The Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) is a Canada-wide study abroad program that connects Canadian students with Chinese universities. We create innovative and meaningful ways for students to continue their education in China.

CLIC formed in response to the imbalance between Chinese students in Canada and Canadian students in China. In 2015 alone, more than 100,000 Chinese students attended Canadian schools and universities, while only 3,585 Canadians studied in China. However, Canadian students have everything to gain from Canada’s growing relationship with China, and CLIC aims to spread that awareness. We believe that students are investing in their future when they learn about China, develop their sense of self-reliance, expand their worldview, and make connections in one of the world’s leading political and economic powers.

CLIC is designed to meet the needs of Canadian students. This specialized program addresses the concerns that currently prevent Canadian students from choosing China as a study abroad destination. By providing financial support, excellent programming, and opportunities to explore the country, CLIC ensures that a student’s time in China is a valuable, inspiring chapter of their post secondary education.

By streamlining a student’s experience in China, CLIC ultimately supports Canada’s ability to build productive relationships with China, expand reciprocal trade, and increase collaboration in business, research, and cultural exchanges. The CLIC alumni association furthers our goals by providing an excellent source of motivated young people with expertise on China.

The CLIC university consortium was established in February 2016 and is currently made up of nine select Canadian U15 universities: University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, and University of Ottawa. Currently leading the initiative is the University of Alberta.

The consortium is part of a broader partnership with the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), the China Scholarship Council, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada, and a number of top Chinese universities. Working together we have developed world-class programming, all of which leads to Canadian academic credit.

Along with providing top quality programs, CLIC is also dedicated to supporting students financially. The Chinese MOE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Alberta, in which they have agreed to provide funding for Canadian students participating in CLIC programs in China. Participating Canadian universities have also committed to provide travel grants to their students.