Hi, ulaurier, you say, "I don't imagine that enough of Canadian students study in China or India to balance this out."

If true (and I bet it is), it`s because Calcutta, Shenzhen or Incheon don`t offer our students the same experiences, generous immigration policies or comfortable lifestyle that Canada offers.  But, that gets me thinking (uh-oh--here it comes!)

Give somebody an advantage--what`s the upside--beside some vague hope that these students will go back home and   "build linkages that are crucial for our future development. "? Sez one University wag:  "we have been approached by faculty members wishing to relocate to Canada... "  WHAT?

Know what`s wrong with Canada (and why I worry about NAFTA, come to think of it)? We don`t know how to do a deal...even when we have the upper hand!  How BAD do those profs want to teach here?  How bad do those foreign kids want to graduate here? Rule 1: nobody gets to go home for 5 years after grad.  They work (and live) here--giving back.