Immigration and Education Network (IEN)

Saurabh Ashish joins Danny to discuss international education, student recruitment and the evolving role of Canadian colleges in preparing students for their careers.
He shares his experience in international education, student services, immigration advising, international partnerships and international development projects.
The conversation explores how Canadian colleges combine vocational education, practical training, competency-based learning and industry input when developing programs.
Saurabh explains why choosing the right program should begin with understanding a student's reasons, career goals and longer-term plans.
They discuss student employment, career preparation and the importance of developing practical experience and soft skills alongside academic knowledge.
The discussion also highlights student support services, volunteering, mentorship, tutoring, writing support and opportunities to become involved in campus life.
Saurabh shares examples of programs connected to areas such as health and social services, education, early learning and childcare, disability studies and STEM.
The conversation also looks at international development projects, student mobility and partnerships supporting vocational education in other countries.
Throughout the episode, the central message is that students should make education decisions based on their own career goals and understand what their chosen profession will actually involve.

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Christina Furtado explores the invisible emotional and psychological challenges that newcomers and international students may carry when moving to a new country. The conversation examines identity, belonging, relationships, culture, adaptation and the pressure to make the decision to move “worth it.” Christina explains the importance of connection, compassionate curiosity and creating safe spaces where people can talk about their experiences. She also discusses how parents, peers, educators and community members can support newcomers without trying to immediately “fix” their problems.

Danny and Dr. Neil Mort explore the growing demand for professionals in Canada's real estate sector.Dr. Mort explains why Accenda developed a specialized Real Estate Management concentration within its Bachelor of Business Administration program.The discussion highlights that real estate careers extend beyond becoming a realtor and include property management, commercial real estate, asset management, appraisal and related roles.They discuss the growing need for professionals who understand both business fundamentals and the specialized knowledge required in real estate.Dr. Mort explains how Accenda's program combines general business education with industry-specific real estate courses.The episode explores opportunities for students to build industry connections through building tours, professional events and industry panels.They discuss career coaching, resume preparation, interview preparation and other student support services available at Accenda.The conversation also covers transfer credits, prior learning, flexible evening and weekend classes, domestic tuition rates and StudentAid BC.Dr. Mort explains why the program can be suitable for international students and emphasizes that real estate is a global industry.The episode concludes with the importance of combining a degree, specialized knowledge, practical exposure and professional connections to build a career in real estate management.

After facing significant personal, housing, and financial challenges—including unsuitable living conditions and exploitation by a landlord—he successfully regained his study status and returned to Canada with the support of the **University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

After facing significant personal, housing, and financial challenges—including unsuitable living conditions and exploitation by a landlord—he successfully regained his study status and returned to Canada with the support of the **University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

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Danny speaks with David McGuire, Associate Vice President International at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), about Canada's changing international education landscape and what these changes mean for students and universities. They discuss genuine study intent, student support, co-op and work-integrated learning, global experiences, employability, career preparation, and UFV's approach to supporting international students throughout their educational journey.

In this inaugural episode, Rod Torrezan, the Manager of International Recruitment and Partnerships at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), discusses the shifting landscape of international education in Canada. The conversation explores how the Canadian government is transitioning from a period of "overshooting" recruitment to a more focused "undershooting" phase, prioritizing bona fide students who are prepared to contribute to the economy. Rod highlights JIBC’s unique role in preparing students for high-demand, "AI-proof" careers in paramedicine and law enforcement, emphasizing that current policy changes actually create a less competitive job market for those who apply now

Michael Ghali, the Director of International Recruitment at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), explores the institution's distinctive "applied-learning" model. The episode details how BCIT operates as an educational "boot camp" by hiring faculty directly from industry and utilizing Program Advisory Committees to align curriculum with real-world workforce demands. Ghali also addresses the impact of AI on job placements and the benefits of a high-credit, intensive diploma

Shalini, a Grade 4 and 5 teacher with over 13 years of experience, shares her inspiring journey from moving to Canada as an international student in 2023 to securing a permanent teaching position and her permanent residency. She discusses her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Trinity Western University, her initial work in the childcare sector, and the strategic steps required for foreign-trained educators to navigate the British Columbia teacher evaluation process

Joshua Slayen, Managing Partner of Slayen Immigration Law, discusses the "expect the unexpected" reality of the current Canadian immigration landscape. The episode provides professional insights into high-stakes litigation, challenging application refusals via Judicial Review, using Mandamus to force decisions on delayed files, and navigating new legislative trends like Bill C-3