International Education: Canada Partnering with the World

November 16—20, 2009

Canada is joining over 85 countries around the globe to celebrate international education (IE) on November 16—20, 2009. International Education Week (IEW) is designed to showcase the significant contribution that international education makes in preparing Canadians for the global world and supports Canada’s efforts to engage effectively on the international stage.

Promoting Global Citizenship is the theme for Canada's 2009 International Education Week. International and intercultural knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes are increasingly important for students to develop in order to live and work in a complex but increasingly interdependent world. School boards, colleges, institutes and universities are providing a range of opportunities for students to develop these competencies through such programs as study abroad, internationalized curricula, and service learning.

The IEW initiative is a reflection of the spirit of cooperation and collaboration from the various stakeholders across Canada to join forces to highlight the importance of international education. Activities undertaken by individuals, schools, colleges, universities, associations, businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations will help collectively strengthen the understanding of international education and its importance.

So mark your calendars for the 2009 International Education Week (IEW). If possible, undertake activities this year to promote and celebrate the benefits of international education and let us know so we can highlight these events on the website.