RIYADH, 22 February 2004 — In a move to attract Saudi students, the Canadian Embassy will hold two seminars to introduce Canada as a destination for Saudi students and also as a source for contract training for government and private sector organizations.
Canadian Ambassador Roderick Bell said the educational seminars would be held in Jeddah and Riyadh on Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 respectively.
“The seminars are significant since in 2003 Saudi Arabia sent over 650 new students to study in Canada,” the ambassador pointed out. “The most popular study choices included English as a second language (ESL) courses, business, engineering and medical training,” he said. These are in addition to specialized professional programs.
Referring to his countries’ educational system, the ambassador said: “Canada’s high quality educational system and open society make it a world-class destination. Saudi students have discovered that Canada provides many excellent choices for advanced studies, and there is a study option suitable for every teacher.”
The Canadian Education Center Network (CECN) also plays an important role in marketing Canada as an education destination. It represents some 277 educational institutions across the country.
Canada has more than 85 universities, 200 community colleges and a large number of private and public educational institutions in addition to the CECN network.
A number of Saudi students who left the US after Sept. 11, 2001 are looking to Canada as a possibility for higher education, professional courses and training.
Those interested in the Canadian education seminars may call the educational adviser at 01-4882288.
