CIEC News
The Business of Education Dinner
Our Canada West Chapter’s signature event takes place on Sept. 30 in Vancouver, BC at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel.
Synergy Conference 2016
Our 10th annual Canada-India: A Synergy in Education conference will take place on September 23 from 1 – 5pm at the Ontario Investment & Trade Centre.
* Be part of an exclusive & unique celebration
* Network with Dignitaries, Provincial & Federal Ministers, education stakeholders, VIP’s/guests, College/University decision makers & thought leaders from both countries
* Enjoy a sumptuous dinner & breathtaking skylines
CIEC invites you to be a part of our highly-anticipated & ambitious ‘ScholarSHIP 2016’ Networking Dinner which takes place simultaneously in Toronto, ON & Vancouver, BC
‘ScholarSHIP 2016’ will take place onboard scenic harbor cruise ships in Toronto & Vancouver where attendees will network with dignitaries, Ministers & policy makers, academic champions and key stakeholders from the Academic, Government & corporate sectors besides enjoying on-board Bollywood entertainment and a sumptuous dinner.
‘ScholarSHIP 2016’ will serve as a great way to highlight emerging issues and areas of possible co-operation between Canada & India, as well as governments’ programs and policies in the education sector. With reasonably priced members tickets at only $150, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
‘ScholarSHIP 2016’ Sponsorship Benefits
Sponsorship – $3000. All sponsors receive the following benefits:
- 6 complimentary tickets (value of $1200) that can be used in one or divided between both cities
- Recognition from the podium & speaking opportunity for 10 minutes – be showcased & visible in Toronto and Vancouver simultaneously
- Announcement as an event sponsor on the CIEC website, ‘ScholarSHIP 2016′ registration page and in our monthly newsletter (‘Disha’) reaching over 18,000 key education stakeholders
- On-board exposure via a banner, agenda/dinner menu and screen (when not in use)
- Distribution of 1 piece of collateral or souvenir handed to all ‘ScholarSHIP 2016’ attendees at registration
- Be seen as a thought-leader in the burgeoning Canada-India education corridor
Have a questions? Contact [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at ‘ScholarSHIP 2016’!
Synergy 2015
Synergy Education Conference: Academia Meets Industry & The Role India Can Play
POST EVENT REPORT
October 30, 2015 • Hilton Garden Inn (Toronto Airport West) • 1870 Matheson Blvd • Mississauga, ON • L4W 0B3
CIEC would like to thank all Synergy 2015 Presenters and Participants for helping to make this year’s event yet another success. CIEC was proud to host Synergy 2015 which explored the academia-industry partnerships and whether they are a myth or reality in the Canada-India context. This year’s exciting agenda featured distinguished speakers, key academics and Provincial/Federal representatives such as India’s Consul General Hon. Akhilesh Mishra, President of the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) Sanjay Makkar, Chair of the Canada India Business Council Yezdi Pavri more.
We hope Synergy 2015 provided you with valuable networking opportunities and served as a platform for discussion of emerging issues and areas of possible co-operation as well as governments’ programs & policies in education that have been hailed as a priority. We are happy to share the very informative Powerpoint presentations accompanying this year’s sessions. Please click here to view our Youtube playlist of all presentations or view our photos on Google+.
Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew offered the Opening Address which highlighted the role of the middle class in economic growth and offered insights into the present and future of Canada-India education relations. Hon. Akhilesh Mishra, India’s Consul General gave a moving presentation titled ‘Canada & India: How our paths intersect’ and Prof. Balbir Sahni, Professor Emeritus, Economics, Concordia University, offered the Inaugural Address ‘ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY LINKAGES: a Myth or Reality? – Canada-India Context’. Yezdi Pavri, Chair, Canada-India Business Council (CIBC) presented the keynote address ‘Academia & Industry: linkages and role India can play’ with Q&A, which highlighted CIBC’s as well as the the corporate role in establishing industry-academic linkages and promoting Canadian education in India.
Thanks @CanadaIndiaEdu for inviting me to speak on opportunities for Canada in tech & vocational education in India. pic.twitter.com/W4oSJXDovW
— Akhilesh Mishra (@AkhileshIFS) October 31, 2015
Dr. Ragini Bilolikar, Academic Advisor – India, Canada India Education Council prepared a synopsis of the ‘The National Skills Development Council (NSDC). Veenaa Kumari, Research Scholar, shared tips on talent supply chain management and Dr. Peter Geller, Vice Provost & AVP, University of Fraser Valley shared insights on UFV’s successful & unique India initiative during his presentation ‘Ten Years of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Campus in Chandigarh: Moving Beyond Challenge to Success’. Vijendra “VJ” Gairola, CIEC’s Senior Strategic Advisor & Sheila Embleton, Professor of Linguistics, York University hosted a roundtable discussion with Synergy participants on the skills shortage in India as well as the current state and future trends of academic-industry linkages. Synergy Sponsor Hanson International Academy also made a very informative presentation on the role Hybrid Institutions can play in the Canada-India education corridor and offered keen advice on pursuing the right type of partnership for each institution.
