International Education Branch Mandate

The International Education Branch (IEB) was formed in 2001 to meet a number of provincial objectives:

• Increasing the international and intercultural knowledge and skills of Manitobans;

• Maximizing the benefits of international education to the Manitoba economy;

• Engaging more schools/institutions, levels of education, fields of study/training, and regions of Manitoba in international education;

• Enhancing international recognition of Manitoba as an excellent source of high quality, affordable education and training programs, services and products.

The IEB is a branch of the department of Advanced Education and Literacy. It helps coordinate the Government of Manitoba's international activities by working closely with the Department of Education and Department of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade - on international education initiatives. The IEB serves as a first point of contact for international education matters, develops international education policy, and responds to inquiries and requests from international students, agents, and institutional partners. It also works with Manitoba institutions and organizations to coordinate international student recruitment, offer marketing assistance, and build capacity for greater involvement in international education.

Strategies for Achieving International Learning Outcomes

There are a variety of ways to achieve these international learning outcomes:

• Experience Abroad (exchange, individual, field schools, study tours, cooperative education and internships) - A powerful way of acquiring and integrating knowledge and skills. Connecting curriculum with the experience abroad and providing appropriate support services (e.g. pre-departure and re-entry orientation) enhances the learning opportunity.

• Community Experience (volunteer practicum, cooperative education or service-learning projects in local ethnic and immigrant communities) – Locally based, this strategy places students in an experiential learning situation where they can develop international and intercultural competencies.

• Students -- Student diversity (international students, new Canadians, cultural diversity of student population, returning study/work abroad students) provides rich resources within the classroom. Student-centered learning activities create opportunities to share knowledge and achieve international learning outcomes.

• Assignments – Link international/intercultural outcomes to assignments and connect (diverse) learners in purposeful ways. Linked assignments can occur domestically or internationally.

• Visiting Faculty/Teacher International Experience (development projects, contracts, research, exchanges) - Invite individuals to present international/intercultural topics applicable to course curriculum.

• Faculty/Teacher International Experience (international development projects, contracts, international research, exchanges) - Experiences with exchanges, projects, and research can be drawn into the teaching process.

• Extracurricular Activities (multicultural and international events on campus and in the community) - These events provide out of classroom opportunities to expand learning.

	International Education Strategy of the Province of Manitoba (538 KB .pdf)