To anyone who’s had an educational experience overseas, there is little doubt of the life-changing impact it can have. Students and researchers who have studied or worked abroad often come back with a new sense of self, of their own abilities and strength, and a better understanding of what they find personally fulfilling.

What is now becoming clearer is that these benefits extend beyond the individual to the broader good of the economy and the country. That the skills and connections scholars develop abroad are major contributors to their future success.

Despite these benefits, Canada ranks among the countries with the lowest participation rate in international education, with only 3.1 per cent of Canadian students per year going abroad on international study programs or exchanges, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Through its promotion of international student exchange and civic engagement, the QES program is helping to grow young Canadians into global citizens while promoting Canada as a destination for the world’s top talent and attracting top talent and international research leaders to Canada.