In pursuit of a higher quality of education and an investment for a better future, many international students must embark away from the warm presence of friends and family. Into an unfamiliar world of different cultures and histories, they face multiple struggles like loneliness and financial difficulties.
“You’re so young. Who are you going to stay with?” said Marion Siree, a first-year practical nursing student at Lethbridge College, recalling what her dad said over two years ago after she decided to come to Canada.
Siree said that after reassuring her family, they supported her because no one in her family ever studied abroad.
According to a Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) 2018 survey, there were over 600,000 international students in Canada. CBIE says that Canada’s quality of education, safety, the reputation of being tolerant and non-discriminatory culture are some of the reasons why international students choose Canada.
While staying out of school due to health concerns is an option for many students at this time of the pandemic, Siree cannot afford to be out of school because of her student permit status.
“I have to be in school,” said Siree, explaining that studying is her reason for coming to Canada.
“I’m not here to work or anything. I’m here to study. So, if I miss school or something like that, that would affect my stay in Canada,” said Siree.
However, the financial struggle remains an enormous challenge for many international students. Siree said that her parents’ financial support does not cover even a quarter of her tuition fees due to the currency exchange.
According to Statistics Canada, undergraduate international students paid an average of $32,000 in 2020/2021, which is almost a $10,000 increase from 2016/2017. Domestic students, on the other hand, remained constant at about $7,000 over the same time period.
The International Education Division of Global Affairs Canada’s 2020 report on the 2017 economic impact of international education in Canada, cites Customized Statistics Canada Expenditure Model, which stated that international students who stayed for at least six months contributed to over $12 billion in Canada’s 2016 GDP.
There are yet no statistics as of 2018 and the following years.
Siree said that while she is not being forced to work due to financial difficulties, her choice of doing so is to avoid straining her parents.
“You can’t afford for your parents to be [financially] strained, being everything for you, you can do it yourself,” said Siree. “Because, like [for example], you also have other siblings that need care.”
“It is hard, but you have to do it,” added Siree.
However, due to medical reasons, Siree was unable to work for many months. As a result, she had to sell her car and ask her parents for help to afford both her tuition fees and daily expenditures.
Siree expects to go back to work this coming January. However, perhaps the most significant challenge is whenever she gets to talk to her family, she cannot hold back her tears.
“I miss them so much,” said Siree. “I haven’t seen them in the past two and a half years now.”
“I miss home.”
Siree is looking forward to spending Christmas with her friends, as her family will always be on her mind.