In 2015 there were 353,000 international students studying in Canada; a 92 per cent increase over 2008.
It鈥檚 no surprise that students from around the world appreciate the quality of our educational system, Canada鈥檚 reputation as a tolerant and non-discriminant society, and that Canada is a safe country in a turbulent world.
It鈥檚 no surprise either that Canadian institutions are actively recruiting these students who are willing to pay well over $10,000 to attend a Canadian public school for a year and $15-$30,000 to attend a Canadian college or university. Indeed they are playing an increasing role in funding the costs of our education system and contributing to the local economy.
Thevi Pather is the executive director of the Office of Global Engagement at North Island College 鈥� an indication of the importance of these students even to our local college.
But are all these efforts to attract international students hurting the prospects for Canadian students?
Join us as global education expert Thevi Pather leads a discussion on the impact of international students on the Canadian educational system.
Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to the Caf茅, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Caf茅s. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them.
As with each Caf茅, Pather will have just 10 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of moderated discussion.
The next Philosophers鈥� Cafe takes place Wednesday, May 3 at Berwick Comox Valley, community room (1700 Comox Ave., Comox), from 7-8 p.m. There is no charge to attend.
