Canadian Post-Secondary Players in India: Obstacles, Issues, Opportunities

Abstract:

Canadian post-secondary institutions conducting academic business with and in India are facing a number of problems, both operational and policy-related. This paper seeks to identify those common problems, discuss remedies, and suggest the best ideas for moving forward with a view to improving the situation for Canadian institutions that wish to work in and with India. Findings, while drawing on secondary-source readings, are based especially upon 17 interviews, conducted during spring 2008 with key figures in the field, from professors and post-secondary administrators to promotional agents and political officials. A range of problems emerged, including the fragmented approach to conducting academic business in India, both by the government and academic institutions. The federal government’s recent changes to visa policy related to international education are a very positive move, however. Our recommendations focus on continuing improvements to visa service and, especially, on addressing the lack of co-ordination in and between governments and post-secondary institutions.