Population: 1.3 million
Largest City: Winnipeg
Major Industries: agriculture, transportation, mining, energy, tourism, manufacturing
The Inside Scoop: Manitoba’s Ministry of Education makes sure international students are taken care of. Students are offered free healthcare and can choose to work in Canada after graduation on a postgraduate work permit, enjoying perks like tax rebates on tuition. With Manitoba’s low cost of living and booming economy, it is no surprise that over 200 Brazilians are currently studying in the province at major universities, English language schools, and other academic exchange programs.
From the Ministry’s Office: “International students coming to Manitoba enjoy an authentic immersion experience and the opportunity to really learn the English language. The small class sizes facilitate a greater level of student-professor interaction. In addition, Manitoba offers many opportunities to engage in internships and co-op experiences off campus, thanks to the province’s diverse economy.”
– Cheryl Prokopanko, Director, International Education Branch, Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning.
Website: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ie/manitoba/index.html
Manitoba
Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg
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Friendly Manitoba Offers Brazilian Students an Authentic Canadian Experience
“Unlike American schools which rely on rankings, here we pride ourselves on outcomes and student experiences,” explained Director of International Education for the Province of Manitoba, Cheryl Prokopanko. “We ask, ‘What is the student looking for?’ and then we match them up with the institution that will offer the best experience.”
Manitoba offers an authentic Canadian educational experience, away from the bustle of large metropolitan areas in Ontario or British Columbia, where Brazilian students can benefit from true language immersion experiences as well as benefiting from a range of university experiences (both urban/rural, English/French).
Manitoba enjoys a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, food processing, large vehicle manufacturing, and sustainable development. Its central geographic location makes it a hub for transportation and shipping. Because of this variety, the region offers extensive links between industry and academic study. Particular examples are the Manitoba Hydro International, which has partnerships around the world including with Brazilian Itaipu hydroelectric works, the headquarters for the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the agricultural sector, particularly with nutraceuticals and food storage.
Students benefit from small class sizes and greater access to professors and staff as well as co-op and internship programs to further encourage off-campus work experiences.
“We want to take care of our students,” said Ms. Prokopanko, “International students have access to the same free medical services I do as a citizen. The cost of living is also very affordable. Post-grad work permits are available, and graduates who work in Manitoba can claim back up to 60% of their tuition as a tax rebate. Manitoba fosters long-term connections with our students through our provincial nominee program.”
Two hundred Brazilian Science without Borders students and 125 Brazilian high school “Win the World” students currently call Manitoba their home. “This is a welcoming province and a diverse community,” said Ms. Prokopanko. “We hope to expand existing partnerships for continued engagement with Brazil.”
Manitoba
Universities & Colleges
