Canadian universities share their secrets

Canadian universities share their secrets

 

 

 

IN a bid to woo undergraduate applicants from India, 15 universities from Canada were in the country holding information sessions in various schools. The 10-day tour, the fourth of its kind, was organised by the Council of International Schools (CIS). In Delhi, the universities visited nine schools, including Delhi Public School, R K Puram and Vasant Valley School.
   Elaborating on the purpose of their visit, Michelle Beaton, coordinator for international student recruitment, Ryerson University, said: “Most Canadian universities have been impressed with the academic ability of their Indian students. So, we are here to inform more Indian students about the quality of our programmes and about the affordability when compared to many other destinations.” At present, there are approximately 5,400 Indian students studying in Canada, with the majority being postgraduate students.
   Beaton, who was also the tour director, said that despite being strong in areas like biotech, nanotechnology, aerospace and business, many did not know about good universities in Canada because the country had, so far, shied away from advertising its strengths. “It has always been said that quality education is Canada’s best kept secret. And now, the secret is out.”
   “For example, how many would know that the Blackberry was created by one of our students,” stated Kate W Jessop, coordinator for international marketing and recruitment, University of Waterloo. “Besides, we have the largest faculty for math and computer science in the world, and the largest cooperative programme (wherein students get to work in industry as part of their curriculum) as well.” The university has nearly 400 Indian students at present and boasts of having tie-ups with over 3,500 employers worldwide.
   The most popular destinations in Canada for Indian students had, so far, been Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver (MTV cities). But, according to Beaton, that has changed. “Students are now applying to smaller cities as well. There are eight provinces being represented in this tour. Besides, Canada's new rules allowing International students to stay on for a period of three years after completing their study programmes from anywhere in the country, has provided further incentive to venture out of the MTV cities,” said Beaton.