Education Minister Peter Fassbender is taking B.C.’s world-class education system on the road as he embarks on a five-day mission to Asia until June 4.

With stops in Beijing and Tokyo, Fassbender will be promoting British Columbia’s education programs and services, reinforcing the Province’s commitment to international education and strengthening the relationships with governments and education partners in both countries.

The mission supports the BC Jobs Plan’s International Education Strategy, which looks to increase the two-way flow of students and the social, cultural and economic opportunities that emerge from international education.

In Beijing, Fassbender will meet with Maple Leaf Education Systems to celebrate a strong, 20-year partnership with the B.C. offshore school provider. He will also renew a 2003 memorandum of understanding with the National Ministry of Education, which will identify priority areas for co-operation, including scholarships and student/teacher exchanges.

In Tokyo, Fassbender will officially open Bunka Suginami Canadian International School, the first B.C. offshore school in Japan. The school has a strong focus on English immersion to support student entrance at English-speaking universities around the globe. It also offers educational and cultural opportunities for both B.C. and Japanese students through exchanges and by twinning with schools in Qualicum during the summer.

The mission follows a similar trip to Asia by Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. That delegation, which included representatives from a number of local post-secondary institutions, explored research and commercial prospects, promoted exchange opportunities and announced nearly $1.4 million in scholarships for students in B.C. and China. 

The estimated travel and accommodation cost for the minister and his chief of staff is approximately $13,926. Detailed information on final amounts will be made available.

Quick Facts:

• In 2014-15, there are nearly 17,000 international students in B.C.’s K-12 system - more than 13,100 in 50 school districts and more than 3,800 in 101 independent schools - contributing an estimated $400 million annually to the provincial economy.
• The number of international students in B.C.’s K-12 system has increased by nearly 45% to 16,957 in 2014-15 from 11,713 in 2009-10.
• There are currently 41 certified B.C. offshore schools in China, Japan, Columbia, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand and Qatar. Five new schools have been approved to open in France, India and China this fall.
• The number of students enrolled at B.C. offshore schools has increased by nearly 93% to 11,000 in 2014-15 from 5,705 in 2009-10.
• The B.C. Offshore Schools Program looks to foster international relationships with educational partners by promoting B.C.’s world-class education system. A key goal is to develop and strengthen cultural and economic ties with other countries while creating more pathways for students to come to B.C. to study in both the K-12 and post-secondary systems.
• Students who graduate from B.C. offshore schools receive a Dogwood Diploma, making it easier to enter B.C.’s post-secondary system.
• Trade and investment in Asia is critical to economic growth in B.C. In 2014, 40% of B.C.’s goods exports went to Asia.
• China is B.C.’s second-largest trading partner and accounts for 18% of B.C.’s goods exports, a total value of more than $6.4 billion.
• As B.C.’s third-largest export market, Japan continues to be one of the most important export destinations for the province. In 2014, 10.2% of B.C.’s goods exports shipped to Japan.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan, International Education Strategy:
www.aved.gov.bc.ca/internationaleducation/welcome.htm

Mission to China, Ministry of Advanced Education (April 2015):
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2013-2017/2015AVED0029-000473.htm 

B.C. Offshore Schools:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=ED64DCA20D62461EA971C1AF8CC314EF&title=Offshore%20Schools

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963