Export Development Canada (EDC) today launched its 14th annual International Business Scholarships competition, designed to develop the next generation of Canadian globally-minded business leaders.
Since its inception in 2000, close to 400 scholarships have been awarded to students in all ten provinces. The program encourages Canadian youth to build their career in the field of international business, and to actively seek opportunities to expand their international experience.
The scholarships have also encouraged students to pursue careers that combine business and sustainability. Five of the thirty $4,000 awards are offered to students combining business and sustainability studies, and priority is given to applicants undertaking internships or studies abroad. While most past winners currently work in Canada, nearly 15 per cent are employed abroad.
Meghan Horosko, 2012 recipient, University of Lethbridge stated: "The award helped me finance an international exchange in Mexico, allowing me to develop my fluency in Spanish and better understand the dynamic relationship with one of our country’s most important trading partners.”
The program was further extended in 2011 to include college students in accredited bachelor’s degree programs in fields relevant to the scholarships. Last year, 15 per cent of all eligible submissions were from students from 16 colleges.
Following the February 3 application deadline, 30 scholarships will be announced in the spring of 2014 to recognize students during the 2014-15 academic year.
The scholarships are a key component of EDC’s community investment strategy, which includes international business and trade education targeting Canadian youth. For additional information, as well as a listing of past scholarship recipients, please visit: www.edc.ca/scholarships. The program is managed by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) on behalf of EDC.
EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 7,700 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining and a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis.
CBIE is a national, bilingual, not-for-profit, membership organization dedicated to making Canada a global leader in international education. CBIE’s membership comprises 150 colleges, universities, school boards and associates. It is based in Ottawa.
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