Why International Students Are Navigating New Scenic Waters Studying In Canada
According to statistics from the Canadian Bureau for International Education, international students with valid study permits surpassed 1 million for the first time in 2023. As of 2023, there were 1,040,985 international students in Canada at different levels of study. Canada is attractive for students seeking quality education away from their home countries. This can be attested to the growth in number of international students who come to the country every year from different parts of the world. The number of students arriving to study in Canada increased by 29% from 2022 to 2023.
Why Canada is Appealing
For many years, Canada has been a global hub of opportunity for students. Thousands of international students are drawn to this country every year. Canada has and offers world-class education services. Canada has the fourth-best education system in the world as of 2023 according to World Population Review
Canada is a diverse and inclusive multicultural society. Canada is popular for embracing multiculturalism and diversity which can be traced back to its hospitality for immigrants. Canada is a free and equal society with a constitution that protects the rights of every citizen including international students.
Canada has a reputation for being a safe, secure and economically stable country. According to a 2023 U.S News and World Report Canada has the 3rd best quality of life after Sweden and Norway respectively. In this case, the best quality of life cuts across metrics such as a good job market, family-friendly, politically and economically stable, safe and affordable country with well-developed public education and health systems.
While several aspects of a country may be appealing to prospective international students, it is the immigration policies of a country that set off the journey. Post-secondary level foreign students going to Canada need a study permit to study in Canada after being accepted by a Designated Learning Institution. After getting a study permit, foreign students now have to endure the journey that comes with the new destination.
Journey Uphill
International students experience a tough transition after arrival in Canada. Sometimes homesickness creeps in. Before integrating into the community, international students feel alienated. Cultural differences and culture shock can hinder the process and efforts of social integration for some international students.
Edmund De Waal, an artist and author, says, “With languages you are at home anywhere.” Bearing this in mind, language is one of the reasons why some international students may not feel at home in Canada. Language barrier is one of the big challenges that international students experience in Canada. English and French are the official languages in Canada. These languages may be challenging to some international students but present an opportunity for them to learn and improve their skills in new languages.
According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, 60% of international students plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada after graduation. However, there is always a challenge for these people to access the labour market.
Maintaining good grades is an important priority for international students as well. Canada’s education system is different from what foreign students experience in their home countries. Settling into the new system has its own set of challenges for students. In Canada, the cost of education for international students is much higher than for domestic students. Apart from high tuition fees, the cost of living is also high for many international students. Living away from home also demands a lot of financial decisions- which isn’t easy.
Overall, the experience of international students in Canada is challenging but rewarding. It is a journey that takes heart and the daring live to tell their triumphant story. We will meet and experience the bold journeys of some international students in our next story.
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