In a recent study, Canada is now the #1 most desirable destination for international students, ahead of Australia, the UK and the USA (see Vancouver Sun article below). Canada is seen as a tolerant, safe country with a relatively high standard of living for students. International students are permitted to work part time while they study.
The category of ‘international students’ should be understood to include undergrads, graduate students, post-docs, and visiting scholars, though these categories aren’t always fully incorporated into the stats.
While total numbers declined during the Covid pandemic, in 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported 800K international students with a valid work or study permit.
While international students come from almost 200 different countries, the top ten source countries are: India, China, Philippines, France, Nigeria, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, Mexico and Brazil.
In 2022, 165K international students were studying in BC.
Those international students who choose to return to their home country often take on positions of influence in business and government.
Their felt needs include financial stress, the need to upgrade their English (ESL), and lack of community. Many are lonely, in a strange country and without normal sources of social support. Suicide can be an issue amongst students who have high family expectations, and for whom their family often is sacrificing.
The vast majority of international students are never invited into a Canadian home and make few long-term Canadian friends.
What are International Student lives like?
Nearly 75 per cent of recently surveyed international students said affording tuition fees on top of paying for other costs is the number one challenge to studying in Canada. International students can pay up to five times as much tuition as domestic students.
Often non-native English skills may disadvantage some in an academic environment, inducing even more stress to succeed.
Students are separated from their families and normal social supports and for some, depression and suicide are issues.
International Students' Story in Canada & Vancouver
International students have been coming to Canada for decades. Numbers of international students in Canada have increased 135% between 2010 and 2020 and are projected to increase massively again in the coming decade.
Some post-secondary schools have sister-institution relationships that enhance student access to Canada. For example, University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford has a sister institution relationship with Punjabi University in Chandigarh, allowing students to do the first two years of a Canadian degree in Chandigarh, and then come to Canada to complete it and graduate with a highly desirable Canadian degree.
Up to 60% of international students intend to stay in Canada after graduation.
International students now have three years after graduating to find a job, at which time they may apply for Permanent Resident status, and then are eligible to bring a wife and family to Canada.
Post-secondary schools in BC are especially attractive to South Asians and Punjabis due to the large South Asian affinity community and culture already in place.
Where Do International Students Live In The Lower Mainland?
International students live all over the Lower Mainland, depending on where affordable accommodation can be secured. As with other students, they tend to be more concentrated in areas around post-secondary institutions, including: UBC, SFU Burnaby and Surrey campuses; Kwantlen Polytech, Langara College, Douglas College, UVic, University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BCIT, Thompson Rivers U (Kamloops), UNBC (Prince George), etc., and numerous private (but accredited) colleges.
For example, it is reported that 2,000 Telegu first language students are attending private IT universities just in Surrey.
What Do International Students In The Vancouver Area Believe?
International students bring a variety of worldviews, ranging from Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and atheism. About half of international students come from strong Christian contexts and have a vibrant faith.
Many come to Canada with a curiosity to make themselves aware of other worldviews that they may not have had the freedom to explore in their countries of origin.
When people are in situations of transition and high stress (like refugees, for example), often they are more open to considering the worldview that the Gospel brings. This applies also with international students.
