Key Takeaways:
- The program was first announced in 2021 as a “key component” of the government’s International Education Strategy.
- The Canadian Bureau for International Education has agreed to offer three levels of training: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
- Before the pandemic, international students contributed more than CAN$252 million to Saskatchewan’s economy each year.
The International Education Practitioner Program, first announced in 2021 as a “key component” of the govt’s International Education Strategy, aims to strengthen Saskatchewan’s international education program.
“The International Education Practitioner Program will provide international education training to the post-secondary education industry to support a consistent level of understanding as well as knowledge of international engagement throughout the province,” stated advanced education minister Gene Makowsky.
“By positioning Saskatchewan as a study destination of choice, this program helps meet Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan commitments by building capacity within the sector to host international students.”
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The program is expected to be completed by March 2023 by 78 post-secondary educational facilities employees nominated to participate.
The Canadian Bureau for International Education has agreed to provide training at three levels: beginner, intermediate, as well as advanced.
Student recruitment and admission practices, international student services and supports, international relations and partnership development practices, and international student mobility in Saskatchewan will all be covered in the courses.
“CBIE, Canada’s national voice for international education, is delighted to partner with the govt of Saskatchewan in the design and delivery of this innovative and unprecedented capacity-building initiative aimed at international education practitioners across the province,” said Larissa Bezo, president and CEO of CBIE.
“We applaud the Saskatchewan government’s vision to standardize and further professionalize the international education sector, a critical contributor to provincial growth strategies throughout the country.”
Pirita Mattola, acting director of Strategic Enrolment Management at the University of Saskatchewan, hopes that the program will give practitioners “huge chances to share their adventures, continue learning as professionals, and build stronger networks across our province.”
“[The program] will perform a crucial role in enhancing our collective competitiveness as well as responsiveness in a rapidly changing global education environment,” she added.
International students contributed more than CAN$252 million to Saskatchewan’s economy annually before the pandemic.
According to the November document, institutions are to “set targets around the number of international students they hope to attract based on its ability” under the province’s 2021 strategy for international education, as they are best suited to do so.
Source: The Pie News
