Imagine Canada Every student’s reason to go abroad to study differs. Though reasons may vary, a common aspect of studying abroad is that it transforms lives. Tightening of visa rules in the UK, lesser job opportunities in the US and safety concerns in Australia are factors that have contributed towards making Canada a popular destination for students from India. India continues to be the number two source country for international students with over 13,000 students choosing Canada as a study destination in 2012 as compared to 2,658 in 2007. Figures for 2013 are not yet available. “Canada provides a positive alternative for students from India because of its ethnic diversity, ability to integrate the best of both British and American university educational models and the high quality of its diversified public post-secondary institutions,” says Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. Higher education in Canada is a provincial responsibility and it comprises two types of institutions — universities and colleges — which offer degree programmes. Community colleges offer degrees in a range of disciplines, but are known for industry-specific courses, which offer applied degrees, diplomas and certificates. Polytechnics and polytechnic universities are another option, which offers a combination of degrees and diplomas in the technical field. Colleges and polytechnics are largely aligned to the needs of the labour market. Canada is recognised for a competency-based teaching approach that prepares students to be productive in the workplace after graduation. Several Canadian colleges and universities offer co-op or internship programmes or work placement programmes as a means of enhancing the curriculum with real-world industry experience. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Canadian education is the co-operative model, known as co-op, that lets a student alternate terms in class with paid terms at work in jobs related to his/her area of study. “Co-op programmes allow students to gain valuable experience in their fields, develop skills in the workplace, and expand their Canadian network. The co-op model was pioneered in schools such as University of Waterloo and has become the gold standard around the country for programmes, which prepare students for the real world. As well, money earned during these co-op programmes helps towards covering costs. With a foothold in the working world during the course of their studies, when the student graduates, they are more familiar with the expectations of employers, and more job-ready,” says Ivy Lerner-Frank, First Secretary for Education at the High Commission of Canada. She adds, “The return on investment is not only the benefit of the education itself, but the possibility of employment during the study period, after graduation with a postgraduation work permit, and then the potential to immigrate through the Canadian Experience Class if you have the right skills.” Ravi Lakkad, who on completing his diploma in disability studies from MacEwan University in Edmonton in June 2013, is working as a community rehabilitation practitioner/disability support worker at Mira Facilitation Centre in Edmonton. “The diploma programme works closely with community agencies, people with disabilities and their families, and government departments, to ensure that graduates are prepared to work in this field. Two field placements also ensured that theoretical understanding is grounded in practical work. The course helped me to embark on my career as a community rehabilitation practitioner,” shares Ravi. In most provinces, the different level institutions work collaboratively and create a framework that encourages student mobility. Credit transfers are common, allowing a student to begin his/her studies at a college and once s/he meets the academic requirements, s/he can take a transfer with the credits. Traditionally, the MTV towns, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, were popular with students from India, but in the last few years, students have been opting for institutions in other parts as well. “Canadians have the reputation of being peaceful and welcoming. The country has all the advantages of a developed nation whilst maintaining a low crime rate and less congestion. Compared to other top ranked universities in Canada, University of Saskatchewan has affordable tuition fees and the cost of living in the city is feasible. I live in university residence; I have met several students from across the world and it is very safe,” says Sherin McDonald, BSc (double honours) programme, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Internships and collaborative research have also become an integral part of international education. Canada launched the Mitacs Globalink internship programme in 2009 to encourage student mobility. While in 2012 a research network, India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS), was launched to find solutions to community problems.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 05:35:12 +0000
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