Hanson was thrilled to sponsor #Synergy2015. We learned so much! Till next year @CanadaIndiaEdu ! pic.twitter.com/cSVJvUx8EJ
— Hanson International (@HansonInt) November 5, 2015
CIEC thanks our sponsors for making Synergy 2015 possible:
Gold Sponsor: Hanson International Academy
Interested in becoming a Synergy 2015 Sponsor?
Learn more about the benefits of Synergy Sponsorship.
Canadian Colleges Take on India Skills Development
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
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.
PM @narendramodi and @pmharper arrive at the venue. Tremendous enthusiasm all around. pic.twitter.com/CyZVBAkkJx
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 16, 2015
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.
Thank you Toronto! Thank you @pmharper. Unforgettable experience at the Indian Community Programme. pic.twitter.com/JGKL5WXDrC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2015
Synergy 2014: Post Event Report
November 17, 2014 • Westin Ottawa
On November 17, 2014 CIEC hosted the ‘Canada-India: Synergy in Education’ Conference 2014 in Ottawa. This year’s event took place before CBIE’s annual conference and explored the convergence of sports and entertainment in the education sector.. asking the question: Is India the next frontier? View event photos
- Discussed sports management, sports marketing, sports scholarships, talent acquisition, scouting and related topics…
- Exchanged ideas & experiences, explore opportunities, pitfalls & challenges, highlight your sports / entertainment programs, network with stakeholders active in both markets and create valuable connections…
With sessions by CBIE and DFATD, augmented by multiple workshop-style sessions led by the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), this was a must-attend event for those active or interested in examining India as a possible frontier in this corridor. Hon. Bal Gosal outlined the $200 million set aside by the federal government for sports, including the athlete assistance program. He also discussed trade between Canada & India and projected that once the new trade agreements are in place trade between these nations will triple to $15 billion annually.
Patrick Brown, MP and Co-Chair of the Canada India Parliamentary Association presented on Ottawa’s role in this growing sector. He discussed India’s booming population, counting 500 million young people, and expressed his hopes that we see an influx of these young people coming into Canada. Jennifer Humphries, CBIE presented the details on CBIE’s plan for the future.Attendees also heard ex- NHL’er Doug Smith lend his expertise and a decade of high performance playing at the elite level. He discussed sport
s injuries as well as athletic programming & how it can benefit academic institutiions. Doug Smith also shared stories of his fascinating life, recovery, and the impact of trauma and injury on sports performance. He also described how behavior drives culture in sports.
Dr. Brian Mcpherson, with 30 years experience in leading government relations, sport marketing and innovative initiatives, described Commonwealth Games Canada and its 3 programs
Participants of Synergy 2014 explored this exciting new frontier and mingled with sports and entertainment figures & key stakeholders in this thought-provoking Conference.
.
View Synergy 2014 photos.
View previous presentations & photos or view all past events.
Useful links regarding obtaining a VISA
Agenda
.
Conferences, such as this one, are crucial to Canada-India relations, because they allow for growth and promoting knowledge between the two countries….’
– Hon. Deepak Obhrai, P.C., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights
Events such as this remind us that when many come together for a single cause, much can be accomplished. Prime Minister Harper said: “There is s tremendous amount of potential in our relationship with India. We share a history of cooperation in the Commonwealth and the United Nations, as well as a shared commitment to pluralism, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Our goal is to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership based on shared commercial, political and regional interests.” As Minister for Multiculturalism, I would like to thank the members of the Canada India Education Council for your ongoing work in support of cooperation between Canada and India in the field of education. – Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP Minister of Employment and Social Development & Minister for Multiculturalism
The ‘Business of Education’ Dinner in Vancouver, BC
Post-Event Report
Friday, June 6, 2014, Vancouver, BC | Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
CIEC’s Canada West Chapter’s must-attend, landmark event featured a “who’s who” of education including illustrious speakers such as Hon. Minister Amrik Virk, BC Minister of Advanced Education, Hon. Minister Peter Fassbender, BC Minister of Education, Hon. Deepak Obhrai, MP & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 5 University Presidents…and over 200 participants.
To view photos of the event, please visit Event Photos.
To view testimonials of Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP Minister of Employment and Social Development & Minister for Multiculturalism as well as Christy Clark, Premier, British Columbia, please visit Testimonials.
