International Canadian Academy expands into South Africa
ICA contracted with Franchise Fundi to expand its presence in Africa. The goal is to recruit a master franchisee to offer Canadian education methodologies in South Africa.
The International Canadian Academy (ICA) identifies South Africa as one key country to offer its franchise and aims to operate through master franchisees. “Canada has been a top destination for international students for a long time. Now we are bringing Canadian education methodologies to other countries.” says Mr. Stéphane Vermeulin, Executive Manager of ICA.
In this first stage, ICA is looking for qualified investors for a master franchise that will develop the South African market by granting new franchises. “Our master franchises and franchisees must be committed to quality education, although an education background is not required,” continues Mr. Vermeulin.
To accomplish this objective, ICA has partnered with Franchise Fundi, a leading consultancy in South Africa. “We’ve analyzed the ICA master franchise program and its fit for South Africa. Education is a huge market, and families are eager for quality education. We estimate that there is market potential for more than 50 schools here.” says Anita du Toit, Founder and Franchise Development Consultant at Franchise Fundi.
International expansion
To offer a global franchise, ICA works in partnership with Richmond International Education and the Richmond School District, with its 48 schools and more than 20,000 students in British Columbia. “They have great expertise in all academic areas, English Learning, global education, quality assurance, and teacher training contributing to strengthening the ICA program.”, says Mr. Vermeulin. ICA has a strong focus on bilingual education, which could be beneficial in a country like South Africa.
Besides the academic support, the ICA franchise is structured with manuals, training, and processes to support a new franchise venture. The onboarding and supporting procedures are structured around asynchronous and synchronous training opportunities on TeacherWit, an online community platform where teachers worldwide can share ideas and resources, ask questions, build relationships and develop projects.
“We are excited and fully committed to working together and with schools and educators to lead the worldwide shift in Education that all learners need.” concludes Mr. Vermeulin.
Canadian Education
Canada is recognized worldwide for its remarkable quality of education, and it is the top-ranked English-speaking country on international testing, especially the OECD PISA. However, ICA schools offer the local curriculum with the most effective Canadian and International practices rather than an international school.
In addition to bilingual education, ICA offers a state-of-the-art tech curriculum from Digital Media Academy, a top STEM provider from Silicon Valley, and another company from the same group.
The ICA inquiry-based, competency-driven, and technology-wise program offers flexible pathways and a clear framework to create a unique culture of learning focusing on lifelong growth. “Our program actively promotes and values student agency and interests, real-world challenges, inquiry, creative and critical thinking, meaningful integration of technology, cultural and self-awareness as well as social and environmental justice.” added Mr. Vermeulin.
About ICA
With decades of global experience in paving the way for quality education programs, Andre Nudelman, chairman of ICA and Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford Graduate School of Education, is the former co-owner and President of Maple Bear Schools Latin America, with headquarters in Canada.
ICA is the result of this successful experience, combined with a vision to reshape education and the solid expertise of his other company, Digital Media Academy, founded in 1999 in Silicon Valley. As a brand new yet experienced education company, ICA offers a unique education model in partnership with the Canadian Public Education System, through Richmond School District, and with Digital Media Academy, the top-quality STEM program offered at DMA’s Tech Camps at Stanford, Harvard, NYU, UCLA, and other leading universities in North America. ICA schools are also authorized to use the International Comprehensive (IC) competency-driven learning framework focusing on the lifelong growth of every learner through an inquiry-based approach.
For further information, please get in touch with:
International Canadian Academy
2218 Inglewood Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1Z8, Canada
(604) 558-1845
Anita du Toit – Franchise Fundi – anita@franchisefundi.co.za
Anita du Toit is the Founder and Franchise Development Consultant at Franchise Fundi. She has more than 20 years franchise consulting experience across the telecommunications, automotive, restaurant and retail industries amongst others. She is an international authority on social franchising with extensive experience and papers published on the subject.
