Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- permit /PUR-mit/
- allegedly /uh-LEJ-id-lee/
- withdrawal /with-DRAW-uhl/
- initiate /ih-NISH-ee-eyt/
- constitute /KON-sti-toot/
[noun] – an official document that allows you to do something or go somewhere
He obtained a fishing permit to explore the protected wildlife area.
[adverb] – used when something is said to have been done but has not been proved
The suspect allegedly stole the valuable artwork, but there is no concrete evidence to support the accusation.
[noun] – the act or process of removing or taking back a significant portion of individuals from a particular location or activity
The sudden withdrawal of financial support had a profound impact on the project’s viability.
[verb] – to cause something to begin
The prime minister initiated diplomatic talks to address the ongoing trade issues.
[verb] – to make up or form a particular percentage or part of a whole
In the upcoming event, volunteers will constitute the majority of the organizing team.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The issuance of study permits to Indian students in Canada sharply declined in the last quarter of the previous year, mainly due to a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. This dispute led to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats who processed permits. Additionally, fewer Indian students applied for study permits due to tensions surrounding a fatal incident involving a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, allegedly linked to Indian government agents. The strained diplomatic relations, resulting in the withdrawal of two-thirds of Canadian staff from India, significantly affected the processing capacity for Indian student applications.
In an interview, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed concern over a quick recovery in study permits for Indian students. Diplomatic tensions, initiated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, connecting Indian government agents to the fatal incident, continue to impact future permit approvals. This strained relationship extends beyond permit reductions, leading to an 86% decline in study permits issued to Indians in the last quarter of the previous year, dropping from 108,940 to 14,910, according to unreported official data. Due to diplomatic challenges, C. Gurusubramanian, counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, noted that Indian students are exploring alternatives to Canada due to concerns about facilities at certain institutions. This decline is significant, as Indians will constitute over 41% of all international students in Canada in 2022. This impacts Canadian universities, with international students contributing about C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasizes the need to reduce the influx of international students, announcing upcoming measures, including a possible cap, to address the challenges.
In an interview, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed concern over a quick recovery in study permits for Indian students. Diplomatic tensions, initiated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, connecting Indian government agents to the fatal incident, continue to impact future permit approvals. This strained relationship extends beyond permit reductions, leading to an 86% decline in study permits issued to Indians in the last quarter of the previous year, dropping from 108,940 to 14,910, according to unreported official data. Due to diplomatic challenges, C. Gurusubramanian, counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, noted that Indian students are exploring alternatives to Canada due to concerns about facilities at certain institutions. This decline is significant, as Indians will constitute over 41% of all international students in Canada in 2022. This impacts Canadian universities, with international students contributing about C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasizes the need to reduce the influx of international students, announcing upcoming measures, including a possible cap, to address the challenges.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Is studying abroad common in your country? If so, why do you think that is the case? If not, what factors do you believe contribute to the lower prevalence of studying abroad?
- Have you, or anyone you know, ever faced challenges or delays in obtaining study permits for international education? If so, how did these challenges impact your or their decision to study in a particular country? If not, what factors do you think contribute to a smooth process of obtaining study permits?
- Do you agree that diplomatic disputes between countries should not influence the processing of study permits for international students?
- How might the decline in study permits for Indian students impact both Canadian universities and the Indian students themselves? What long-term consequences, if any, can you foresee for the education sector in both countries?
- In considering diplomatic tensions affecting study permits, what role do you think international education plays in fostering global understanding and collaboration? How can countries balance diplomatic concerns with the benefits of a diverse international student community?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- issuance
- separatist
- dispute
- influx
- diplomatic tension