Event participants:
- Exchanged ideas via a focused networking event
- Learned about BC’s new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) standards
- Explored opportunities and build a collaborative approach. Share experiences and avoid potential pitfalls
- Highlighted your initiatives to peers and receive effective marketing tips and benefit from existing synergies
- Examined the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure our ‘ROI’ ? (Scroll down for Event Agenda)
Learn about Sponsorship Benefits
View Speaker Profiles
View Event Photos
Event Agenda
CIEC Presents… The ‘Business of Education’ Dinner in Vancouver, BC
On June 6, CIEC will host a landmark dinner event in Vancouver, BC at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. CIEC’s Canada West Chapter’s must-attend event will feature a “who’s who” of education including illustrious speakers such as:
- Hon. Minister Amrik Virk, BC Minister of Advanced Education
- Hon. Minister Peter Fassbender, BC Minister of Education
- Hon. Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors
- Devinder Shory, MP Calgary Northeast
- Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC, Chair, Canada India Education Council
- Prof. Niloufer Adil, CIEC’s Academic Advisor & Past Secretary-India’s University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Dr. Alan Davis, President-Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Dr. Robert Kuhn, President & Chancellor, Trinity Western University
- Prof. Andrew Petter, President- Simon Fraser University
- Dr. Lane Trotter, President & CEO, Langara College
Learn about BC’s new education quality assurance standards (EQA) and examine the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure ‘ROI’? BC is committed to increasing international students by 50% by 2016.
Register or view Agenda / Speaker Profiles / Sponsorship Options
Governor General to Undertake State Visit to the Republic of India
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]
Canada West Chapter Reception
Canada India Education Council (CIEC) was pleased to host a private reception to launch our Canada West Chapter
On Nov 18 CIEC hosted a complimentary reception to launch our Canada West Chapter at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, which was attended by education stakeholders and key thought leaders from BC & neighbouring Provinces as well as India and featured special guest Ravi Shankar Aisola, Consul General-Vancouver (Government of India).
To view photos of the event, please click here to view them on CIEC’s Google+ page.
2nd Toronto International Students Festival 2013 on Sept. 28, 2013
2nd Toronto International Students Festival 2013
September 28, 2013; 1:00 – 6:00 PM
David Pecaut Square, 55 John Street, Toronto
The City of Toronto is partnering with academic institutions and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to enhance the positive experiences of international students who come here to study and live. To kick off this annual initiative, from August 15th to September 8th, the City of Toronto hosted its Airport Welcome Program for all International students newly arriving at TorontoPearsonInternationalAirport, providing them with all the information they needed to get settled in their new home.
The City is now preparing to celebrate those International Students who have chosen Toronto as their academic hub with its 2nd annual Toronto International Students Festival. With over 59,000 international students in Ontario, Toronto has emerged as the largest centre of foreign students in Canada.
Last year’s 1st Toronto International Students Festival 2012 had over 1,500 people attend at Nathan Philips Square. At this year’s festival close to 3,000 international students, their families and friends, civic leaders, senior officials and staff of the partner universities and colleges and representatives of some top countries, which are the source of most of Toronto’s international students, will be attending.
The Festival will feature speeches, cultural performances, award presentations, arts display, agency display booths and prizes. Event will be a prime networking spot for students from different countries, universities and colleges will find networking and integration opportunities among themselves and with business and community groups, employers, government and foreign government representatives. One the main events at this year’s festival: Eight students from Jamaica, Russia, India, United States, China, Ukraine and Mexico will receive Toronto Excellence Awards in the categories of community services, entrepreneurship, Academic excellence, sports, arts & culture, and student services.
Come out and join in on the celebrations:
v See diversity of nations on display (live performances, art & cultural exhibitions);
v Meet Excellence Award Winner International Students and learn about their unique contributions to communities and businesses;
v Meet representatives from universities and colleges from all over Ontario; foreign country representatives;
v See local and provincial agencies coming together to welcome and support international students from around the world
Purpose of this event is to:
v To celebrate international students and their achievements;
v To directly listen to the views of civic, academic and student leaders;
v To make international students feel welcome, supported and appreciated in Toronto;
v To expose students to diverse cultural and entertainment activities and motivate them to participate and develop fond memories; and
v To promote Toronto, Ontario and Canada as the global educational destinations.
Promotional video via Youtube link is: http://youtu.be/9DnVfTcX5To
More information about programs at: toronto.ca/international-students
For more information and to set up interviews:
Contact: Jagdish Yadav, Senior Advisor Education Sector, City of Toronto at: [email protected]
Twinning Programmes Draw More Students
Source: Times of India
With foreign currency getting expensive, universities offering twinning programmes are seeing a surge in student enrolment.
In 1994, Manipal University’s International Centre For Applied Sciences (ICAS) was built to accommodate about 200 students; only six students had signed up then. For long, the centre saw a steady rise in students and about 150-odd candidates joined last year. “I feel we will have around 250 students by the end of this year’s admission season,” says ICAS director G M J Bhat.
Other universities have the same story to tell. As Bertrand Guillotin, director of the international program office at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, notes, “Education remains the best long-term investment you can make, regardless of currency fluctuations.” But while twinning courses improve accessibility to higher education, they also potentially retain a slice of the £8 billion (US$13 billion) leaving India with foreign education-seeking Indian students.With that, international universities wanting to attract Indian students are also open to signing partnership agreements with Indian colleges. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, president and vice chancellor of Carleton University, says, “Students benefit from such programs as they represent less time away from home and reduced costs in terms of tuition and residence.”
At the other end, she adds, universities benefit from the close collaboration of faculty members which can also result in productive joint research projects. A study conducted by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) revealed an upswing in the number of foreign education providers in India, from 144 in 2000 to 631 in 2010. Of these, 49 are operating under twinning arrangements, with MBA and hotel management being the most popular courses.
