Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk has issued the following statement on International Education Week:
"British Columbia joins the rest of Canada and over 100 countries throughout the world in celebrating International Education Week, Nov. 18 - 22, 2013.
"International education is the two-way exchange of students, faculty and ideas - welcoming students from other countries into our province and providing opportunities for B.C. students to study abroad. International Education Week raises awareness of the significant benefits of this global exchange.
"Every year more than 100,000 students from around the globe choose to come to British Columbia to advance their education. It speaks to the high quality of our world class education sector.
"International students bring knowledge and ideas from their home countries into our classrooms. We are all enriched by the global perspective and spirit they bring to our communities. Spending by international students in British Columbia on tuition, living expenses, recreation, and arts and culture supports thousands of local jobs.
"Just as significantly, we all benefit when B.C. students study in other countries. International experiences are life-changing for our students and educators, transporting them around the world to gain knowledge and understanding, building global connections and pathways that enrich their learning and careers forever.
"Our education institutions continue to pursue partnerships in other countries so we can send students and instructors abroad, strengthening international ties and co-operation.
"This International Education Week I extend a warm welcome to students who have come to our province from other countries. We're glad you're here. And I want to encourage B.C. students to explore the many opportunities our education institutions provide for international study abroad.
"Our campuses, our communities and our province all benefit from international education."
Contact:
Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
