This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta and China have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that includes four new scholarships to support study-abroad opportunities between high school students in both jurisdictions, as well as two new scholarships for Chinese students wishing to pursue post-secondary studies in Alberta.
“Our government’s engagement with China is about building bridges and enhancing the educational experiences of students on both sides of the Pacific. These initiatives reflect our commitment to preparing young Albertans to be global citizens who understand international issues and are capable of communicating across different cultures.”
The Campus Alberta Grants for International Learning, which provide Alberta’s post-secondary students with a chance to study abroad, are being increased to 500 students annually. An additional 120 scholarships are also available for students to go to China in 2014.
Through the Mitacs Global Link Program, top international students at the post-secondary level currently receive support to come to Alberta for 12 to 16 weeks to work with local research teams in areas ranging from computer science to the humanities.
“We are dedicated to providing mutually beneficial learning opportunities for both Alberta and Chinese students and researchers. Recognizing the critical economic relationship we have with China and our rich history of collaboration, it makes sense that we should find new ways to strengthen partnerships to increase Canadian-Chinese research, innovation and commercialization priorities. ”
Other initiatives announced include expanding student summer camps that provide Alberta’s junior high and high school students with a chance to visit China and learn about the country’s language and culture. Students from China will also have an opportunity to spend time in Alberta.
The announcement builds on Alberta’s existing international linkages, including four Alberta accredited or partially accredited international schools located in China and a previous MOU renewed in 2010.
As chair of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, Education Minister Jeff Johnson led a delegation of provincial and territorial ministers of education for a dialogue on education collaboration with senior officials from the People’s Republic of China. This is the third such high level consultation between education ministers and their counterparts from China.
Related information
Post-Secondary Education Abroad
Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC)