The issue
In an increasingly globalized world, Canadian universities recognize the need to provide graduates with a global perspective, international knowledge and cross-cultural skills and are committed to bringing an international dimension to their teaching, research and community service. They back up this commitment by supporting study abroad, recruiting the best and the brightest of international students, engaging in international research collaboration, bringing an international dimension to the curriculum, and participating in international development initiatives with partners in developing countries.
With more than 3,500 active partnerships with universities around the world, Canadian universities are well positioned to serve Canada’s international goals and enhance our leadership and influence in the world. However, more support for Canadian universities’ internationalization efforts is needed if Canada’s role in the world is to reach its potential. Canadian universities host more than 70 000 full-time international students, a growing trend but far below the numbers at United Kingdom and Australian universities whose governments invest significantly in promoting the excellence of their higher education abroad. AUCC research also shows that Canada sends only about 2.2 per cent of Canadian university students abroad for study and spends far less than other OECD countries to provide such international experiences, with lack of funding the primary barrier to Canadian students going abroad.
The international efforts of Canadian universities make an essential contribution to Canada’s international and domestic policy agenda. Measures to better realize this contribution include:
- increasing Canadian students’ access to international education opportunities;
- promoting Canadian universities as a top destination for international students and ensuring effective immigration policies and practices;
- enhancing international research partnerships;
- leveraging Canadian higher education and research strengths in support of Canada’s development cooperation objectives; and
- promoting Canadian universities’ provision of high quality educational products and services overseas.
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