Looking for educational opportunities in Canada

Organised by the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi, the 7th annual Middle East Education Initiative hosted a record number of 26 top universities and colleges from across Canada. The Canadian education institutions also visited 12 select schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to meet with students and their parents, and participated in three ‘Study in Canada’ Fairs.

The Study in Canada Fairs for undergraduate recruitment was open and free to all students. At the Dubai event held at Dubai Men’s College, I met with several students from the French school, looking for options. One of them, Yaseen Khalifa of Grade 12 was rather surprised to know that the entry requirements to medical institutions in Canada were so high. His friend, Karim Benhassinom, was looking for institutions offering computer science along with business. Both of them and their friends found the fair very informative.

Marco Qaqish, coordinator marketing and recruitment, international education, Vancouver Island University, was of the opinion that there is an increased interest in Canada as a study destination because people are now recognising the quality of education it imparts. “MBA is very popular in the ME region with change in the economies; we saw over 1,500 MBA applications last year. There has also been a perceptible increase in enrolments at the undergraduate level as well”, he said.

Marianne Simm, director of student and Registrar at Brescia said, “We have been seen a steady rise in number of students from the region since 2006. Ours being an all girls institution and part of University of Western Ontario, it is a huge draw for families. We also have small class sizes and this makes for an easy transition to University”.

Franklin Naronha and his wife who was at the Dubai Fair with their daughter Sharon from St Mary’s Catholic High School were appreciative of the representatives. He said, “Most of the representatives were professional in their approach and answered all our queries precisely and patiently. The event is very useful for both parents as well as students as information on 26 different institutions were available under one roof.”

Uma Vijay, parent of a student from grade 12 who was at the Fair with her husband was rather disappointed. “We were hoping there would be a lecture or information session on the processes and procedures of studying in Canada. I wish the organisers had provided that as well,” she added.

One parent was concerned that top universities like University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Queens and McGill were not represented at the fair.

As I left the fair, I overheard parents exchanging notes. “We need to prepare them to become self reliant. Now they don’t even fold their clothes nor do simple everyday chores.” The other parent responded, “They will learn, we need to let them test their wings.”

(Rema Menon, founder, Counselling Point, Dubai).