Posted on: 06-10-02 18:27:41
Even as Fall of 2002 gets clouded with US visa worries for students from India who wish to study overseas, the silver lining is that new campus destinations are emerging to fill up the gaps.
While Canada has been a hot destination for Indian immigrants for a long time, post 9-11 the Canadian authorities have gone on over-drive to show-case the advantages of education in the country.
In fact, Canadian colleges have turned much more aggressive in trying to recruit students from India and China, even as applicants are viewing the US as a less friendly destination.
Inaugurating a education fair recently, the high commissioner of Canada in India, Peter Sutherland, pointed out various advantages of choosing Canada as a destination for higher studies.
"The Canadian universities with their multicultural environment provide a win-win option for Indian students. As for the competition we face from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada, our advantage is world class education at lower costs,'' he said.
The rising popularity of Canada for Indian students is clear from the fact that this year, so far, 1,680 student visas have been issued, which is up from just 900 in the entire calendar year 2000.
In explaining some of the advantages that the education system in Canada has to offer, Mr Zulfi Sadeque, counsellor (commercial) at the Canadian high commission says: "Often parents are not fully abreast of the advantages that the Canadian system offers. It has always been a national policy in Canada to spend more per capita on education and healthcare rather than defence. As a result we have very high standards of education with some of the best and safest campuses in the world. In terms of affordability, tuition fees in Canada are, on average, half or less of comparable universities in the US and the overall cost of living is also much lower.''
Sadeque adds: "Canadian undergrad programmes are of four years and therefore in line with those in the US. This is not necessarily the case in some of the other foreign destinations that Indian students go to which have three-year undergrad programmes.''
And while the new Canadian immigration policy unveiled in June 2002 is tough on certain categories of visa, the student visas remain more or less unaffected. Says Emina Tudakovic, second secretary (immigration) at the Canadian high commission: "For students the changes are not that significant. In fact, there has been a relaxation for students going for courses less than six months who will no longer need students visas."
Adds Montreal based immigration consultant Prashant Ajmera: "In 2002 the rejection rate for student visas has decreased considerably for international students applying for higher studies in Canada. Many Canadian universities, including some smaller ones, are also opening their doors for international students.''
On the jobs front, Canadian universities allow students to work on part-time jobs on campus even while maintaining student status. Spouses are permitted to take up full-time employment with work permits. After, finishing their courses, students get a one-year work permit in Canada and also have three months time to find a job.
"The work permit automatically gets extended if the job is extended. Hence the changeover from student status to an employee status is very smooth. And after working for an year or two, applying for immigrant status is also simple and students who have studied in Canada will be granted extra points in the new immigration system,'' says Tudakovic.
While traditionally MBA and computer science have been the hot courses that students from India look for in Canada, new disciplines are also gaining popularity.
Says Hazel Siromani, manager-director of the Canadian Education Centre network in India: "This year we have been inundated with enquiries about bio-tech courses. Other popular courses are in hospitality and media. Canadian universities offer top class training in multimedia and animation technology and with India's thriving entertainment industry those are also gaining popularity."
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...?artid=24292484
Nice Article!
Excatly how Canadians are making fool the Indians - first they make them fool on skilled immigration category and now targeting poor kids!
Shame on Canada!
Quote:
Orginally posted by Surjeet
Excatly how Canadians are making fool the Indians - first they make them fool on skilled immigration category and now targeting poor kids!
Shame on Canada!
Sahi Bola - sale un logo ke dikhane ki hi daant hai - baki sab (*&(*&*^&*
Quote:
Orginally posted by Surjeet
Excatly how Canadians are making fool the Indians - first they make them fool on skilled immigration category and now targeting poor kids!
Shame on Canada!
I am a bit confused! Without meaning to offend anyone, if you dont like Canada why are you still here?
I am a new member here. But have seen several posts which attack Canada. Now I am proud of being Indian, but am grateful for what Canada gives me.
I know , I know. We all came here with dreams. But tell me honestly, with a negative attitude like this even Lady Success will run away!
