Canada’s booming entertainment industry

With our world rapidly evolving to produce and consume quality content across various platforms, the entertainment industry is very much alive and booming, and Canada is undoubtedly one of its biggest players. Entertainment is a growing and lucrative business in Canada. According to Entertainment Partners, Canadian film and TV productions generate 117,000 full-time jobs and $5 billion in revenue for the country each year.

 

Global University Systems Canada says that the country’s film industry primarily focuses on three provinces: Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia (BC). These provinces have excellent facilities, talent, crew, services and locations to support the film industry. BC is the country’s creative powerhouse, leading the global creative economy with its digital media, film, television, visual effects, animation and post production companies. According to their website, BC is Canada’s largest, and North America’s third largest, full-service motion picture hub and offers a diverse range of production locations in a single jurisdiction. Local governments have implemented extensive incentive programs to attract more projects to the country’s many diverse provinces. It’s no wonder that BC has been dubbed as “Hollywood North” for all of its contributions to the industry.

 

What’s more, BC is one of the world’s largest animation and VFX clusters. It hosts more than 260 immersive technology companies, second only to Silicon Valley. It’s the second-largest video game production hub and North America’s second-largest AR/VR centre, and is home to Electronic Arts’ Canadian headquarters. It offers a thriving gaming ecosystem, substantial support through related organisations, creative gaming clusters, and even financial incentives from the provincial government. It goes without saying that the entertainment industry is very much prioritised and taken care of in Canada.

 

Top career opportunities within the industry

Growing alongside the flourishing industry is the demand for creative talents to further advance and develop the entertainment scene. As more and more diverse projects pour in, there are more and more opportunities for professionals to take part and create. The industry constantly seeks creative professionals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas onto the table.

 

There are countless different ways one could get into the entertainment arts or digital media industry, since it continues to grow and generate more unique roles and responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Among the best careers one could get into in the entertainment industry, these were the top five listed by the Global University Systems Canada along with their expected average salaries:

 

Producer/Director – $70,000 – $200,000+

Oversees the creative and technical aspects of the film, television and other media productions; works closely with writers, actors, cinematographers and other crew members to bring a project from its initial concept to its final execution.

Animator –  $40,000 – $90,000+

Creates the illusion of motion in visual effects and animation projects; uses various software tools and techniques to create character animations, special effects, and other visual elements; may specialise in 2D or 3D animation and work on varying projects, including films, TV shows, video games and advertising.

Sound Designer – $50,000 – $100,000+

Works closely with directors, producers, and editors to create the audio elements for film, TV, and other media productions; uses a combination of sound effects, dialogue, music and other audio elements to create an immersive and engaging audio experience for viewers.

Video Editor – $40,000 – $80,000+

Assembles raw footage into a cohesive and compelling story; works closely with directors, producers and other post-production personnel to ensure the final product meets the project’s creative vision.

Screenwriter – $30,000 – $150,000+

Creates scripts for film, TV, and other media productions; works closely with producers, directors and other creative team members to develop compelling characters, engaging storylines, and captivating dialogue.

 

GSP partner institutions

Among GSP’s roster of exceptional partner institutions in Canada, these ten institutions offer world-class courses relevant to preparing young professionals who want to pursue a career the field of entertainment arts or digital media:

 

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) – Calgary, AB

SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) offers cutting-edge programs and training which helps students discover the skills, knowledge and experience they need to launch or advance their career in today’s tech-driven world.

Some courses offered: 

• Diploma in New Media Production and Design 
• Diploma in Film and Video Production 

 

Cambrian College – Sudbury, ONT

Boasting more than 90 programs (more than 20 of which fall under entertainment arts or digital media) and serving over 5,000 students from more than 50 countries, Cambrian College is Northern Ontario’s largest college. They offer courses that build expertise through projects, simulations, labs, case studies, workshops, as well as work-integrated learning experiences that allow students to apply their skills in real work environments. 

