The Government of Canada is helping to attract more international students to Atlantic Canada’s universities, community colleges, schools and research institutes by hosting an incoming familiarization mission of 11 education officials from India and Kenya. The delegation is currently on a two-week tour of 16 different educational institutions in the region, experiencing first-hand the quality and diversity of education programs and facilities throughout Atlantic Canada.

The delegates were selected by the participating Atlantic universities and schools based on their schools’ potential to provide qualified international students to Atlantic Canada. According to a 2012 survey, international students have positive impressions of Atlantic Canada, and 40 percent expressed interest in permanent residence, suggesting that this group is a prospective source of future immigrants and entrepreneurs for the region. 

The 2015 mission, coordinated by EduNova, a co-operative industry association of education and training providers in Nova Scotia, is made possible through a contribution of up to $93,210 from ACOA’s Business Development Program.

Quick Facts:

• In 2012, Atlantic Canada hosted 13,282 long-term (six months or longer) international students, who contributed approximately $510 million to local economies (tuition, accommodation, transportation and other expenditures). (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development)
• In 2010, some 3,350 jobs in Atlantic Canada were sustained thanks to the activities of international students. (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development)
• International students in Canada come from 194 different countries around the world. However, the top five countries of origin – China, India, Korea, Saudi Arabia and France – represent almost 60% of total international student enrollment in Canada. (Canadian Bureau for International Education)
• Students choose to study in Canada for its safety, strong education system, tolerant society, opportunities for full-time work and cost advantage. (Canadian Bureau for International Education)
 
Quotes:

“Our Government recognizes that international education is a key driver of jobs, growth and prosperity in every region of Canada, including Atlantic Canada. By supporting this initiative, we are helping to ensure that Atlantic Canada is top-of-mind for bright young international students seeking education and opportunity in world-class institutions. While they are here, these students contribute to the economy by purchasing goods and services, while establishing ties to the region that often lead to future business partnerships.”

– The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“EduNova is excited to be partnering with ACOA on this important initiative. We are proud of our postsecondary institutions in Atlantic Canada and the quality education they provide students from all over the World. Hosting incoming delegations, like this one from India, builds ambassadors for our region in their home countries. Reciprocating these incoming visits by our institutional representatives visiting India is a best practice in growing ties and partnerships for the long-term, leading to increased international student enrollments.”

– Wendy Luther, President and CEO, EduNova Cooperative Ltd.

Related Products:

• Shining International Spotlight on NS Education and Training Sector (ACOA)

Associated Links:

• Canada’s International Education Strategy
• Education Facts: Provincial and Territorial Benefits
• EduNova

Background:

Participating Atlantic Canada educational institutions

• Cape Breton University, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, NS
• St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
• Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus, Truro, NS
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
• NSCAD University, Halifax, NS
• Landmark East School, Wolfville, NS
• Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
• Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS
• Memorial University, St. John’s, NL
• Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, Corner Brook, NL
• Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
• St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB
• University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB
• New Brunswick Community College, Fredericton, NB
• Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB
• University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI

 
Contacts:

Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241

Ronald Levesque
A/Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-2085
Ronald.Levesque@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Wendy Luther
President and CEO, EduNova Cooperative Ltd.
902-424-4058
wendy@edunova.ca

Photo:

Some of the participants in the India familiarization tour that will see guidance counsellors from India and Kenya visit 16 Atlantic Canada educational institutions, including St. Francis Xavier, below, over a two-week period ending May 9.

Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=972579&tp=1