Canada is failing to attract university students from China, India and Brazil, internal research commissioned by the Foreign Affairs Department concludes.
The findings of the focus groups conducted in those countries represent a setback to the Harper government's ambitious efforts to broaden Canadian trade and investment in the three emerging markets.
Initiatives designed to forge educational links have been a feature of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's strategy to deepen economic ties with Asia during his trips to China and India this year.
Gov. Gen. David Johnston travelled to Brazil in the spring with 30 university presidents in tow to push the benefits of Canadian education.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird decided two months later to cut a $5-million program that promoted Canada abroad. The "Understanding Canada" program brought scholars to Canada on the condition they teach university courses on the country upon returning home.
