[ad_1]
Breadcrumb Trail Links
OpinionOp-Ed
Opinion: Across Canadian higher education, there needs to be more consistency and accountability in how universities and colleges approach international students
Article content
New restrictions for international students recently announced by Canada’s federal government are intended to send a message to universities, colleges, and students who want to come here to study.
The changes addressing the cost-of-living financial requirements, work hours, and study permit processing for international students signal a shift in Canada’s approach to international education. Most plainly, the changes acknowledge that students are not commodities. They are valuable contributors to our communities and the Canadian economy, and they deserve better support from universities.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Some of these changes, such as new cost-of-living requirements (students must now show they have $20,635 available instead of $10,000), have been a long time coming, having not been adjusted since the early 2000s. While the increase in required funds may initially seem daunting, it underscores a vital truth for students — living in Canada is expensive, and they have sometimes been underprepared for the cost of living here.
Other changes are intended to make universities and colleges take more responsibility for students and their well-being, especially regarding housing and mental health support, which is in short supply everywhere.
Across Canadian higher education, there needs to be more consistency and accountability in how universities and colleges approach international students. There are too many institutions that “free ride” on the hard-won reputation of higher education in Canada. Some institutions, such as Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, offer extensive enhanced support to their international students. TRU’s approach goes beyond compliance with financial guidelines — we actively foster a nurturing and inclusive environment. This commitment is reflected in comprehensive services that address academic, cultural, and personal needs, ensuring that these students are enrolled and integrated into the campus and broader community. For example, each student is assigned a dedicated international student advisor for assistance with immigration, academics and well-being, along with access to 24/7 mental health support, assistance with living arrangements, and activities for engagement and integration with the local community.
Informed Opinion
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
However, some institutions seem to prioritize the financial benefits that international students bring, viewing the increased enrolment of international students primarily as a source of revenue. This approach inevitably leads to inadequate support, potentially leaving students to navigate the challenges of a new educational and cultural environment with minimal assistance.
The new requirements make clear the need for universities and colleges to develop robust support systems. By doing so, universities and colleges, whether public or private, can help international students handle the pressures of adapting to a new country while pursuing their academic goals. We must foster environments where international students feel valued and supported as learners and individuals embarking on a life-changing journey in a new country.
As mentioned before, Canada’s international education brand is hard won, and the result of strategies developed by this government and the last, and we must foster it. Canada risks developing a bad reputation not only because of a handful of “viral” poor experiences of a few students but also if the status quo continues, risking even more drastic and sudden changes in government policies.
Advertisement 4
Article content
Now is the time for governments and the post-secondary sector across Canada to work together to protect our brand, retain the massive positive economic impact international students bring, and ensure we are keeping the promise we made to students of the world of what education in Canada means. Value-added services, accessible housing and employment, and a warm welcome into communities should all be part of our offer.
We also need to hear from international students about what makes their time in Canada more fulfilling. Students have an active voice, and international students, to their credit, are claiming it. We must listen and learn from them to devise better systems.
It is time for institutions and policymakers to move decisively beyond viewing international students through a financial lens and see them as integral, valued community members. This shift will enrich the Canadian landscape, strengthening Canada’s communities and our position as a leader in global education.
Brett Fairbairn is the president and vice-chancellor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. This year, TRU World celebrated 40 years of international education.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
[ad_2]
Source link