Some courses offered: 

• Advanced Diploma in Animation 
• Diploma in Game-Design 
• Diploma in Design and Visual Arts 

 

Conestoga College – Kitchener, ONT

As the region’s only provider of polytechnic education, Conestoga plays an integral role in the success of the community: 65% of graduates stay after completing their education and contribute significantly to the local economy. They deliver over 200 career-focused programs in a variety of disciplines and offers more than 15 degrees, including a wide range of courses in entertainment arts and digital media.

Some courses offered: 

• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in 3D Computer Animation 
• Ontario College Diploma in Animation 
• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Computer Animation – Motion Graphics 

 

Fanshawe College – London, ONT

A comprehensive college providing flexible learning arrangements and experiential education opportunities developed in response to labour market needs. They offer more than 200 degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship programs to 43,000 students each year.

 

Their School of Digital and Performing Arts provides hands-on learning in dedicated theatres, such as The Good Foundation Inc. Theatre, as well as high-end labs and MOCAP studio with state‐of‐the‐art software (MAC, PC, CINTQ) so that graduates are equipped and ready to hit the ground running in the workplace. Graduates from the digital creative sector have an 85% employment rate. Meanwhile, their School of Information Technology has a wide array of courses for anyone who wants to get into tech – from Computer Programming to Web Development and Internet Applications.

Some courses offered: 

• Graduate Certificate in 3D Animation and Character Design 
• Diploma in Animation 
• Graduate Certificate in Visual Effects and Editing for Contemporary Media 

 

University of the Fraser Valley – Abbotsford, BC

A fully-accredited, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year and offers over 110 programs, including three master’s degrees, 21 bachelor’s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors, and 700 courses across 40 fields. They have an extensive selection of courses in Media and Communications, Creative Arts and Design, and Computer Systems and Technology.

Course offered:

• Bachelor of Media Arts 

 

Ontario Tech University – Oshawa, ONT

A public research university with a vision to “embrace technology with a conscience to advance knowledge and promote sustainability”. They take pride in the fact that they’re not only after the next tech breakthrough, but in understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology. They offer 91 graduate and undergraduate programs, from which one would be able to choose the appropriate course for them in the fields of Media, Communications, Digital Media, Technology and more.

Course offered:

• Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) in Information Technology – Game Development and Interactive Media 

 

Canadore College – North Bay, ONT

A college of applied arts and technology founded in 1967 as a campus of Sudbury’s Cambrian College, and became an independent institution in 1972. Their focus is on student success, program and service excellence, connection to community, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Their School of Art and Design has excellent course offerings across various specializations, such as Acting for Stage and Screen, Digital Cinematography, Recording Engineering for Music Production, and many more exciting options.

Some courses offered: 

• Game Design and Development (3 years – Ontario College Advanced Diploma) 
• Digital Visual Effects (2 years – Ontario College Advanced Diploma) 

 

Niagara College Canada (NC) – Welland, ONT

Canada’s leader in applied, experiential learning, NC is a public College of Applied Arts and Technology. They offer more than 130 innovative programs between our state-of-the-art campuses which provide unique living laboratories and top notch facilities that deliver hands-on applied learning opportunities and world-class applied research. Their School of Media and School of Technology have great course offerings for students looking to pursue careers in entertainment arts or digital media. 

Course offered:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design 

 

Nipissing University – North Bay, ONT

A public university with a reputation for excellence in teacher education, arts, science, professional programs and with four distinct nursing programs. Though it is well-known as the most nursing intensive university in Ontario, Nipissing’s offerings in the field of entertainment arts and digital media are excellent and well-tailored for anyone wishing to pursue those industries.

Course offered:

• Certificate in Game Design and Development 

 

Mohawk College – Hamilton, ONT

A public college of applied arts and technology which is fully accredited and funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. They offer more than 15 diverse courses in the field of media and communications which would be greatly beneficial to any student looking to enter the creative industry.

Course offered:

• Advanced Diploma in Animation 3D 

 

Learn more about our Canadian partner institutions and the promising entertainment and digital media courses they offer here.

