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Commentary
It may not be a trend in terms of students from other parts of the world seeking opportunities for studying abroad in North America, nor have immediate impact on our universities and colleges, but it does appear that for some in Asia, lower fees and cost of living, combined with a guaranteed high quality education, greater accessibility, lower cost travel, does present some enticements for some students, especially from Tanzania.
From our perspective, it does suggest that given the growing competition from abroad for students, we may need to be more and more creative, energetic and more flexible, without compromising the integrity of the process - in attracting young high school graduates to see the potential benefits for studying abroad in Canada at our high quality universities.
I think it is reasonable to suggest that of all the countries in the world, we are inclusive, welcoming and multi-cultural both in theory and practice. Further, although it remains a challenge for some students to gain access to a Study Permit/Visa to study in our country, things are improving.
Then again, we need not rest on our laurels. The challenge is to "get out there" and proudly promote and share our value to potential applicants.
You may be interested in reading the following article and drawing your own conclusions.
Norm Damaren
More Tanzanian degree seekers are now looking east to Asian universities, shying away from American and European institutions of higher learning that were once major destinations for international degree seekers
Source: By Erick Mchome The Citizen (Tanzania)
The dream of joining university is now more real than apparent for the majority of Form 6 students who completed their national examinations in February, and now waiting for their results.
Donald Mwanyika, who has just completed `A' level at Pandahill School in Mbeya Region, is one of the thousands of students countrywide hoping to pursue a degree at a reputable institution. And like many of his colleagues, he has no doubt when it comes to where he will study if he passes.
"I want to study law or public relations if I pass well, but that will have to be out of the country," says the 20-year-old. "My first choice will be to study abroad because my friends who studied out of the country are more exposed and tend to have better chances."
Interestingly, more Tanzanian degree seekers are now looking east to Asian universities, shying away from American and European institutions of higher learning that were once major destinations for international degree seekers.
Apparently, many factors may have combined to shift the trend towards the east. But it appears the improvement in relations between Asian and African countries like Tanzania, as well as the affordability of university education in the East compared to the West are the main pull factors.
The tuition fees for most US and UK (and Canadian) universities are prohibitive to foreign students, especially from Africa. Potential students from many African countries now resort to places like India and Malaysia, the two countries that have become the destination of choice for the majority of Tanzanian students seeking especially business and medical degrees.
for more detailed information.
INFOworks education first, a division of INFOworks Educational Services Inc.has been active in China since 1998; and more recently Malaysia and in Bangladesh.
Norman Damaren,a retired educator, spent 35 years in various roles as a teacher and administrator in schools and district school boards in Ontario, including serving as a policy-coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Education. During the last 11 years, he has travelled extensively through out Southeast Asia, China, Malaysia and Singapore - promoting Canadian Education abroad.
International Consulting Services
- INFOworksprovides international consulting services to clients who are already vested or interested in pursuing international educational initiatives abroad; by helping them gain entry into Southeast Asia's fast growing educational market.
Student Recruitment - Study Abroad in Canada
- INFOworks has agreements related to student recruitment with a number of universities and colleges in Ontario, including district school boards, - to market and promote their programs to foreign students who may wish to study abroad in Canada.
Teacher Recruitment for Overseas
- In addition to student recruitment, we are under contract with various educational institutions both in Canada and abroad in China, including Malaysia and Bangladesh, to recruit qualified teachers for their schools to teach English, as well as secondary school credits in international schools, authorized by Canadian provincial governments to offer their students access to a provincial secondary school diploma.
INFOworks education first, a division of INFOworks is a recognized Regional Recruitment Representative for Wilfrid Laurier University. If you wish to apply to Wilfrid Laurier University, as a first step,you may contact Norm Damaren at for more information and we will help to expedite matters.
Our mission is to promote Canadian Education throughout Asia by recruiting quality teachers for overseas schools, facilitating opportunities for foreign students to study abroad in Canada; and building strategic alliances among global partners who place first and foremost - the needs and best interests of learners as a high priority.
How Can We Help?
We also have strategic offices in China and strategic associates who speak both English and Mandarin and are well-versed in educational opportunities for which INFOworks education first has considerable knowledge, experience and expertise and access to key universities, colleges and district school boards in Ontario. For more information as to how we might help you in gaining access to educational markets in Southeast Asia or to universities, colleges and district school boards in Ontario, Canada, please contact us at
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