College eases immigrants’ transition to Canada
Posted: August 4, 2010
Moving to a new country can be daunting. With funding from the government of Canada, the Association for Canadian Community Colleges developed the Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP) to ensure immigrants to Canada have a resource to answer their questions before they move.
The CIIP targets immigrants in the Skilled Worker classification and provides information about Canada and the labour market while individuals are still in their country of origin. The program is part of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s efforts to improve labour market integration.
The Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP) provides a resource for immigrants before moving to Canada. Information sessions, like this one in China, explain how clients can access CIIP services.
Bow Valley College is the focal point for CIIP client contact for southern Alberta. BVC’s International Education Office provides this point of contact for clients to ask questions and find resources in Canada.
“We receive an email from the CIIP counselors in the field with a clients MAP (My Action Plan) attached, in which they inquire about how to access ESL assessment and training, education upgrading and pathway options, and bridging programs,” says Dajana Trapara, CIIP Advisor for the College.
“Most CIIP clients who have chosen Calgary to be their new home ask questions about how to restart their careers in Canada, therefore most are referred to Directions for Immigrants. To date, Bow Valley College has responded to over 900 client referrals,” Dajana says.
The CIIP project has been facilitated though the International Education Office at Bow Valley College since 2007. Currently CIIP works in India, China, and the Philippines.
The CIIP’s success will see the program open offices in the United Kingdom and the Middle East in the Fall of 2011, and provide services in 25 additional countries around the world.
“As a Centre of Excellence for Immigrant Career Advancement, Bow Valley College is proud to be one of the CIIP focal point partners who help clients overseas prepare for their new lives in Canada,” says Dajana.
CIIP programs and services are available both in person prior to departure while clients are in their respective countries, and online via focal point partners in Canada.
For more information on the Canadian Immigration Integration Project please contact Dajana Trapara, the CIIP Advisor for Bow Valley College, or visit: http://ciip.accc.ca/
