The dream of studying in Canada has long lured international students seeking a world-class education and a brighter future. However, for many like Gagan Singh, a 19-year-old from Ludhiana, Punjab, who arrived in Canada during the summer intake, the journey has been fraught with unexpected challenges.
Gagan has already changed his place of accommodation four times since his arrival in Canada. His initial stay with a relative was followed by a move to a basement, and then to a friend’s house. Uncertainty looms over his future as he struggles to secure a part-time job to afford rented accommodation after losing a job opportunity due to low wages.
This story is not unique to Gagan. It reflects the experiences of a significant portion of the roughly 2.4 lakh international students living in Canada, of which Indians make up 40%.
The International Student Influx Post-Pandemic in Canada
Canada witnessed a surge in international student enrollment post-pandemic. However, the problems with housing, employment, and food scarcity began to surface prominently in July and August this year, according to immigration experts.
The issue, as many students claim, lies in the rapid expansion of classes by colleges without corresponding accommodation facilities for international students. Furthermore, unscrupulous agents in India have been accused of painting a false picture of the Canadian dream to young students, who only realize the harsh reality upon arrival.
Manan Gupta, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, emphasizes that while the Canadian government is addressing housing issues and fraudulent study permits, India must also regulate its unlicensed agents who deceive parents and students.
Unregulated Private Colleges and False Promises
A significant number of Indian students enroll in colleges in Canada primarily to gain entry to the country and secure work permits. Many opt for one- or two-year diploma courses that do not necessarily align with their career goals but offer a pathway to settling in Canada.
These international students often pay four times the fees of their Canadian counterparts. Gagan Singh’s experience exemplifies the dire housing situation, with exorbitant rents for shared basements.
The Struggle for Jobs and Survival
Finding employment has become increasingly challenging for international students in Canada. The recent reduction in work hours, coupled with lower wages, has left students like Rattanjyot Sohi struggling to make ends meet. Rattanjyot recalls a time when he secured a job within days of arriving in Canada, a situation drastically different from the current job market.
Manjinder Singh, who now has a work permit, emphasizes that most students arrive in Canada with the ultimate goal of settling there. However, the rising cost of living, expensive groceries, and the burden of parental loans weigh heavily on their shoulders.
Food banks, which provide limited groceries once a week, have become a lifeline for students running out of savings. Students face not only financial challenges but also mental health struggles, while colleges seem more interested in collecting fees than supporting their students.
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