BACKGROUND

Sweeping changes in Canadian society through globalization and internationalization in the 1990s led ministers to introduce major changes in education. Today, Canada aims to prepare graduates for the new era of information, communication, and globalization through internationalization (UNESCO IBE, 2006).

http://www.cbie-bcei.ca/who-we-are/

95% of higher education institutions in Canada reference an international dimension in their strategic plans. Top strategies in Canada for internationalizing education include incorporating an international element to the curriculum either through coursework or international faculty, as well as encouraging study abroad (AUCC, 2008).

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Canada ranks as the world’s 7th most popular destination for international students. Between 2001 and 2012, international student enrollment in Canada grew by 94%! International students contribute $8 billion annually to the Canadian economy, making it one of the countries largest export revenue earners.

Québec is the 3rd most popular study destination in Canada, hosting over 38,000 international students annually (CBIE, 2013).

CANADIAN BUREAU FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

CBIE is non-profit, membership organization whose mission is to promote Canadian international education by mobilizing expertise, knowledge, opportunity and leadership. They envision Canada as a global leader in international education. CBIE covers the entire spectrum of Canadian education, from K-12 to postgraduate, public and private sectors. For more information on their efforts, see the CBIE website.

http://www.cbie-bcei.ca/homepage/