International education becomes a more evident priority for the US

It is without any doubt that the United States has always been one of the most popular and sought after premier study destinations for international students. The US accounts for 15% of the global market share in international education with 957,000 students enrolled in their programs. Given this, it comes as no surprise that the US government has prioritised international education in its 2023 National Export Strategy (NES) released by US secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo.

 

The NES “provides an overarching strategic framework to leverage the trade promotion activities of the federal government to support and create opportunities for American businesses by expanding and diversifying U.S. exports”. This year, they’ve dedicated an entire chapter to international education alone in the strategy; a first time for the sector, which tells us that it is definitely being held at high priority. The much anticipated strategy explains that “[e]ducation exports …. return cross-cutting economic benefits to the nation through workforce development, R&D, and foreign direct investment – which underpin prosperity, economic development, and competitiveness across sectors[.]” It highlighted that education will be one of the top industries by 2025, and a significant element of this is travel exports for education purposes, which includes all expenditures by inbound international students to the US. The strategy also discussed the non-economic benefits of welcoming international students to the US, which are strengthened relationships between current and future leaders, global competency, and supporting research and innovation.

 

Spotlighting Indian students

The IIE’s Spring 2023 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange, which is based on responses from 527 US higher education institutions, suggests that US educators are stepping up their efforts to attract students in various markets – most especially India. The IIE found that from 2021-2022, the US had more international graduate students studying in the country at 41% than they did foreign undergraduates, which was only at 36%. To add to this, the 2023 International Graduate Admissions Report also saw a much steeper rise in international enrolments in US master’s programmes from 2020 to 2022 than for doctoral programs, and a big reason for this is the popularity of master’s programs among Indian students.

 

At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the top priority recruitment market for 2023 is India. ICEF Monitor said that “[t]he focus on India is more intense at the graduate level (77%) than at the undergraduate level (57%). This dovetails with CGS research indicating that Indian students are driving applications and enrolment growth in the US at the graduate level. In fall 2022, for example, Indian students accounted for 38% of all graduate applications to master’s and doctoral programs.”

 

To support this, the Hindustan Times shared that more than 200,000 Indian students are studying at American academic institutions this year, which represents more than 20% of international students who are currently in the US. A record-breaking 125,000 Indians were issued student visas last year. Brendan Mullarkey, the acting minister counsellor for consular affairs in India, said in an interview, “In fact, one out of every five student visas was issued in India last year[.] This year, we will interview more students than ever before[.]” Given all of this data, it’s no wonder that Indian international students are very much welcomed with open arms to study in the US.

 

What attracts Indian students to the US?

There are countless reasons international students continue to pursue their studies in the US. Among these, the most notable ones would probably be the high quality of education, premier and world-renowned institutions, and upgrading one’s credentials with a degree from the US. Likely due to these evident reasons and others, the Indian community continues to climb the charts as more and more students apply to study in the US. Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, and California are among favorite study destinations for Indian students studying in the United States, according to Erudera. 

 

With regards to top courses taken by international students, Yocket has listed the following as the top eight: Computer Science, Data Science and Business Analytics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Medicine, Finance, Biotechnology and Business Management. According to the Times of India, Indian students are flocking to the US after more American institutions have merged the technical skills of STEM and the merit of an MBA with the relatively new STEM-designated MBA. International education counsellor Karan Gupta said that this recent offering has been attracting Indian students “in the hordes”. In fact, interim director of full-time MBA admissions at the Ross School of Business, Taya Sapp, told the Times of India: “At least 85% of the students pursuing our STEM-designated specialisaton in management science are international students. India … [is a] highly represented [population] among our international students.”

There are already a multitude of reasons why Indian students continue to pursue their studies in the US, and currently, many new reasons continue to come forth still. To discover even more opportunities for your students, visit our platform and touch base with our Business Development Managers in your region today.

GSP’s Pat Colabucci joins NAFSA China MIG Leadership team

We celebrate our very own Director for North America, Pat Colabucci, Ed.D, for becoming a board member of the NAFSA China MIG Leadership team. NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. It serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide at more than 3,500 institutions, in more than 160 countries, by working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s interconnected world.

