Students from B.C. and Italy now will be able to study abroad and develop their learning skills, thanks to a new partnership between Italy and British Columbia.

Through this new partnership, B.C. and Italy will promote opportunities for students, teachers and administrators to participate in exchange programs in Italy and British Columbia. In 1997, a two-year partnership between British Columbia and Italy was signed to introduce Italian-language curriculum in B.C. schools.

This partnership will benefit both jurisdictions as they share information and expertise on educational policies and international education activities in British Columbian and Italian schools and school districts.

Dave Byng, British Columbia’s deputy minister of education and Carmela Palumbo, Italy’s Director-General for School Curricula at the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research signed and exchanged copies of the agreement today in a ceremony at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria.

The agreement supports British Columbia’s International Education Strategy by increasing opportunities for co-operation with foreign-government partners to benefit B.C. both economically and educationally.

As the first example of the agreement, the official Italian delegation of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research will accompany representatives of five vocational high schools in the hospitality sector. Yesterday, the group promoted Italy and its gastronomic culture at “Italian Day on the Drive”, the popular Vancouver street festival showcasing everything Italian.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“This significant agreement between B.C. and Italy will benefit students in both countries as they share their language and cultural experiences. The partnership builds on the long-standing historic relationship with Italy and will work to build closer connections for years to come.”

Massimiliano Iacchini, Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver –

“Our two jurisdictions have strengthened our ties in the education field. Secondary schools teachers, principals and students will be able to work on topics of mutual interest and exchange their ideas, perspectives and creative solutions on education matters. It is my hope that this agreement is a springboard for further promotion of the Italian language and culture in B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• Government launched British Columbia's International Education Strategy in 2012 to promote the global two-way flow of students, educators and ideas between countries.
• International education is a key sector under the BC Jobs Plan, and British Columbia is making progress toward the goal of a 50% increase in the number of international students by September 2016.

Learn More:

B.C. Offshore Schools:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/international-education/offshore-schools

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

Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research:
http://www.istruzione.it/