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Minister celebrates International Education Week November 15 - 19 is International Education Week and today Education Minister Tom Hedderson encourages everyone to explore the possibilities inherent in international education. The purpose of International Education Week is to raise an awareness and understanding of international education, its significant benefits to our country, our province, our communities and our educational institutions. This is the first international educational week for Canada and is scheduled for the third week of November each year to coincide with the international education celebrations taking place in more than 85 countries around the world. This year�s theme is "Canada Partnering with the World." "Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to welcome hundreds of international students to our shores each year," said Minister Hedderson. "They come because this province maintains a dynamic K-12 education system. Our post-secondary institutions offer internationally recognized programs, excellent research and development opportunities, and respected faculty. Additional incentives include a rich and vibrant culture, and the security of Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the safest places to live and study in North America. "During International Education Week, we celebrate global learning opportunities that allow others to study in our province. As well as the opportunities for many local students who travel around the world and enjoy global educational experiences." In the spirit of International Education Week, Minister Hedderson was pleased to welcome officials from the Canadian Education Centre (CEC) Network to a breakfast at the Confederation Building this morning. CEC is a private, independent nonprofit company that has been promoting and marketing Canada as a study destination for international students and as a world-class provider of education services since 1995. CEC carries out their mandate through 17 Canadian Education Centres around the world. "I was delighted to welcome these seven individuals to our province. Their trip allows them the opportunity to see for themselves the high quality institutions they are promoting in Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic. We hope our continued partnership with CEC will ensure growth in the number of international students at these institutions," said the minister. Minister Hedderson is also pleased to announce today the launch of the Department of Education�s new international education Web site, found at www.education.gov.nl.ca. "International students contribute to this province both socially and economically. They enhance our cultural diversity and provide for richer learning experiences for all students, and they leave here as potential ambassadors. Internationalization of education also increases the opportunities to build international partnerships and opportunities for research and development which our educational institutions have been doing very successfully. International education is a win-win situation for everyone involved." The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has declared November 16 as the first-ever International Students� Day. In honour of International Education Week CBIE has launched the Elizabeth Patterson International Student of the Year Program. For more information visit www.iew-sei.ca Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-0048 or (709)685-5000 2004 11 15 9:45 a.m. |
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