Government of Saskatchewan Proclaims International Education Week

Released on November 17, 2014

The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to join in the celebration of International Education Week from November 17-21 with more than 100 partnering countries around the world.  International Education Week is dedicated to generating awareness and understanding of the important contributions and benefits that international education provides to our educational institutions, students and our country.

“We recognize the value that comes from international education,” Advanced Education Minister Kevin Doherty said.  “International study provides students with the opportunity to develop a global perspective and supports our province’s efforts to engage on the international stage.”

The Saskatchewan Plan for Growth includes goals to increase the number of international students, encourage the study of international languages, and build stronger partnerships with international post-secondary institutions to build Saskatchewan’s future.

“The number of international students attending the University of Regina has almost doubled over the past five years,” University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons said.  “The result is a vibrant and growing University of Regina that is more diverse, and like our province, more globally connected than at any time in its history.”

“We are a diverse campus community, welcoming international students from around the world to our U of S campus,” University of Saskatchewan interim President Dr. Gordon Barnhart said.  “Their perspectives, in combination with our study abroad programming and global research partnerships, help enrich the learning opportunities for all of our students.”  

“Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes the role international students play in helping to meet Saskatchewan’s future labour market needs,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said.  “The demand for high-quality technical education is on the rise, and we are recruiting these students more actively knowing that once they have attained Canadian academic credentials, most will choose to establish permanent roots in this province.”

More than 4,700 international post-secondary students from 124 countries are currently studying in Saskatchewan.  The top three source countries for international students are China, India and Nigeria.

More information about international education week can be found at www.iew-sei.ca/en/.

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For more information, contact:

Aimee Pascua
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170