For the full report, log on to www.timesofindia.com
CIEC Sees Unprecedented Growth in 2013
Source: CIEC
CIEC welcomes over 70 Canadian & Indian Associate Members (open to Canadian & Indian Academic Institutions) to CIEC’s membership ranks along with several new Academic Members & 4 new Agent Members (CARE):
- Touchstone Educational
- Singh Foundation
- Western Overseas
- Sophiya Consultants
The new Associate Membership Category and simplified, inclusive & budget-friendly CARE Process will allow members to network with each other and showcase themselves and their institutions in this vibrant and burgeoning education corridor by highlighting recent developments & new programs, engaging in dialogue on emerging opportunities, stimulating thought and discussing new initiatives and ideas in our monthly newsletter and live news portal ‘Disha’ which is read by over 19,000 academics and thought leaders from both countries. CIEC’s highly penetrative and potent network reaches academic champions from both countries, high level government representatives and policy makers, besides Colleges & Universities.
CIEC’s is also expanding its reach through the use of various social media outlets. These include:
- Linkedin Group: Network of Canada-India Education Leaders and Stakeholders (over 300 Members)
- Facebook Group: CIEC’s International Student Forum (over 300 Student Members)
- Like us on Facebook (278 Likes)
- Follow us on Twitter (256 Followers)
- Join Us On LinkedIn (2361 Connections)
CIEC invites you to get involved today! www.CanadaIndiaEducation.com
Synergy 2013: seats filling fast
Registration is now open for our highly successful “Canada-India: A Synergy in Education” event, held since 2007. The Canada India Education Council (CIEC) is proud to host Synergy 2013 on Oct 3 & 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn near the Toronto Airport.
This year’s event will highlight education activities as well as provide networking opportunities for institutions and organizations interested in operating in either or both countries. With a focus on key academic areas of co-operation and on partnerships, Synergy 2013 will provide updates from India regarding the entry for foreign education providers (Bill 57) leading to many possible outcomes for Canadian education providers. Synergy 2013 will serve as a great way to hear about both governments’ programs and policies in education, which have been recognized as a signature priority. An interesting session will be conducted by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) who will discuss impending legislation and how it could transform ‘Internationalization’ efforts for private institutions. Synergy 2013 will also feature a round table discussion on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor and feature closing remarks by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and a reception by the co-chairs of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association.
Highlights of this year’s sessions:
- Update on Canada India Higher Education cooperation & promotion of Canada as a study destination by Foreign Affairs & Int’l Trade (DFAIT)
- Update on the Ontario-Maharashtra-Goa (OMG) program & cross directional push for higher levels of collaboration in Research & Higher Education by Dr. Lalu Mansinha
- Updates from Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the recently founded IC-IMPACT (announced by PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012) will also be present and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Join over a hundred academic experts from both countries as they discuss recent developments and hear illustrious speakers stimulate thought and demonstrate the opportunities of this dynamic and burgeoning education corridor.
For a detailed Agenda, click here. To Register, click here.
The seating capacity at Synergy 2013 is only 120 and registration is once again on a first come basis. CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers.
To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, you must reserve your room by August 31st by clicking here.
For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide a 1 night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s landmark event and in the meanwhile, have yourself a great summer!
Synergy 2013: Seats filling quickly
Registrations are now open for our highly successful “Canada-India: A Synergy in Education” event, held since 2007. The Canada India Education Council (CIEC) is proud to host Synergy 2013 on Oct 3 & 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn near Toronto Airport.
This year’s event will highlight education activities as well as provide networking opportunities for institutions and organizations interested in operating in either or both countries. With a focus on key academic areas of co-operation and on partnerships, Synergy 2013 will provide updates from India regarding the entry for foreign education providers (Bill 57) leading to many possible outcomes for Canadian education providers. Synergy 2013 will serve as a great way to hear about both governments’ programs and policies in education, which have been recognized as a signature priority. An interesting session will be conducted by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) who will discuss impending legislation and how it could transform ‘Internationalization’ efforts for private institutions. Synergy 2013 will also feature a round table discussion on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor and feature closing remarks by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and a reception by the co-chairs of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association.
Highlights of this year’s sessions:
- Update on Canada India Higher Education cooperation & promotion of Canada as a study destination by Foreign Affairs & Int’l Trade (DFAIT)
- Update on the Ontario-Maharashtra-Goa (OMG) program & cross directional push for higher levels of collaboration in Research & Higher Education by Dr. Lalu Mansinha
- Updates from Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and we are particularly delighted that the recently founded IC-IMPACT (announced by PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012) will also be present and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Join hundreds of academic experts from both countries as they discuss recent developments and hear illustrious speakers stimulate thought and demonstrate the opportunities of this dynamic and burgeoning education corridor. For a detailed Agenda, please visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/synergy-2013/ To Register, click here.
The seating capacity at Synergy 2013 is only 120 and registration is once again on a first come basis. CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, you must reserve your room by August 31st by clicking here. For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide a 1 night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.
