CIEC News

Business of Education Summit 2019

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

On May 17, 2019 the Canada India Education Council held their highly-anticipated Business of Education Summit in Vancouver, Canada. Their 3rd networking event in the province of British Columbia served as a great way to highlight opportunities for thought leaders in the International Education sector and interact with those active in India and Canada. Distinguished guests and speakers included government representatives as well as university presidents and senior administration.

CIEC thanks all Business of Education Summit 2019 sponsors, speakers, panelists and attendees for helping to make this year’s event a success. We hope the evening provided you with the chance to network with like-minded individuals while furthering the discussion of programs and policies in education that have been hailed as priorities.

Canadian Colleges Take on India Skills Development

CIEC Author

Source: The PIE News

Canadian educators have partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation of India to undertake part of the mammoth task of upskilling India’s youth population. With the NSDC responsible for training 150 million young people by 2022, this month it has signed 13 memoranda of understanding.

The MoUs, 12 of which with Canadian colleges as well as an umbrella MoU with Colleges and Institutes Canada, will facilitate collaborations for skill development in a variety of different sectors, including water, aviation and hydrocarbon.

The agreements were endorsed by both Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to Canada last week, the first in 42 years.

In 2009, under the National Policy on Skill Development in India, a target to train 500 million people before 2022 was set and the NSDC has been charged with training 150 million.

Cynthia Murphy, director of the Canadian Immigrant Integration Programme at Colleges and Institutes Canada, told The PIE News that with the looming deadline, development under these MoUs is moving very quickly.

“We all know of MoUs that are signed that don’t have a lot of activity – that’s not happening with this group,” she said.

“The NSDC is incredibly motivated and keen to get work happening under these MoUs. Each institution set its own goals within its own sector, but the time frame is of the essence.”

According to CIC figures, last year Canadian colleges and institutes hosted more than 8,000 Indian students– more than the number at universities, language schools, primary and secondary schools combined.

Education in general was one of the key areas that both Prime Ministers agreed to prioritise for bilateral engagement.

Canada also listed India as one of the priority countries to work with in its international education strategy last year.

Modi’s visit followed trips to Germany and France where he signed a two-year residence permit for Indian graduates with French president Francois Holland.

Murphy said that while on this trip Modi connected with the diaspora, but also with business and industry.

“It’s very much about building partnerships in several key sectors, and education being one of them,” she said. “It’s on the government’s agenda, it’s one of the priorities listed, and it is incredibly important to both countries.”

Despite the initial momentum of the collaborations, Husain Neemuchwala, CEO of the Canada-India Education Council said Modi has a lot to prove in the face of India’s upskilling needs.

“The government has only been in power for the past ten months or so,” he commented. “I think there’s tremendous scope and lots to demonstrate the intent as well as the ability to get things accomplished.”

He added: “I think there’s a lot to undertake at this point to demonstrate that they are able and capable and they mean what they say.”

CIEC Facilitates PM Modi Visit in Toronto

CIEC Author

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi made a much anticipated stop in Toronto, Canada for a Community Reception during his three-nation tour. This marked the first time an Indian PM visited Canada in 42 years. The PM was eager to meet his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper as well as address the Indo-Canadian community during his visit to Canada.

Canada India Education Council has joined the National Alliance of Indo-Canadians (NAIC) as a Welcoming Partner for this historic event which will be attended by several CIEC members and guests.

From: National Post

The thousands in attendance were full of excitement as they chanted “Modi! Modi!” However in the midst of the celebrations business was still attended to. Various agreements were signed and ties between the nations were further strengthened.

Modi was quoted as saying “Canada is a major Asia-Pacific power and should play a more active role, including in regional institutions.” Harper said about the relationship between Canada and India, “It’s not where we want it to be, but it’s growing.”

From: Metro News

At the event, Harper welcomed Modi as an individual “with humble roots and a devout spirit”. Modi then came to the stage, thanking the Indo-Canadian community for all they have done in terms of “enhancing the glory of India” abroad.

Governor General to Undertake State Visit to the Republic of India

CIEC Author

Source: Consulate General of Canada News Release | February 19, 2014

OTTAWA—At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will conduct a State visit to the Republic of India, from February 22 to March 2, 2014.

“Sharon and I are looking forward to our State visit to India, which will be centred on the themes of innovation, entrepreneurship and education, with a special focus on the contributions of women and girls,” His Excellency said. “This visit is a reflection of the importance Canada attaches to its relationship with India. Both of our countries are committed to strengthening our partnership and co-operation. The Canada-India economic relationship is strong and holds tremendous potential for broader and expanded collaboration. During our time spent in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, we will meet with government officials, representatives from the business and education sectors, and those from non-governmental organizations with the aim of advancing our economic, academic and cultural ties with our Indian counterparts.”

His Excellency will be joined by parliamentarians and an accompanying delegation of Canadians who will enhance business, academic, cultural and people-to-people ties with their Indian counterparts. These exchanges will further develop the wide-ranging and multi-faceted relationship with India, a major economic player and priority market for Canada, and will provide greater impetus to bilateral initiatives in various sectors, particularly in strategies promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and education.

State Visit to India: New Delhi (February 22 to 25)

In the capital city of New Delhi, Their Excellencies will be officially welcomed by the President and Prime Minister of India during a welcoming ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace. To underscore the important friendship and co-operation between both countries, and on behalf of the people of Canada, Their Excellencies will present an inuksuk to the people of India.

