Edmonton… Alberta Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg will lead representatives of Alberta’s education community on a mission to Asia, October 20 to November 6 to strengthen and expand international education initiatives in Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand.
The mission will promote Alberta’s world-class education system, international partnerships, opportunities to study in Alberta, and Alberta’s expertise in educational goods and services.
“This mission supports our goal of ensuring that Albertans are well prepared to take full advantage of global opportunities,” said Dr. Oberg.
The mission objectives directly support Alberta’s International Education Strategy, and will potentially benefit Alberta students, educators and learning institutions.
Dr. Oberg will meet and address education contacts and government leaders in Sapporo, Tokyo, Harbin, Beijing, Hanoi and Bangkok.
“Alberta’s schools and post-secondary institutions already have strong ties to Asia with partnerships such as student exchanges, second language training, and reciprocal scholarship programs and distance learning programs,” said Dr. Oberg. “The collaborative nature of this mission will strengthen existing partnerships and allow for exciting, new opportunities to be explored.”
Participants taking part in all or a portion of the mission include representatives of the Alberta School Boards Association, four school jurisdictions and nine post-secondary institutions. These participants will be responsible for paying their own expenses.
The Minister will be joined by MLA’s and Standing Policy Committee on Learning and Employment members Yvonne Fritz and Bob Maskell, as well as the Minister’s executive assistant. Fritz will also take a lead role in representing government at a number of meetings related to the Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Post-Secondary sectors. Maskell will be participating in the China portion of the mission only and brings his experience as a past principal involved in establishing a twinned relationship with a school in China. Estimated cost for the official delegation is $55,000.
Mission to Asia -Participants
Basic Learning sector participants
Alberta School Boards Association
Lethbridge School District No. 51
Grande Yellowhead Regional Division No. 35
St. Paul Education Regional Division No. 1
Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7
Alberta Distance Learning Centre, Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7
Post-Secondary sector participants
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge
Bow Valley College
Grant MacEwan College
Lakeland College
Medicine Hat College
Mount Royal College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology