N.S. Universities Launch Virtual Directory
Nova Scotia universities today introduced Canada's first directory of provincial higher-education resources. This electronic source of information gives educators, researchers, scientists, students, foreign governments and business leaders around the world an overview of Nova Scotia's education services.
The virtual directory, on the Internet at www.resources.ednet.ns.ca , details project activities and distance education options from across the province. Its aim is to increase awareness of Nova Scotia and the programs and resources available for export through its universities.
"Our universities have built a solid reputation worldwide for delivering a range of educational products and services -- from teacher education and tourism development to agriculture and health sciences. That reputation is growing," said Sheila Brown, president and vice-chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University and chair of the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents. "Today, Nova Scotia universities are partnering with countries around the globe."
The 14th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers, being held this week in Halifax, provided a backdrop for today's launch of the directory. Education ministers and officials from 45 countries are in Nova Scotia to discuss education challenges to equity and opportunities for diversity in a global era. The conference ends Thursday, Nov. 30.
International demand for education services is enormous. The World Bank estimates that the global market for education is a $2-trillion industry.
In 1999, more than 1,600 international students from 120 countries spent $39 million in tuition, housing and other expenses in Nova Scotia. At the same time, Nova Scotia universities attracted more than $80 million in externally sponsored research and international development income.
"Education expertise is one of our strongest exportable resources," said Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "The directory will go a long way in helping to raise our profile among potential clients and increase our export revenues in the areas of education services, research and development and professional services contracts. This is consistent with the plans we presented in our new economic growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity."
The resource directory is a component of the province's Higher Education International Trade and Marketing Plan. The plan was funded by the universities, the Nova Scotia Community College and the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.