Blog 7: Canada Aims to Woo International Students
The number of college students studying internationally has
grown “more than fourfold since 1975” and Canada wants to take part in this
rapid pedagogic transition in order to increase economic success. “Approximately 3.7 million students sought
post-secondary education outside their home countries in 2009.” This year that number has tripled for
students studying internationally in Canada.
Canada refers to overseas education as “’the driver for
economic prosperity and social progress.’”
This progression of international education in Canada benefits their
economy, helping Canada “’build a diverse, skilled, and globally focused
workforce.’” Another perk for Canada drawing
in international students, is that it creates a link that will encourage
partnership between Canada and other parts of the world.
Studying abroad allows students to expand their learning and
increase their cultural understanding.
Students obtain the unique opportunity to develop different
understandings and perspectives of learning.
Canada is not usually considered to be in the same category as the
United States, the U.K., and Australia in regards to higher percentage of international
students. Canada is smaller in
comparison, and is hoping to expand their international education program in
order to be recognized among their larger competitor countries. British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have
aided Canada in enrolling international students. The University of Toronto in Ontario currently
has the largest amount of international students enrolled in Canada, with
11,500 students studying abroad.
Studying internationally increases academic diversity among
universities, as The University of Toronto has seen firsthand. It is said that international students contribute
a “richness” within the classroom and university.
Benefits for international students studying in Canada are
that they receive part time employment after six months of full time study;
students may obtain foreign work credentials, and can apply to work for up to
three years after their graduation from college. In contrast, other countries, the United
States, for example, do not provide as substantial benefits as Canada. Students studying abroad in the United States
struggle to maintain work and struggle to stay in the country after their
graduation. This comparison puts in
perspective Canada’s attempt to receive more international students and to
compete against larger countries for students studying abroad.
However, in terms of cost/tuition, overseas study is
expensive, which puts Canada in the same category as the larger countries. Fortunately, cost in not stopping students from
studying abroad. “’We don’t live in a
bordered world anymore.’”
I feel it is such a rich and wonderful opportunity for students to be able to study abroad, if they have the opportunity. There are so many life lessons and diverse learning experiences to be had, and I feel that this opportunity is only going to increase for all countries allowing foreign exchange.
Jessica Hanley
3/22/13
4:51 p.m.
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