C'mon guys!
Apni kismath par nahin ro!
Apne haathon pe apne aap kaamiyaabi ki lakeeren kheecho!!!
THE EASIEST THING IN LIFE IS TO BLAME ONE'S FAILURE ON ANOTHER!
IT'S HARD BUT POSSIBLE FOR US TO TURN A TEMPORARY SET BACK INTO A SUCCESS!
Quote:
Orginally posted by videsee
Quote:
Orginally posted by Surjeet
Excatly how Canadians are making fool the Indians - first they make them fool on skilled immigration category and now targeting poor kids!
Shame on Canada!
I am a bit confused! Without meaning to offend anyone, if you dont like Canada why are you still here?
I am a new member here. But have seen several posts which attack Canada. Now I am proud of being Indian, but am grateful for what Canada gives me.
I know , I know. We all came here with dreams. But tell me honestly, with a negative attitude like this even Lady Success will run away!
C'mon guys!
Apni kismath par nahin ro!
Apne haathon pe apne aap kaamiyaabi ki lakeeren kheecho!!!
THE EASIEST THING IN LIFE IS TO BLAME ONE'S FAILURE ON ANOTHER!
IT'S HARD BUT POSSIBLE FOR US TO TURN A TEMPORARY SET BACK INTO A SUCCESS!
Videseebhai,
You are very right, one should not blame circumstances. Especially when you choose Canada as your future home, then atleast don't blame it.
But I know people's situation here. Though it is know in India that you have to struggle when you go to Canada, most of people underestimate it and when they have to work at $7 per hour lifting boxes or cutting old clothes, this is very frustating.
I used to tell new immigrant this thing - show me an Indian, stayed in Canada for five years and yet not having his own house. This shows that everone ultimately comes out of this frustations and finally we win.
Just bare with this attitude - it is time being.
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A Proud Indian Canadian
I have to agree with the last two replies. But I can also understand the previous two replier's frustrations. I think the issue of immigrants getting frustrated here is manifold and much more complicated than just "complaining".
We as immigrants come here with very naive expecatations. In India, we are protected in a cocoon formed by the fabric of communities and loved ones, and all of a sudden, here we're thrown to the sharks. It is a big change indeed and one for which most people are hopelessly unprepared.
The first issue when you arrive here is past-immigrants telling you horror stories about how no-one can find jobs in their field in Canada. Consider a fresh immigrant who's been here for a week. He is completely dependent on information from people/relatives who've been here for a while. And when the poor guy/girl hears 5 people talking about how everybody in Canada is doing labor jobs, that has to be a big psychological blow. Before even trying, he will resign himself to the fact that the only way to survive is to do a labor-job.
My advice to all new immigrants is "Please, please give at least two months of totally dedicated effort to finding jobs that you really want". The Canadian gov. requires you to bring $10000 with you when you come here, and there's a reason for that. After two months, if you don't have any luck, labor jobs are not that difficult to come by. And if it comes down to that, there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing one while you hone your skills for a better tomorrow.
The second issue is Canada's proximity to the states. I moved here from the states and while I was going for my first job interview, I met another Indian immigrant in the train. We started talking and when I told him that I had moved from the States, this guy, who hardly knew me told me bluntly "You did the stupidest thing in your life". Well, I've been here for over two years and I don't feel I did anything stupid at all moving here. True, I don't earn as much money as I did in the States and there are things I miss, but Canada and canadians have some wonderful attributes that I never found down south. It is not fair to compare the two countries, because they're different animals. And if you find yourself forced to compare, please don't base that comparision on money-alone.
All countries have their plus points and their minuses. If you've moved to Canada in search of a new life, please do not dwell on the minuses. Please focus on the positives and keep trying. I know that is easier said than done when you're struggling, but its the only practical way out. And you will see numerous examples that scream out that Luck favors the resourceful.
And while you're here, please have some fun as well. You don't have to be a billionaire to enjoy the abundant natural beauty Canada has to offer...
My two-cents worth.
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