webinars
  • Online exposure on our website & social media outlets and regular mentions in our email campaigns and ‘Disha’ newsletter, distributed to over 19 000 key education stakeholders in both countries
  • Reduced registration fee to our annual Synergy networking event and one-night FREE stay in Toronto
  • Student airport pickup (coming soon)
  • Grow your network while becoming part of an established network & gain recognition amongst Canadian Colleges & Universities
  • Membership fees range from $1500 to $2500 for a 3 year period and the approval process takes between 4 to 6 months.  If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to [email protected].

We look forward to working with you in growing your brand while promoting ethical student recruitment in the burgeoning Canada-India education corridor.

Download the Application Form

Canada to Launch New CARE for Indians

Charu Sudan Kasturi, Hindustan Times New Delhi, February 16, 2011

Thousands of Indian students applying to Canadian universities may no longer run the risk of a Tri-Valley University (TVU) repeat under a unique plan aimed at students concerned after recent instances of fraud abroad. The Canada India Education Council (CIEC), which coordinates educational ties between the two countries, plans to launch CARE, an agent certification process, this July ahead of the Fall 2011 academic session. Around 12,000 Indian students are currently studying in Canada.

Senior Canadian government officials have told HT that the Federal government is backing the initiative that it hopes will help Canada emerge an alternate destination for Indian students seeking to study abroad.

“Students in India are worried about studying abroad after the TVU scam and the recent instances of fraud and race attacks in Australia. We believe that if we pitch Canada appropriately, we can show Indian students that our country is a very attractive alternative,” a senior Canadian official said.

The CARE process will allow Indian students keen on studying in Canada to ensure that education agents are certified, CIEC Executive Director Husain F Neemuchwala said.

The CIEC-modeled on the lines of the United States India Education Foundation (USIEF)- is particularly critical for Indo-Canadian ties because Canada does not have a federal education department. Education is managed by each Province. The CIEC is an NGO, but is supported by the Canadian Government.

But Canada is keenly pushing its education as a major source of revenue- to be earned from foreign students. India at present falls behind China, the US, Mexico and a handful of other countries in the number of students it sends to Canada.

Agent certification launched in India: CIEC

Source: thepienews.com

The Canada India Education Council (CIEC) has launched a certification programme that recognises quality and ethical practice among education agents involved in Canada-India exchange.

Indian Canadian Advisors Representing Excellence (CARE) is the only bespoke certification system of its kind and aims to establish rules on agent practice; increase accountability; and make it easier for Indian agents to find Canadian universities and colleges appropriate for their students through its membership database.

CEO of CIEC, Husain F. Neemuchwala, said: ”The time couldn’t be better with the tremendous activity back and forth in the Canada-India corridor over the past two or three years. While we have done a lot of good work promoting the corridor, much work still needs to be done to make sure we reach full potential.”

The certification process, aimed to certify agencies working with Canadian institutions, places high emphasis on transparency, requires agents to be upfront about hidden fees and consistent in how they represent themselves to students.

Agents are reported to have reacted positively to the system since launch, with 60 already hoping for certification once pilot tests are finished. However, Neemuchwala emphasises that CIEC is not aiming for rapid growth.

“Quality over quantity is the premise on which CARE was created. If not colleges and universities can Google [search] and look up agents themselves. The whole idea is to create a smaller number of validated and certified agents that we can stand behind,” he said.

CARE also promises institutions a streamlined recruitment process, greater exposure to the best of the Indian agency market, and information on student trends. Neemuchwala said, “As CARE gets more momentum, things will improve not just for specific colleges and university members but the industry in general. There are people who don’t like to use agents but this might change their minds.

“And for people who generally use agents but aren’t happy with their services, this might open doors to other options for them.”

The certification process takes between four to six months to complete and certification lasts two years. In that time agents can use the CARE promotional materials, will be listed on the CIEC website, and will gain greater access to CIEC member universities and colleges among other benefits.

Founded in 2010, CIEC is an event-driven, membership organisation. CARE is open to CIEC agent members at no cost and for a fee to non-members. The extent of non-member access to the comprehensive agent listings is yet to be determined.

COU announces new family medicine training opportunities

Toronto, February 2011

The federal government would be funding $11.3 million over four years to support a project in Ontario that offers new family medicine positions and training opportunities across Canada from 2011. The funding would cover the entire costs for establishing residency positions. The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) is striving to improve access to healthcare for Ontarians in remote and rural communities. Approximately 60 additional third-year family medicine residency positions will be created at Ontario’s six Faculties of Medicine to enhance emergency medicine and enhanced skills, which includes McMaster University, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, as well as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine at Laurentian University and Lakehead University.

According to Dr. Catharine Whiteside, co-chair person of COU Faculties of Medicine and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, “focusing on specializations such as anesthesia, obstetrics, care of the elderly, palliative care, rural skills, mental health and additions, will be a starting point to support comprehensive family practice in under-served communities.” Hence, with the continuing support from provincial government to improve health care facilities across Ontario, people living in rural communities will be having greater benefits.

Political Deadlock

NDTV News, Ahmedabad, March 2011

As of 2009, The Union Government had assigned 10 crore rupees for minority students in Gujarat. Students who have not previously completed Grade 10 and whose parents earn less than 1 lakh annually were eligible for scholarships worth Rs. 800 – 1500 a month. About 52,000 could qualify. However, due to politicking between BJP and Congress, thousands of students are robbed of life-changing opportunities. Let us hope that this issue gets solved in the favor of innocent minority people of Gujarat.

IELTS tops the list

PRNewswire, Cairo, March 2011

The International English Language Testing System, commonly known as IELTS, made its way to the top in the list of World’s most popular high stakes English Language tests. A record breaking 1.5 million tests were taken around the world in 2010 with the increase in the number of tests taken year-after-year since 1995. North America experienced the largest growth over the year followed by Philippines and Hong Kong. China, Australia and India continue to retain their positions as the largest markets for IELTS.

IELTS provides a reliable measure of a candidate’s ability across the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Candidates mainly take IELTS in pursuit of entry into an academic institution or immigration processes, mainly to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge (Examinations ESOL).