HUMBOLDT — Carlton Trail College’s president and CEO, Amy Yeager, said the college will be considering how it might engage international students to help meet current and future labour market needs, after the province announced its new International Education Strategy.
“We’re excited to see the launch of this strategy for Saskatchewan, and are grateful to all those whose commitment to advancing the province’s post-secondary sector has resulted in this very important initiative,” Yeager said.
“Ensuring international students are supported both inside the classroom and out is incredibly important, and so the College needs to further explore how to develop an appropriate, aligned international student approach that advances the goals of our provincial strategy and meets the needs of regional business and industry.”
The new provincial strategy lays the foundation for a global approach to enhance Saskatchewan's profile in order to attract international markets, aimed to support the growth of international students, while also providing opportunities for Saskatchewan students to study in other countries.
Key components of it include supporting the growth and sustainability of French post-secondary programs in Saskatchewan through targeted recruitment in key French language markets; participating in international missions to support recruitment and branding efforts; fostering new international partnerships to promote education and research opportunities; and developing a new International Education Practitioner Program.
Gene Makowsky, the province’s advanced education minister, said the strategy developed in partnership with the post-secondary sector will assist institutions to attract international students in innovative ways, while meeting commitments outlined in Saskatchewan's Growth Plan.
"International education is a major contributor to the Saskatchewan economy and this strategy will help position the province as a destination of choice for international students,” Makowsky said.
In addition, the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program will launch in early 2022 to enhance the study abroad experience for students and their families. A 'Discover Saskatchewan' learning opportunity will also be offered to prospective international students, families and agents in the summer of 2022.