During this visit, His Excellency will meet with Canadian and Indian business leaders to discuss our nations’ economic relationship at a business meeting with the Chambers of Commerce hosted by the Government of India, and at the Canada-India CEO Forum. The Governor General will also discuss the role of innovation in addressing global health challenges during the Grand Challenges Global Health Innovation Roundtable, organized by Grand Challenges Canada.

Her Excellency will discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by women researchers supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and also by women entrepreneurs. She will also visit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing education to underprivileged children, and free services to children diagnosed with cancer.

State Visit to India – Bangalore (February 26 and 27)

In Bangalore, Their Excellencies will meet with the Governor of Karnataka. They will visit the All India Coordinated Small Millets Improvement Project—created by IDRC and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, in Bangalore—as well as inaugurate the new consulate general, which will oversee Canada’s expanded presence in South India.

His Excellency will discuss the importance of skills development in further building connections between Canadian and Indian institutions during a panel discussion, and participate in a Canada-India discussion on innovation hosted by the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada and the National Innovation Council of India.

Her Excellency will visit NGOs dedicated to helping children with HIV and to supporting Indian women entrepreneurs.

State Visit to India – Mumbai (February 27 to March 2)

While in Mumbai, Their Excellencies will meet with the Governor of Maharashtra, and pay their respects at a memorial to the 32 victims of the November 2008 terrorist attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. During a visit to Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia, Their Excellencies will see, first-hand, examples of India’s deep-seated entrepreneurship and various micro-businesses. They will also discuss the future of audiovisual co-production between Canada and India at Film City, one of the largest shooting locations in India.

In addition, His Excellency will have the opportunity to open the stock market at the Bombay Stock Exchange, and witness the inauguration of BIL-Ryerson DMZ India Ltd., an incubation centre for entrepreneurs supported in partnership with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute, Ryerson University and Simon Fraser University. He will also address innovators and entrepreneurs at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay; business leaders at the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber Annual Convention; and the heads of various educational institutions to exchange views on skills development and the future of education in India.

Her Excellency will meet with women leaders from the private and public sectors, civil society and academia on the status of women in India, and visit a strategic philanthropy NGO co-founded and co-managed by an Indo-Canadian. She will also meet with social workers and volunteers who prevent second-generation trafficking among the children of sex workers in Asia’s largest and oldest red-light district.

Visits abroad by a governor general play an important role in Canada’s relations with other countries. They are highly valuable as they help broaden bilateral relations and exchanges among peoples.

Members of the public can follow the Governor General’s State visit to the Republic of India online at www.gg.ca, where speeches, photos and videos will be posted.

-30-

The detailed itinerary and a list of accompanying delegates will be published at a later date.

Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau                                               Rideau Hall Press Office 613-998-0287 [email protected]

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

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

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 ‘Synergy’ blockbuster 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

 

Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC, Introduces the Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

By Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC

Welcome to the Canada India Education Council.  Our objective is to facilitate conversation & co-operation in the Canada-India education corridor. CIEC promotes education ties between Canada and India through recruiting opportunities, partnerships, joint ventures & programming, and organizing trade delegations, to name a few.  CIEC advises and aids institutions wishing to conduct academic linkages or exchange programs and connects potential students with reputable sources of information about the merits of an education or exchange program in either country.

The council serves as a forum for exchange of information and views between education providers, academics and associates from both countries.  CIEC aims to create a ‘clearing house’ of information and boasts a highly potent and interactive database that can be utilized to benefit members in both countries and update users of key events.

CIEC actively uses social networking tools to foster awareness and the development of an ‘academic community’ for sharing of information between academia, students, agents, high school counsellors and other like-minded groups to ‘connect’ with each other.

CIEC delivers value and engages member Institutions through shared sector updates and potential opportunities, actively soliciting feedback, and offering tailored solutions to suit each member’s goals and needs.

CIEC’s newest initiative is the much-lauded Agent Membership category: CARE – Indian Canadian Academic Advisors Representing Excellence.  CARE promotes transparency and ethical business practice in the international student recruitment market.  It is designed to act as a means for agencies that recruit students to Canadian accredited colleges, universities and other educational institutions to assess their services and ultimately fulfill their goal of providing a level of service that is at par with the expectations of students and Canadian academic institutions.

Agents are evaluated on their compliance with ‘CARE Standards’ through rigorous management and staff self-assessments, reference checks, and site visits.  The grueling CARE Process and mandatory training Increases agent awareness about the types of courses and institutions as well as different education options in Canada.

CARE – Recognized Agent Members shall be education agencies that have successfully undergone the CARE Process and have been approved for membership by the Membership Committee.  They have demonstrated their dedication to providing students and academic institutions ethical, quality education consulting services.

CARE offers regulation for the burgeoning education agency / consulting sector in India, meets the need for a consolidated database of ‘Agents & Consultants,’ and Increases accountability and responsibility of ‘Agents & Consultants’ towards the students and Institutions they represent.

Agents acquire a recognized document to validate their organization`s willingness and continual effort to improve, gain exposure through online mediums & networking events, and remain informed about the latest developments in the ‘Canada-India education corridor’

We look forward to your support and invite you to join our network of academic insiders & institutions, businesses, agents and students so that together we may succeed in this vibrant education corridor.

CIEC is an independent, national, membership based, event driven organisation established to operate exclusively within the burgeoning Canada-India education corridor.

CIEC accepting CARE applications

CIEC accepting CARE applications

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

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

Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

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

Canada India Education Council (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.