International Education
In May 2012, government introduced British Columbia’s International Education Strategy, which aims to increase the number of opportunities for BC students to study overseas and for international students to study and work here. The strategy supports three main goals:
- Creating a globally oriented education system in British Columbia;
- Ensuring that all students receive quality learning and life experiences; and
- Maximizing the benefits of international education – social, cultural and economic – for all British Columbia communities, families and businesses.
The strategy was developed with input from students, educators, post-secondary institutions, communities and other partners, including BC’s International Education Project Council. The strategy recognizes the significant social, cultural and economic benefits that international education has for BC For example, in 2010, international students in BC spent $1.8 billion on tuition, accommodation and other living expenses, creating almost 22,000 jobs and generating $66 million in government revenue.
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International Education Strategy |
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Discussion question: Have you ever studied abroad? Why did you go and how did you benefit from this experience? |
International Education Career Profile
Most often when we think of International Education, we think about those from abroad who come to BC to study. As spinal chord injury researcher Antionette knows, the international education sector isn’t just about bringing future experts to BC to learn, it’s about bringing our experts to centres abroad to bring cutting edge knowledge back into our own work here.
The International Education sector has a strong impact in major population centres like Vancouver Island/Coast and the Thompson-Oakanagan. However as traditionally more rural areas grow their expertise, more and more institutions with expertise born of regional experience and industry are rapidly making names for themselves.
