Student mobility: an asset for Quebec

The original French version of this article was published in La Presse.

From March 25 to April 1, Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, Martine Biron, is leading the first international mission of her mandate, to Belgium and France. During this trip, universities will sign some 20 cooperation agreements. In a context of tightening immigration policies and increased competition among countries to attract talent, these partnerships take on a strategic importance.

This mission will provide Concordia University with the opportunity to formalize a student exchange program between École Polytechnique de Paris and our Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.

École Polytechnique is one of the world’s leading engineering schools. Likewise, the Gina Cody School is ranked in the top 40 civil engineering programs on the planet and among the top 10 for software engineering research. It also stands out in Canada for its expertise in cybersecurity, electrification and aerospace.

Concordia welcomes around one thousand French students every year. During my most recent meeting with Concordia alumni in Paris, I met many former exchange students who attended the university for just one semester. But despite their limited time on campus, they developed a deep affinity for Concordia and Montreal. This is hardly surprising, given that our city is a cultural and academic metropolis unlike any other in North America.

Unfortunately, international students who come to Quebec on a visa have faced numerous new restrictions in recent years. These obstacles have become even more pronounced for those wishing to remain here after completing their studies.

However, in most cases, university exchanges are in a separate category. Students from France and many other countries do not need a visa to attend a Quebec university for less than six months. In this sense, student exchanges are an excellent tool for maintaining — and indeed restoring — Quebec’s international reputation.

Mobility programs are based on the principle that each institution sends and receives roughly the same number of students. Encouraging mobility in both directions allows us to benefit fully from these partnerships.

And plenty of opportunities exist. More than 200 French institutions have signed student mobility agreements with Quebec partners.

Through international exchanges, Quebec students acquire essential professional skills such as adaptability, empathy and the ability to navigate cultural differences. At the same time, visiting students bring new ideas to our laboratories, classrooms and research projects. Their presence on our campuses, though temporary, enriches us as well, and they become some of our best ambassadors once they return home.

Developing knowledge of French

Concordia is an English-speaking Quebec university. Nearly 30 per cent of our students are francophones. However, I strongly hope that non-francophone students will take advantage of our partnerships in France to explore new horizons, develop their knowledge of the French language, and improve their employability in the process.

I commend Minister Biron for providing increased funding for the International Mobility Program, which will help make more of these experiences possible.

I hope this announcement will also encourage the Government of Canada to change course. Exactly one year ago, the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), Canada’s student mobility program, ceased operations. As a five-year pilot project, the GSO helped 15,000 Canadian postsecondary students — many from underrepresented groups — study abroad.

In my view, student mobility between Canada and France perfectly embodies the way we can build the alliance of middle powers envisioned by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Young people who know and appreciate both countries will inevitably go on to form collaborations rooted in shared values and experiences.

Unfortunately, due to the policies of the Canadian and Quebec governments, the number of student visas in Canada has dropped by 74 per cent since January 2024. It will take time for the situation to stabilize and for Canada and Quebec to once again become destinations of choice for top talent.

In the meantime, universities must move forward with new student mobility agreements to restore Quebec’s international reputation and, ultimately, preserve the diverse character of our universities and our cities.

In a context of uncertainty, investing in student mobility is not merely desirable. It is a strategic necessity.