A more-popular-than-expected trade mission has brought decision-makers from 24 agencies recruiting in the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand and Vietnam to Montréal for two days of B2B meetings with 24 members of Languages Canada and the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I).
Having sold out in less than two months and received applications from over 50 agencies, the event was a major success. Conceptualized in partnership with TIECA, the association of Thai study abroad agencies, Languages Canada’s 2024 fall mission brought dozens of representatives to Eastern Canada with the objective of offering Asian partners more diverse study destination options across the country.
Former TIECA president, current honorary advisor to the association's board of directors, and GENT agency Managing Director, Mr. Seth Rutrakool, said: "The FAM trip to institutions in Montréal and Toronto was an invaluable experience, offering not just information but an immersive understanding of each institution’s unique environment. This journey has greatly enhanced our confidence in recommending these schools to our clients. We are deeply grateful for the professional support and opportunity to gain such meaningful insights."
Languages Canada is very thankful for the work performed by TIECA, the association representing over 70 agencies in Thailand. Their board of directors was instrumental in making the event a success.
According to BONARD, a leading international education think tank and LC’s long-time partner, Thailand and Vietnam rank among the top 20 source countries for ESL worldwide. The latest available figures from 2022 show that Canada welcomed 5% of Thailand’s 300,000 student weeks and 29% of Vietnam's 80,000 student weeks.
The event kicked off in Montréal on Monday, December 2, with a visit to EC English Montréal. The delegation enjoyed a short walking tour of Quebec’s metropolis and a campus visit guided by the local EC team. Later that day, the Southeast Asian group was hosted by LCI Language School at the LaSalle College campus with visits to the institutions’ facilities and a welcome lunch offered by the college’s professional cooking students. Day 1 ended with a welcome reception for agents and Canadian institution representatives atop the Montréal Marriott Château Champlain with stunning views of downtown. More than 60 delegates were in attendance, including representatives from 24 Canadian institutions — Languages Canada members and CAPS-I members, as well as event partners and sponsors — a testimony to the popularity of LC’s trade missions and the significant level of interest in the Thai and Vietnamese student markets.
Languages Canada’s Director of International Affairs, Diego Sanchez, commented: "Data from IRCC reveals that 2,139 Thai students and 8,367 Vietnamese students applied for study permits in 2023. Vietnamese students, who in recent years used to apply for programs in Australia, have now shifted their attention back to Canada. And Thai students are now eligible for an eTA in case they hold a valid US visa or have held a Canadian visa in the 10 years prior to their next trip to Canada – a positive change for students coming to the country for programs of up to 6 months.’’
December 3 and 4 were dedicated to B2B meetings between agents and institutions at the InterContinental Hotel in the Old Port area of Montréal. Close to 600 meetings were held during the event.
Lisa Williamson, Marketing and Communications Manager at CAPS-I, commented: "It’s a pleasure to be part of this Languages Canada event, engaging with members from across Canada and collaborating with the incredible agents involved. This partnership represents a truly exciting and impactful collaboration between our two associations."
