OTTAWA, July 7, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 7,000 international language students from around the world will celebrate Canada - their chosen study destination - during World Student Day today. They will take a short break from their English or French studies to take part in sports and cultural activities, connect with fellow students and share their experiences as language students in Canada.
Celebrations will take place in: Halifax, NS; Glace Bay, NS; Charlottetown, PEI; Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON; Ottawa, ON; Welland, ON; London, ON; Thunder Bay, ON; Winnipeg, MB; Calgary AB; Vancouver, BC; and Victoria, BC.
World Student Day is coordinated by Languages Canada - the national association representing over 220 accredited English and French language schools across the country. This year marks the fourth annual WSD celebration.
"More than 135,000 students attended Languages Canada member programs in 2016," says Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. "Language students comprise at least thirty percent of international students in Canada. Their presence here enriches our communities, makes significant investment in local economies and strengthens Canada's cultural fabric. World Student Day is our way of celebrating the contribution of these students to our communities and to the country as a whole."
Word Student Day celebrations include a number of fun and participatory activities, such as talent shows, potlucks, sports, music, dancing and cultural displays. Events in each city are hosted by Languages Canada member institutions.
Provincial and municipal government representatives will attend WSD events across Canada to show their support. These include:
- MLA Lena Diab (Halifax);
- MP Sean Casey (Charlottetown);
- MLA Sonny Gallant (Charlottetown);
- Councillors Eddie Rice and Mike Duffy (Charlottetown);
- MPP John Fraser (Ottawa);
- Mayor Matt Brown (London);
- Mayor Keith Hobbs (Thunder Bay);
- Councillor Heather Deal (Vancouver)
"The success of this event over the past three years, and the level of participation by international students, our members, and Canadian government representatives, demonstrates the importance this sector is to both Canadians and to the students who choose Canada as a study destination," says Peralta.
About Languages Canada
Languages Canada is Canada's national language education association representing more than 210 private and public members that offer accredited English and French programs. The top source countries for international language students are Japan, Brazil, China, South Korea and Mexico, and the sector contributed more than $1.4 billion to the Canadian economy in tuition, living and tourism expenses. Approximately one third of these students continue on to post-secondary programs in Canadian colleges and universities upon completing their language studies.
Use the #WSD2017 hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Twitter:@LangCanada
Facebook: facebook.com/WSDJEM/facebook.com/languagescanada
Instagram: @LangCanada
Website: languagescanada.ca
Sponsored by national sponsor guard.me International Insurance
SOURCE Languages Canada
For media inquiries, please contact: Félix Tremblay, Pragmatique Communication, [email protected], 418-559-2223
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