The Student Exchange: China and Canada Conny Lin, President, Graduate Student Society University of British Columbia Canada-China Academic Forum, 2012 Aug 2-4, Chengdu
International Students to Canada from China ( )
Canadian students in China first group of 20 Canadian students on the Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program, a reciprocal agreement Approx. 224,000 international students in China now, about 5,000 are Canadian Canadians going to China has increased 16% annually in the past decade Chinese Government Scholarship Program increasing funds for international students
Global destinations for international students at post-secondary level (2008)
Advantages: Canadians going to China Cultural understanding New language EducationalBusiness/Economics Emerging market and economy, Job opportunities Networking in Asia
Barriers: Canadians going to China Language Financial support Differences in culture Immigration restrictions
Suggestions and Possible Solutions Policy Loosening VISA restrictions Government funding to attract students Removing research restrictions Researcher collaborations Education More immersion and language programs Exposure to cross- cultural experiences Further develop pre- departure preparation sessions Varied programs (focus, length)
The Student Exchange: China and Canada Conny Lin, President, Graduate Student Society University of British Columbia Canada-China Academic Forum, 2012 Aug 2-4, Chengdu