In December 2015, the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) commissioned Economist Dr. Roslyn Kunin of Roslyn Kunin and Associates, Inc. (RKA, Inc.) to undertake a report titled "An Update on The Economic Impact of International Education in British Columbia" for the 2013/14 academic year.

This report builds on the economic studies Dr. Kunin prepared for BCCIE for 2011/2012 and 2009/2010. It examines the growth in international student spending and student numbers within the K-12, post-secondary and language sectors across the province. The purpose of this research is to quantify the many economic benefits of student mobility for BC.

"The 2013/14 data tell us that International Education continues to be a success story for British Columbia," says BCCIE Executive Director Randall Martin. There are now 114,600 international students in our province, contributing to approximately 27,500 jobs. International Education is a key sector of the BC jobs plan and an important driver of a strong economy.

"In addition to these economic benefits, international students also bring social and cultural benefits. Now more than ever it is important to have a globally focused education system with an open flow of people, ideas, and research from around the world. International students help us achieve this. The deep-routed relationships they form within BC communities and schools are long-lasting, whether they return home or stay in their adopted country.”

View the infographics below to learn more:

• INFOGRAPHIC: All sectors, overall International Education trends (2009/10 to 2013/14)
• INFOGRAPHIC: K-12 sector (2013/14)
• INFOGRAPHIC: Post-secondary and language sectors (2013/14)