CIEC is a membership founded, bi-national, independent, event-driven organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s landmark event and in the meanwhile, have yourself a great summer!
CIEC Opens Associate Membership for Indian & Canadian Academic Institutions
Academic relations between Canada and India are at an all time high and yet education linkages remain well below potential. CIEC was founded by bringing together 15 academic & non-academic organizations in Canada and has since gradually evolved into a valuable bridge between Canada & India. It is now positioned as the “go to” organization for Canada-India academic relations. CIEC is one of only a few organizations offering critical ‘on the ground’ presence in both countries and helps Institutions position themselves advantageously in an increasingly competitive environment. CIEC combines corporate governance with the benefits of a public-private partnership balanced with an entrepreneurial methodology to remain independent and yet be financially sustainable.
CIEC has invested countless hours and resources in paving the way for academics, organizations, governments and other stakeholders to work with each other and has helped lay the foundation for smooth academic relationships and exchanges. We are proud of our accomplishments in this short span but also realize that we have only just begun to scratch the surface. Besides planning delegations, organizing missions (recruiting & otherwise), training seminars, facilitating academic exchanges and hosting our flagship annual ‘Synergy’ Conference for several years, there remains much more to do and many more opportunities to be seized.
As CIEC opens its Membership to Institutions across India and Canada, we invite Colleges, Universities and interested Corporations to join us as we enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries. Members will have an opportunity to network with each other and showcase themselves and their institutions in this vibrant and burgeoning education corridor.
CIEC Membership will also serve as a unique way to profile your Institutions programs, commitments and initiatives in this vibrant ‘corridor’ and with thought provoking discussions led by experts from both countries featured in our monthly newsletter and live news portal ‘Disha‘ which is read by over 19,000 academics and thought leaders from both countries. Members can highlight recent developments, new programs, dialogue on emerging opportunities, stimulate thought and discuss new initiatives and ideas. CIEC’s highly penetrative and potent network reaches academic champions from both countries, high level government representatives and policy makers, besides Colleges & Universities.
CIEC is a bi-national, non-partisan, independent, event-driven, membership-based organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.
To become an Associate Member and be counted as a leader and make yourself known in this dynamic and growing sector, click here to register and active your 1-year FREE listing online. We look forward to working with you.
Kind regards,
Hon. Pierre S Pettigrew, PC Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
Chair-CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor-CIEC
- Connect with CEO Husain F. Neemuchwala on LinkedIn
- ‘Like’ CIEC on Facebook
- Join our LinkedIn group ‘Network of Canada-India Education Leaders & Stakeholders‘
- Visit ‘Disha,’ a ‘clearing house’ of information & updates pertaining to the Canada-India education corridor distributed to our database of 19 000 key education stakeholders, and subscribe to receive monthly editions.
Synergy 2013 just around the corner
Canada India Education Council (CIEC) is pleased to announce that this year’s 7th Annual ‘Synergy 2013’ event is just around the corner and will at once feature major stakeholders such as AUCC, DFAIT, Ontario Maharashtra Goa (OMG), Shastri Institute (SICI) and academic experts from India accompanied by 5 Canadian MP’s and key thought leaders from both countries. We are particularly delighted that the recently founded IC-IMPACT which was announced by PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012 will also be present and discuss opportunities for others to get involved in. Another interesting session will be conducted by representatives of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) who will discuss impending legislation and how it could transform ‘Internationalization’ efforts for private institutions. Synergy 2013 will also feature a round table discussion on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor and feature closing remarks by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and a reception by the co-chairs of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association.
On Oct 3 & 4, join academic experts from both countries as they discuss recent developments and hear illustrious speakers stimulate thought and showcase opportunities in this dynamic and burgeoning education corridor. The seating capacity is only 120 and registration is once again on a first come basis. CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, reserve your room by clicking here. For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide 1 night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Toronto.
- Exchange ideas via a focused networking event to further the interests of those already involved in or contemplating involvement in this dynamic education
- Explore opportunities in this burgeoning sector and build an awareness & collaborative approach in sharing each other’s experiences and pitfalls to avoid. An opportunity to highlight your programs to peers and receive effective marketing tips, network with stakeholders active in both markets and benefit from existing connections.
For those who can’t make it, CIEC’s media team will be tweeting and updating you in real time via Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
You may find a detailed Agenda here.
To Register, click here.
CIEC is a membership founded, bi-national, independent, event-driven organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.
We look forward to seeing you at Synergy 2013.
Regards,
Husain F. Neemuchwala Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
CEO – CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor – CIEC
College of the Rockies earns top spot for International Students in Canada
Source: College of the Rockies
On Thursday, April 18, College of the Rockies celebrated being chosen as the Number One destination for International Students in Canada and Number Two in the world, based on overall ratings by students. The survey, the Student Barometer, is the largest of its kind and conducted annually by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate).
Students from 193 educational institutions from 15 countries were asked to rate their schools covering four categories: arrival experience, support, living, and learning. This included 25 from Canada and, among them, College of the Rockies earned top honours.
