Canadian Foreign Service Institute (CFSI) – The Government of Canada’s Centre of Expertise on learning related to International Affairs

Our goal: To offer continuous learning in an environment of choice

"An impressive range of presenters, representing various fields of expertise and sharing their diverse experience."
"Very good instructors and resource people, who were genuinely interested in our success."
"The academic level of the course was highly refreshing."
"The course promoted an exchange of ideas with our counterparts."

About the Canadian Foreign Service Institute

The Canadian Foreign Service Institute (CFSI) is the primary training provider for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and offers more than 150 learning activities.

In 2009-2010, nearly 8,600 DFAIT employees participated in either online or classroom courses:

• 3410 rotational
• 3890 non-rotational
• 1300 locally engaged staff

Our main role is to provide top-quality, timely learning programs in the areas of international affairs, foreign languages, intercultural effectiveness, professional and management development and corporate accountability.

Wherever they are in the world, and at whatever stage of their career, our clients can acquire the practical knowledge and skills they need to help them improve their performance at work and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

Always up-to-date, our teaching approach mixes traditional classroom methods with online learning and other sources of instructional material, and uses the latest technologies, making the Institute’s model one that is internationally admired.

Training Programs offered to other departments and agencies

CFSI offers training programs to various departments and agencies of the federal government under the principle of cost recovery. Last year, more than 260 employees from other departments and agencies were enrolled in our courses. 

To find out more on these programs, consult our catalogue.

Partners

CFSI works with other teaching and training establishments, both within DFAIT and across the federal government, including the Canada School of Public Service, to share information and best practices in order to continuously improve our programs and services and to encourage the formation of new partnerships.