Jean Kristoffer Alvarez, an international student pursuing Exercise Science at Lethbridge College, earnestly studying, demonstrating perseverance and dedication.
As the international student population continues to soar at post-secondary institutions across Canada, they become a vital element of the Canadian workforce, helping to address the skilled labour shortages. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of international students who participate in labour market has increased from 7 per cent in 2000 to 57 per cent in 2018 while they study. However, international students have faced challenges and difficulties as working students. From adjusting to a new culture to dealing with the complexities of work and study.
Jean Kristoffer Alvarez, an international student pursuing exercise science at Lethbridge College hails from the Philippines. He chose to study in Lethbridge for its affordability and for accommodation that allows members of his family to also be present. Alvarez admits the difficulties of being an international student remain despite having family support around him. Balancing his academic responsibilities and the demands of work are challenging for him.
“Being an international student is exhausting. You need to balance studying and working at the same time so that I can pay my tuition fees and other bills. But I’ve learned that the key is effective time management,” Alvarez admitted.
Alvarez appreciates Lethbridge College for its supportive services and projects that are tailored to the needs of international students.
“I really like the free clothing swap project of the college. It helps students with their need for clothes, especially in preparation for winter,” Alvarez shared.
Lethbridge College offers different support services that international and local students can reach out to. The college has wellness services as well as the Lethbridge College Students’ Association, academic advising and student awards which help the students with their needs.
Muneer Nazam, an international student coordinator also at the college, described the common challenges faced by international students.
“Being an international student in a completely new country is not easy and there are always some challenges you have to face. From those challenges we learn. Most of the challenges are for those who are by themselves and don’t know anyone here. The most common ones are homesickness and cultural shock,” Nazam stated. “Moreover, students are also facing challenges in finding part-time jobs.”
To deal with these challenges, Lethbridge College offers several initiatives to help international students get a job. One example is the annual career fair on campus, where around 100 employers will offer various full-time and part-time jobs.
“Aside from the annual career fair, the college also offers various pre-career fair workshops to prepare students on how they can approach an employer, how to dress and more,” Nazam further elaborated.
Despite the challenging journey of international students, their resilience and ambition coupled with the unwavering support of educational institutions will prepare them for a promising future.
