2024-06-05
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Study Abroad
Global Affairs Canada To Disband Executive Director Role
Global Affairs Canada Restructures: Executive Director of International Education Out
Global Affairs Canada To Disband Executive Director Role
The decision to disband the role of the executive director of the International Education Division within Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is part of a broader consolidation process within the department. This move is not directly linked to the temporary cap on international student numbers, a recent policy change affecting the global education sector in Canada.
The International Education Division has been instrumental in promoting Canada as a destination for international students, managing the EduCanada brand, and developing strategies to attract and support international students. Jean-Philippe Tachdjian, the executive director since September 2022, will be reassigned to the trade commissioner service.
While a significant change, the consolidation process is expected to bring positive outcomes. Focusing on crucial strategy themes such as digital marketing, scholarships, diversification, and education agents, the department aims to maintain its efforts to enhance Canada's profile abroad and attract international students to Canadian educational institutions.
The decision to disband the executive director's role has raised concerns among stakeholders in the international education sector. There is a fear that losing a key advocate for international education within GAC could fragment policy and strategy, potentially negatively impacting the sector.
However, some individuals, like Virginia Macchiavello, associate vice president for international development at Centennial College, see the change as an opportunity for innovation and a fresh approach to international education strategy.
The Canadian government and immigration minister, Marc Miller, have been criticized for not consulting sufficiently before making policy changes, adding to the sector's concerns.
As the department continues to reorganize, Global Affairs Canada must actively seek and consider the interests and needs of the international education sector. This will ensure that the transition to a new organizational structure is smooth and does not disrupt the progress in attracting and supporting international students in Canada.
The International Education Division has been instrumental in promoting Canada as a destination for international students, managing the EduCanada brand, and developing strategies to attract and support international students. Jean-Philippe Tachdjian, the executive director since September 2022, will be reassigned to the trade commissioner service.
While a significant change, the consolidation process is expected to bring positive outcomes. Focusing on crucial strategy themes such as digital marketing, scholarships, diversification, and education agents, the department aims to maintain its efforts to enhance Canada's profile abroad and attract international students to Canadian educational institutions.
The decision to disband the executive director's role has raised concerns among stakeholders in the international education sector. There is a fear that losing a key advocate for international education within GAC could fragment policy and strategy, potentially negatively impacting the sector.
However, some individuals, like Virginia Macchiavello, associate vice president for international development at Centennial College, see the change as an opportunity for innovation and a fresh approach to international education strategy.
The Canadian government and immigration minister, Marc Miller, have been criticized for not consulting sufficiently before making policy changes, adding to the sector's concerns.
As the department continues to reorganize, Global Affairs Canada must actively seek and consider the interests and needs of the international education sector. This will ensure that the transition to a new organizational structure is smooth and does not disrupt the progress in attracting and supporting international students in Canada.
