Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Oh, the places KPU students will go.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has joined the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) Learning Beyond Borders initiative to get more Canadian students learning abroad.
Despite the transformational nature of an overseas education, CBIE reports indicate that annually only 3.1 per cent of full-time Canadian undergraduate university students have an education abroad experience. The number is even lower for full-time college students, at 2.5 per cent.
Educational experiences in foreign countries contribute to students’ academic and career achievements, including enhancing their communication skills, self-awareness and adaptability.
“KPU is very pleased to be part of this initiative and we look forward to creating an action plan that will identify ways we might tackle some of the barriers currently inhibiting our students from participating in a study abroad experience during their time at KPU,” said Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president & vice-chancellor.
As a partner in the Learning Abroad Innovation Zone, KPU commits to identifying and addressing internal barriers to learning abroad and to participating in peer discussions with institutions across the country that are tackling similar issues and challenges.
“Canada is faced with the challenge of getting more of our students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries,” said Karen McBride, CBIE president and CEO. “It is time to leverage the leadership role of education institutions in a concerted and coordinated effort to give our generation of young leaders the knowledge, skills and global outlook they will need to thrive in our interconnected world.”
CBIE will provide support by organizing webinars and thematic peer discussions throughout the year to allow institutions to discuss challenges and potential approaches to common goals, identify best practices and disseminate supporting research and case studies as needed.
About CBIE
Established in 1966, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) is a national, not-for-profit, organization dedicated exclusively to international education. Working closely with a membership of over 150 education providers nationwide, from K-12 to postgraduate, public and private sectors and with a network of strategic partners throughout Canada and around the globe, CBIE is ideally positioned to promote global learning by mobilizing expertise, knowledge, opportunity and leadership. Learn more at cbie.ca.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contacts:
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca
Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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