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 ‘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,
Husain F. Neemuchwala Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
CEO – CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor – CIEC
Speakers lining up for Synergy 2013
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute’s upcoming President Shanthi Johnson will be speaking at this year’s event accompanied by 5 Canadian Members of Parliament. CIEC is still accepting proposals and we would love to hear from those interested in joining this esteemed line-up of speakers.
CIEC will be offering a 1-night free stay at the Hilton Garden Inn to delegates traveling from India as well as a special rate and complimentary airport pick up for ALL Synergy participants.
Click here to learn more, register, or submit a proposal.
CARE Now Overseen by the Distinguished Gaurav Verma
CIEC welcomes Gaurav Verma, CIEC’s Project Coordinator, to the Executive Team. Gaurav is uniquely qualified to oversee CARE – CIEC’s Agent Membership category – contributing his vast experience of working with international students and in the Indian Agent market as well as valuable, active, working relations with over 40 ACCC colleges in Canada. Accredited to him is a unique method of working with the Sub Associate Network for the Indian Market keeping a student-centric approach to expand, generate, and maximize results. His knowledge of Education Management, International Student Recruitment, and Marketing has proven a valuable contribution to CIEC and will have a lasting effect on serving and assisting Canadian and Indian education stakeholders.
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, including Canadian Colleges & Universities, and is poised to soon become the benchmark in establishing standards for counselors and agents promoting Canadian education in India. CARE Recognition will be granted by an impartial and knowledgeable Membership Committee, comprised of academic experts representing 3 major Canadian Colleges as well as CIEC staff.
CARE serves as a cost-effective way for education agents to gain exposure, establish their credentials, and distinguish 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.
For a full list of CARE benefits, click here.
You can contact Gaurav Verma at [email protected] to request an Application Form.
Academic & Corporate Memberships Now Open at CIEC
Academic relations between Canada and India are at an all time high and yet education linkages remain well below potential. This is despite the trailblazing work being done against the backdrop of cordial relations between our two countries; the size and growing importance of the Indian ‘Diaspora’ in Canada and significant efforts devoted in recent years to strengthening academic linkages in this exciting sector. After observing India’s keen interest in reaching out ‘Internationally’ and the capacity gap ‘widening’, Canada India Education Council (CIEC) was founded in 2010 by bringing together 15 academic & non-academic organizations in Canada.
Since our creation, CIEC has gradually evolved into a valuable bridge between Canada & India and is poised to soon become the “go to” organization for Canada-India academic relations. CIEC is one of only a few organizations offering critical ‘on the ground’ presence in both countries and helps Institutions position themselves advantageously in an increasingly competitive environment. CIEC combines corporate governance with the benefits of a public-private partnership balanced with an entrepreneurial methodology to remain independent and yet be financially sustainable.
CIEC has invested countless hours and resources in paving the way for academics, organizations, governments and other stakeholders to collectively work with each other and have helped lay the foundation for smooth academic relationships and exchanges. We are proud of our accomplishments in this short span but also realize that we have only just begun to scratch the surface. Besides planning delegations, organizing missions (recruiting & otherwise) and hosting our flagship annual ‘Synergy’ Conference for over 6 years, there remains much more to do and many opportunities to be seized.
As CIEC opens its Membership ranks to Institutions across Canada and India we invite select Colleges | Universities and interested Corporations to join us as we enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries. Members will have an opportunity to network with each other and showcase themselves and their institutions in this vibrant and burgeoning Canada-India education corridor.
Your CIEC Membership will also serve as yet another way to profile your Institutions programs, commitments and initiatives in this vibrant ‘corridor’ and with thought provoking discussions led by experts from both countries via our weekly newsletter (reaching over 19,000 academics and thought leaders from both countries), members can highlight recent developments, new programs, dialogue on emerging opportunities, stimulate thought and discuss new initiatives and ideas. CIEC’s highly penetrative and potent network reaches academic champions from both countries, high level government representatives and policy makers besides key Canadian & Indian Colleges and Universities.
Being mindful of shrinking budgets, CIEC’s ‘Membership fee’ is a nominal $200/month which we hope will allow for broader participation and create a greater value proposition for Members.
CIEC members will enjoy*:
• ‘Rep’ office(s) in India and Canada
• Tile or logo (clickable link) & a banner on CIEC’s website (if available) in Media campaigns in both countries
• Access to CARE (Canadian Academic Advisors Representing Excellence) – CIEC’s exclusive ‘Agent’ Membership category
• Discounted Registration fee at CIEC signature events (Annual Synergy Networking Conference in Canada & on delegations to India)
• One-call telephone number for Members & ‘On the ground’ presence in both countries
• Access to CIEC’s vast and expanding corporate and academic network
• Access to market intelligence and identifying leads in ‘market development’
• Advice on logistics and support in planning visits and meetings in either country
*For a full list of membership benefits, please visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/members/benefits/
CIEC invites you to join us as we work together to create a win-win situation and by building on past successes, we look forward to a promising future. The budget friendly Membership fee of $100/month will not only demonstrate your interest in reaching out to key academic leaders from other institutions but also afford access to exclusive ‘Member only’ events and enable hosting visiting delegations on your campus.
