This month Canadian admissions officers will be in the UAE to meet parents and students interested in Canada as a higher education destination. The annual Middle East Education Initiative (MEEI) organised by the Embassy of Canada in the UAE, will be held from September 26 to 29. Twenty Canadian universities, colleges and language schools will tour the UAE as part of the MEEI. The main draw card is that Canada offers students the opportunity to earn academic qualifications that are recognised around the world, while being part of a multicultural community.
Study opportunities
During exhibitions, representatives from the various visiting institutions will be available to meet students, parents and other members of the education community, and provide information about study opportunities in Canada. The events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are open to all students and parents and no appointment is necessary. The Canadian Regional Education Officer will be available at the event, as will an Embassy Visa Officer to answer questions about study permits.
"International students from this dynamic region bring an important perspective to the Canadian classroom. We welcome the long-term ties that are made between international students, Canada and its people," said Ken Lewis, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE. "This touring delegation of universities and colleges represents excellent opportunities for students, and includes some of Canada's largest universities and institutions, from coast to coast.
‘High quality'
"Canada is a leader in many fields of technology, science, research and business and the consistent high quality of the education system contributes to our prosperity."
According to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Report on Trends in Higher Education on Enrolment, in 2010, there were almost 1.2 million students in degree programmes on Canadian campuses: 755,000 undergraduates, 143,400 graduate students studying full-time, and 275,800 students studying part-time. Fifty-six per cent of university students were women, and ten per cent were international students.
The number of full-time university students has more than doubled since 1980, and part-time enrolment is up 16 per cent. In 1980, there were 550,000 full-time and 218,000 part-time university students on Canadian campuses. It is clear universities have seen much growth in the last 30 years.
The writer is the director of Counselling Point Educational & Social Services.
UPCOMING FAIRS
ABU DHABI
Date: September 26 Time: 6pm-9pm Venue: Abu Dhabi Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology
DUBAI
Date: September 28 Time: 6pm-9pm Venue: Dubai Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology For more information e-mail:reo.abdbi@international.gc.ca