 

With Pat’s extensive expertise and experience in the China market makes him a perfect fit for his specific role and this organisation. In this role, Pat will be able to share his knowledge of recruitment in China, attend and participate in board meetings and NAFSA events, and help ensure that NAFSA members are up-to-date with China developments. 

 

Pre-departure orientations for NA-bound students

The GSP North America team will host online orientations for all students coming to study in the US and Canada. Following the successful run of the orientation for Latin America-based students, the aim is to provide guidance and build confidence among students who will be flying away from their homes and loved ones to pursue studies abroad. Below are the scheduled orientations:

 

Pre-departure USA

• 1 August 2023, 11:30 pm COT: South Asia and Southeast Asia (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia)
• 8 August 2023, 8:00 am COT: Turkey
• TBA: Philippines and Vietnam

 

Pre-departure Canada

• 27 July 2023, 5:00 pm COT: LATAM
• 3 August 2023, 8:00 am COT: South Asia and Southeast Asia (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia)
• 10 August 2023, 8:00 am COT: Turkey
• TBA: Philippines and Vietnam

 

These orientations are coordinated and organised by Ms. Daniela Moreno. Those interested are welcome to contact her at daniela.moreno@upgradgsp.com for more details. 

 

The return of the GSP Café

In keeping with exciting news, we’re extremely happy to announce the return of the GSP Café! The GSP Café is an interactive discussion joined in by education industry leaders aimed to share valuable insights from GSP’s study destinations, Canada and the USA, with the goal to shed light and share knowledge and insights through lively, engaging and meaningful conversations. Here’s the current line-up we have in store:

 

August

• LATAM and Africa: on MPower Financing (Loans for international students) + STEM/MBA programs in the US

 

September

• LATAM, India and Africa: Technological Institutes in the US
• Turkey: Certificates and Diplomas

 

October

• LATAM: Film and Entertainment

 

If you missed our past GSP Café session, you may access previous session recordings on our Youtube Channel. 

Watch out for more updates about the upcoming activities in North America. For enquiries, you may contact gspna@upgradgsp.com.

Apart from being one of the most noble and fulfilling jobs, the nursing profession is highly in demand in almost every country across the world, what with the global shortage of healthcare professionals. The job of a nurse is multi-dimensional, requiring that you interact directly with patients, administer treatment and tests, perform lab work, provide counselling and guidance, operate equipment, research treatment methods, and set up long-term patient care plans, among many other things. For this reason, all those who wish to become registered nurses today must first pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSN) or associate degree in nursing (ADN). These programs are meant to develop the multitude of skills that nurses need to manage their day-to-day duties and prepare for a real-world career.

The average cost of nursing school can vary widely, but nursing programs at two-year colleges provide inexpensive paths into nursing degree programs and have excellent transfer records. That being said, here is a list of colleges with some of the most affordable nursing programs in the US and Canada.

Valencia College – Associate in Science (Nursing), $12k yearly

Valencia’s Nursing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is a two-year program that prepares you to go directly into a specialised career in the nursing field. The nationally accredited programs at Valencia College are among the best for preparing men and women for nursing careers, by connecting students directly to situations nurses face today. These programs offer classroom curriculum together with real-life clinical experiences to help nurses build skills and confidence. 

Butte College – Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing, $8k yearly

Butte College’s two-year traditional Registered Nursing Associate Degree program provides theory and clinical content required for registered nursing licensure. Upon completion of the degree, the student will be eligible for the national/state licensure examination for registered nursing.

College of the Canyons – Associate in Science Nursing, $9,960 yearly

Approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, the two-year registered nursing program at College of the Canyons is designed to prepare the student with the knowledge required to assume the responsibilities of an entry level registered nurse. Upon graduation, students receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the national licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

Lane Community College – $11.25k yearly

Lane Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program requires approximately three years of full time study. Graduates of this program are qualified to participate in a fourth year of study via online lecture and theory and local clinical experiences to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health Sciences University (or, if the graduate prefers, any of many other RN to BSN programs available nationally).