CIEC is a bi-national, bi-partisan, independent, event-driven, membership-based organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.
To become a Member and be counted as a leader and be visible in this dynamic and growing sector, click here to get started. We look forward to working with you.
Kind regards,
Hon. Pierre S Pettigrew, PC Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
Chair-CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor-CIEC
CIEC Members enjoy two new Exclusive Member Benefits
CIEC presents two new member benefits for our academic & corporate members:
- Activity or event postings in the newly-launched newsletter ‘Disha,’ reaching 19 000 key education stakeholders, more information below;
- Academic Members can partake in our ‘Virtual Campus Tours‘ (exclusive to members) by submitting 5 – 10 images of their academic institution, more information below.
Activity & Event Posting in ‘Disha’
CIEC invites academic, agent and corporate members to submit up to three activities or events per month (recruiting trips/travelling delegates, new programs/start dates, job postings) for free as an exclusive membership benefit. Contributions will be posted in the much-lauded, monthly ‘Disha’ (Direction) e-newsletter reaching the CIEC database of 19 000 education stakeholders. CIEC now also promotes member and non-member events free-of-charge on the CIEC website, the live ‘Disha’ blog, and the ‘Disha’ newsletter. Interested institutions are asked to send a logo, introductory paragraph and website link to include in the ‘Partner Events’ section of ‘Disha.’ Please send your postings to [email protected].
‘Virtual Campus Tours’
CIEC has also launched ‘Virtual Campus Tours,’ and invites academic members to send 5 – 10 images of their institutions with short captions (may include links to more information). ‘Virtual Tours’ will be linked to from the members profile as well as the newly-unveiled ‘Student’ section of the CIEC website. Suggested photos include:
- shots of major campus buildings
- highlights of any special features of the college such as state of the art research facilities or cultural landmarks
- stills of city life and surrounding area as well as social clubs, student groups, international student accommodation, and activities on campus
Interested institutions can send their photos and corresponding captions (if applicable) to [email protected] with ‘Virtual Tours’ in the subject line.
Synergy 2013 Education Conference
Post-Event Report
October 3 & 4, 2013
Hilton Garden Inn (Toronto Airport West) • 1870 Matheson Blvd • Mississauga, ON • L4W 0B3
On October 3 & 4, Canada India Education Council (CIEC) was the proud host of ‘Canada-India: Synergy in Education’ Conference 2013 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Toronto. Participants exchanged ideas & experiences, explored opportunities, highlighted their programs and networked with stakeholders active in both markets, resulting in many valuable connections.
‘Conferences, such as this one, are crucial to Canada-India relations, because they allow for growth and promoting knowledge between the two countries… I wish the 7th Annual Canada-India Synergy in Education Conference much success and hope all participants will thoroughly enjoy and enlighten themselves at this event.‘
– Hon. Deepak Obhrai, P.C., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights
To view Synergy 2013 Presentations, click here. To view Synergy 2013 Photos, click here.
Key points & highlights
- Need for a strategy for promoting overlooked sectors of education within the Canadian education system to international students, which include career colleges / skilled trades & technical education
- Patterns and sources of student growth & prospects and challenges of increased activity in the Indian education sector
- Reenergized National strategy for promoting ‘Brand Canada’ overseas & opportunities for involvement
This year, CIEC introduced the ‘brainstorming’ session called ‘A Suggestion or Two’ that captured what key players such as academics, government & education agents want to see done to further optimize educational ties between Canada and India. Some of the ideas suggested include:
- Importance of keeping sight of international students’ needs both before and after they reach Canada
- The critical value the Synergy Conference brings to all stakeholders and need to reach a wider audience as the Synergy / CIEC brand grows
- NACC engaged in groundbreaking work and Career colleges must offer incentives to international students to overcome an unfavorable perception created by UK and Australian career colleges
- Academic institutions’ need for ethical education agents and iCARE’s (CIEC’s Agent Membership Category) growing & much-lauded role in meeting this demand through our unique agent peer-review screening system where agents are graded in key areas by Canadian college and University references
Session summary
CIEC Chair Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew’s opening address stressed the need for educational ties as a valuable bridge between nations, even in matters of national security, their usefulness in the promotion of ideas and national growth, as well as the effects of globalization and a shrinking middle class in a changing world. Prof. Balbir Sahni from Concordia University followed with his Inaugural Address: ‘Sustainability of India–Focused Academic Linkages: Prospects and Challenges’ – a look at the path ahead in terms of gauging the true value of and optimizing MoUs while increasing student pull. Hon. Akhilesh Mishra, Consul General of India-Toronto discussed the critical role education plays in bridging the gap between Canada and India while Prof. Margaret Walton-Roberts from Wilfrid Laurier University presented Synergy attendees with a much-lauded session on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor, after which Synergy attendees enjoyed an Indian buffet lunch / networking session.
