International Centre of Excellence (ICE): Empowering youth with Transnational Education

By Our Correspondent
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June 08, 2024
Representational image showing a woman engaged in painting activity. — The News/File

Pakistan, with one-third of its population in the age bracket of 10 and 24, has immense potential for growth and development. It is equally important for the youth to make informed decisions about their pathways in life, as those decisions not only impact people's lives individually but also shape the future of the country.

Providing adequate support, guidance, and opportunities for their education is what makes them effective drivers of change. With trends shifting rapidly in both the educational and economic spheres, institutions like the International Centre of Excellence are providing tailor-made academic solutions and pathways to our youth by bringing internationally recognised qualifications right at their doorsteps.

Transnational Education (TNE), or borderless education as it is commonly referred to, clearly defines as to how the dynamics are changing internationally. Many students who traditionally would have traveled abroad to pursue their studies are now obtaining foreign degrees while staying in their homeland. The significant growth of this trend is evident with the United Kingdom (UK) being one of the largest TNE providers. The UK has doubled its branch campuses in the past two years, reaching recipients in almost 230 countries worldwide, with Pakistan among the top five.

Catering to this global demand for education, institutions like the International Centre of Excellence (ICE) propel the unprecedented provision of global qualifications to the native youth of the country, transcending socio-economic borders. With an inspiration to provide quality international education, complying with international standards of academic delivery, ICE ensures to employ innovative teaching methods, updated curriculum, and robust pedagogical practices, keeping in view global perspectives.

With organisations heavily focusing on skills and workforce trends, swiftly shifting from theory to practice, what sets ICE apart from other institutions is its curriculum, that is aligned keeping in view, not only international standards of delivery, but also prepares its students for employment in the global market.

Students, during their academic journey at ICE, not only get opportunities for their academic and personal growth but also develop skills and traits that can translate into high-income earning opportunities.

"With its focus on 'learn to earn,' ICE's highly trained academic and administrative team ensures that students are provided with international academic opportunities, keeping in view the core set of values: employability, affordability, and flexibility. ICE's wide and diversified range of programs cater to the varied interests and career aspirations of its students.

Programs start from the basic International Foundation Year, with undergraduate options available in the fields of Business, Computing, and Art and Design, and are articulated to provide students with specialised knowledge and skillsets that are highly valued in the global job market. Realising the need for constant professional development, ICE has designed programs for academic practitioners and professionals, offering Level 7 certifications and extended diplomas in the fields of Education, Strategic Leadership, and Business Management. Moreover, a variety of tailor-made short courses are offered throughout the year to help students and professionals build upon their skillsets in fields such as IT Essentials, Digital Marketing, and various Art and Design-related courses.

ICE, understanding the global demand for education, training, and research, instils a sense of global citizenship among its students, preparing them to become responsible and informed citizens of the world. This is achieved through enhanced co-curricular activities, ensuring an inclusive environment, and maintaining a strong parent-school partnership, keeping communication open and productive.

The modern transnational education, a relatively new phenomenon, having institutions like the International Centre of Excellence as key providers in the country's academic infrastructure, is undoubtedly the future and the way forward to building partnerships, generating additional revenue streams, and sharing best practices and the development of new academic programs.

By making international education accessible and developing a strong school-community partnership, ICE aims to shape the future of education in Pakistan, ensuring that students are well-prepared to thrive and grow in a globalised world.