Canada is one of the biggest destinations for international students to pursue their higher studies. According to Statista, more than 500,000 students join Canadian institutes every year. They are from different backgrounds, and countries and speak different languages. London even after being a relatively small city becomes home to more than 10,000 students every year. But, has anyone ever wondered how is life here for them?
Karan Sharma, a student at Fanshawe studying in the Radio Broadcasting program says “When I came here, I just felt depressed and I had anxiety for my initial month, and I am still trying to cope with that. Secondly, about the language. When I came here, it was difficult for me to understand the accent of Canadians. So, I still try to cope with that and try to learn that.” Another Fanshawe student Haidi Peters has similar experiences when it comes to the language. She states when she came here and did everything in English, it was more difficult than she expected.
Credits: Wikipedia Commons
Canada is going through a housing crisis. The rents are skyrocketing and options are limited. For international students looking for a new place to live the experience has not been what they expected. And above all, they have to look for part-time jobs with a mental burden to balance both work and studies. Karandeep Singh, a student from India says, “It was my childhood dream to come to Canada to fulfil my dream. I landed here on August 18, 2022. But later on, I found some difficulties in finding a place to live here. After that, I also had to find a job which is very tough in a city like London. Even though I’m struggling to manage my job and my studies all without anyone here, and sometimes I even feel homesickness and stress bearing all this.”
Why do they face all these issues? Gur Sahib Singh, who runs a YouTube channel to help international students says “The problem is the students work part-time jobs, like did they do their part-time jobs and they earn around 15 or $16 odd and they’re allowed to work only 20 hours per week. So, at the end of the day, in a month, they can earn like $1000 or $1100. In my opinion, with the inflation which is going on right now, $1000 or $2,000 is not enough for a month. So, I guess that is the major problem students are facing because at my when I was a student, we used to earn a similar amount like thousand dollars a month. But the cost of things like accommodation or grocery was not too much.”
Credits: Wikipedia Commons
If they face all these issues, why do they choose Canada from all the available options? Canada has a high standard of living and many top ranked Universities. Also, the cost of higher education is much cheaper than in other countries. On top of that, the country has relatively easier immigration laws and provides great opportunities to make a career here.
The Years of studies may be the hardest years for students, but still, they are the best years of a student’s life. There might be days of mental breakdowns but at the same time, there will also be days filled with joy and happiness. This time sharpens students and makes them strong enough to make their fortune in future. There are many examples of international students who have made successful careers here. All that is required is patience and hard work. The hope to make a successful career will surely get these international students to new highs one day.
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