Merritt College – Associate in Science in Nursing, $8.7k yearly

Also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Merritt’s ADN program is designed to prepare students for beginning positions in Registered Nursing. The program includes instruction in applied nursing sciences, related natural and social/behavioral sciences, and clinical nursing experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nipissing University: 21k

Nipissing University’s Scholar Practitioner Program is an innovative second degree nursing program for university graduates who would like to pursue nursing at the BScN level. Its learner-centred approach trains students to become responsive to changes in contemporary health care,  premised on the idea that nurses must be clinically competent and theoretically sound thinkers as developing “scholar practitioners.” 

Keyano College: 14k

The two-year Practical Nurse program at Keyano prepares students for a career in high quality nursing care in many different settings: hospitals, home care, and other health care agencies. The Practical Nurse works cooperatively with other health care personnel in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of wellness. The program includes practical experience in job-related settings and prepares graduates for both the National Practical Nurse Examination and employment in the current healthcare environment.

Do you have your finger on the pulse of North American higher education? 

 

The inaugural GSP Cafe kicked off the first of a series of online events with over 40 participants in attendance. The GSP Cafe is an interactive discussion joined in by education industry leaders aimed to share valuable insights from GSP’s study destinations, Canada and the USA. The first event hosted by GSP’s Director for North America, Pat Colabucci and Senior Partnerships Manager, Catherine Wilson, featured Isaac Garcia-Sitton, Executive Director of International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. Isaac talked about a topic that is often lumped together as being the same but is in fact, fundamentally different: the US and Canadian higher education systems.

 

Isaac Garcia-Sitton, a diplomat who has extensive experience in both North American countries demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of the admission processes, pathways, and entry requirements of both countries a the event.

The discussion offered lively, engaging and meaningful insights that participants are able to gather value in relation to their roles. The hour-long discussion was short considering the vast differences between the two systems which kept the entire event interactive yet intimate enough that everyone can participate and express their thoughts.

 

We have exciting topics coming up!

 

Recognising the need for our recruitment partners to stay ahead of the curve, GSP Cafe will continue to bring you live, interactive sessions every month on the hottest topics in North American higher education. From career opportunities and popular programs, to OPT and PGWP, to student visa rules and the different types of higher education institutions in Canada and the US, we’ve set out on a mission to keep you informed on this dynamic and exciting space.

Check out the lineup of industry experts for the next sessions:

 

February: Jacob Mercer and Shahzad Amad on  Visa & Immigration for Higher Ed SEVIS & IRCC

Jacob Mercer is the Assistant Director of International Student &Scholar Services at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He has worked in the field of International Education for the past 12 years: five years teaching English at universities in South Korea and Indonesia, and seven providing immigration advising to international students at U.S. higher-education institutions.

He is passionate about travel, cross-cultural exchange, and guiding students through their own life-changing international experiences.

 

Shahzad Ahmad is the current Associate Vice President of Centre for International Studies at St Cloud State University located in St Cloud, Minnesota. Shahzad is a former international student from St Cloud State University and has been advocating and supporting international students on the St Cloud State campus first as a student leader then as a professional. Shahzad has been in the Higher Education industry for several years. Since Shahzad assumed the role of Associate Vice president he had made several positive changes by increasing the international population at St Cloud State by building different relationships with partners all over the world.

Shahzad believes that once an international student step foot at St Cloud State they will always be valued and supported.

 

March: CPT and OPT 101 with Paul Hofmann

Dr. Paul Hofmann is the Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Louisville.  Previously served as the SEVIS Coordinator at San Jose State University, the director of the Centre for International Programs at Bowling Green State University, the Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at Fresno State University, and the Associate Vice President for International Programs and Global Engagement at California State University, Sacramento. Dr Hofmann has more than 25 years of experience in the field of international education and deep knowledge of the regulations governing international students and scholars. 

 

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity. Grab a hot drink, and a comfy chair, and join us to learn more about North America. Stay tuned for more updates about our next GSP Cafe!

See you soon!