News Releases

Manitoba is joining 85 nations in celebrating International Education Week this week, Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Jim Rondeau, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

 

“The purpose of the week is to recognize and celebrate the positive impact of international education throughout the world,” said Rondeau. “International students add to the economic growth of our province.”

 

“Intercultural skills cannot be learned from books alone and this interchange of ideas, friendships and connections benefits students who live in an increasingly interconnected, global world,” said McGifford. “This yearly event highlights the opportunities that foster international learning and development.”

 

“I am pleased to recognize the co-operation and collaboration between the provincial government and its various educational partners who promote an international dimension in learning,” said Bjornson. “This week reminds us that Manitoba continues to grow as an attractive destination for international students and benefits from the social, cultural and economic impacts of international education.”

 

The provincial government and the Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE) have celebrated International Education Week for the past four years. MCIE represents the sector of educational institutions that work to promote the goals and initiatives of international education.

 

International education involves multi-faceted exchanges worldwide among students, teachers and researchers. All educational facilities and those involved in the education system benefit significantly from these exchanges.

 

During the past year, the provincial government and Manitoba’s educational institutions have strengthened their commitment to international education through the signing of a memorandum of understanding with China and various Manitoba-led education missions to India, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

 

The number of international students in Manitoba grew to 4,815 in 2006 from 2,061 in 1997, an increase of almost 230 per cent.

- 30 -