All Work and No Play Makes Gautam a Dull Boy

Source: Gautam Nath, Vice President – Balmoral Multicultural Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIAST Creates New Resource Centres For Newcomers and International Students

SIAST Creates New Resource Centres For Newcomers and International Students

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

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

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

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

Source: Chronicle Herald via Academica | July 23, 2014

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

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

Source: Research Findings via Academica | July 22, 2014

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

Canada Adds 10 Occupations to “Priority” Immigration Program

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

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

Colleges Ontario Reports Increase in Applications

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

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

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

Queen’s Implements New Program to Welcome International Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Consulate General of Canada| July 14, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

To RSVP or for additional information, contact:

Lana Edwards at: [email protected] / 9967515930

OR

Preeti Prabhu at: [email protected] / 9867015095

Carleton Offers Support for Students with Invisible Disabilities

Carleton Offers Support for Students with Invisible Disabilities

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

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

Internationalization Benefits PhD Students

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

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

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

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister to Visit Mumbai

Source: Consulate General of Canada | July 7, 2014

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

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

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

Media Availabilities on Wednesday, 09 July, 2014

Time: 11:00am-12:00pm

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

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

Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm

Location: Xavier’s College, New Marine Lines

Format: Student address

Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

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

Format: Public address followed by a short media availability.

To RSVP or for additional information, contact:

Lana Edwards at: [email protected] / 9967515930

OR

Preeti Prabhu at: [email protected] / 9867015095

194 GTU Students Attending Classes in Foreign Universities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quotes from Students

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

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

 

 

Herzing College

Herzing College has been helping students develop marketable business, design, healthcare, legal and technology skills since 1968. Their curriculum has been shaped to with the input of local employers to keep pace with the evolving requirements of industry. The goal at Herzing is to equip gradates with what they need to acquire financially and emotionally rewarding careers. The career development department provides students with resources and training to help them find success after graduation as their commitment to students is a top priority at Herzing.

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