Rachel Lindsey, Senior Policy Analyst Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada reflected on AUCC’s ‘India strategy’ and Husain Neemuchwala, CEO of CIEC provided an update on CIEC upcoming activities which include our India ‘Mission 2014’ and the tremendous success of our iCARE (agent membership & screening process) initiative. Paul Bailey, Deputy Director, Edu-Canada, Foreign Affairs & Trade Development (DFATD) provided an update from Edu-Canada on their efforts in the promotion of Canada as a study destination. Dr. Shanthi Johnson, President, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute followed with the session ‘The road ahead: Challenges & Opportunities in the Canada-India education corridor,’ and Synergy attendees shared a laugh during the popular, interactive ‘Speed Dating’ session that offered them a change to introduce themselves & what they would like to achieve (partnerships, joint programming…).
Synergy 2013 participants enjoyed traditional Indian dessert during a short networking break and returned to hear Dr. Nemkumar (Nemy) Banthia, Univ. of British Columbia provide an overview of the new Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence announced by Hon. PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012 called IC-IMPACTS. Devinder Shory, MP & Co-Chair, Canada-India Parliamentary Association concluded Day 1 of the Conference by raising a toast to its continued success.
On Day 2 Career Colleges Canada’s informative session discussed NACC’s role in raising the bar for career colleges and filling the skilled trade shortage. As part of their new focus on international students, they discussed the work they are doing working with the Canadian government on areas of student visas, work permits, and possible immigration as well as the new ISP program and its groundbreaking inclusion of career colleges. Kam Rathee, Vice Chair, CIEC interjected with an observation that while immigration is important to students, India’s lack of quality institutions will always be the driving force behind international students’ seeking education abroad. For this reason Canada’s primary focus must remain on providing world-class education. Patrick Brown, MP & Co-Chair, Canada-India Parliamentary Association followed with a quick update on the Government’s ‘Internationalization’ plans & the ‘Education Consortium’. Brad Butt, MP for Streetsville, Mississauga stopped by to provide greetings from Ottawa as he did last year and called the Conference to a close. He thanked the work undertaken by Husain and the entire CIEC team and offered the support of his office, either locally or in Ottawa.=
CIEC thanks our esteemed presenters and all participants for making this year’s event yet another tremendous success with a special acknowledgement to Sophiya Consultants and Study Plus Consultants and Education Services, CIEC’s newest agent members, for contributing their voices to the discussion and coming from India to collect their iCARE certificates.
We look forward to seeing you at Synergy 2014!
Save the date!
Subscribe to Disha for updates.
Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, PC, Introduces the 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
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.
Why Canada is Failing to Lure Indian Students
By Kam Rathee
TORONTO: With Canada not being the favourite destination for Indian students going for higher education abroad, Ottawa needs to take some immediate steps to tap this lucrative market for its educational institutions.
Speaking as Vice-‐Chairman of the Canada-‐India Education Council, I would mention the five points that need to be considered for promoting Canada as a destination for Indian students.
On top of the list is the need to improve “Brand Canada” in India. Among the top four or five countries that attract most of Indian students, Canada has always been the weakest brand after the US, UK and Australia.
Now since in the case of the UK, there are problems related to immigration and fees issues and in the case of Australia Indian students have security issues, I think Canada has a golden opportunity to market itself as an educational destination in India. Though the numbers of Indian students coming to Canada has increased over the last two to three years, it still has a long way to go.
Secondly, fees for foreign students are very high in this country. In fact, Canada charges three times more fees from foreign students than local students for imparting the same education and handing out the same diplomas and degrees. In 2010, there were 218,000 foreign students in Canada of which 17,530 came from India – 4,640 as university students and 10,560 as post-‐secondary students. Most of them come from Indian middle class families and find it difficult to meet their expenses. A reduction in fees to two times that charged from local students will induce more Indian students to come to Canada. In fact, educational institutions can make more money if they increase their intake.
Thirdly, Canada’s federal government needs to play a more active role. In Canada, education is a provincial matter with no significant federal role in it. But foreign students pumped more than $ 8 billion into the Canadian economy in 2010 and supported 86,000 jobs. Despite this, for some strange reasons, education is still not seen as an economic activity – an export commodity and a business enterprise for which foreign students pay three times more than local students. The federal government needs to get involved with the provinces and treat education as a business, with relevant support given to this sector from tax and other perspectives in mind. Education, being a trade, should be subject to free trade agreements, particularly the one that is being negotiated with India.
Fourthly, Canada needs to make education employment and profession oriented so that the fruits of it are clear to those seeking to come here. Canada is turning into a service economy and losing its place as a major manufacturing player. Foreign students coming to Canada are forced to leave as they cannot use their education for a career or employment here. Though this is changing on account of the two-‐ year post graduation work visas being available, it is still tough to secure employment for foreign students notwithstanding the fact that they have obtained a Canadian degree or diploma. There needs to be a program under which the institution enrolling students from India should have an obligation to assist them in getting meaningful employment on completion of their education.
Indian Students Lucrative for Canada
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.
Education to Build Bridges Between Canada, India
CIEC Launched
