International students
International students
Published on: October 3, 2023
Last updated: October 5, 2023
A recent report, co-authored by Senators Sabi Marwah, Ratna Omidvar, Yuen Pau Woo and Hassan Yussuff, highlights the challenges facing Canada’s international student program. The report is titled “Improving the Integrity of Programs for Canada’s International Students.” The report highlights the need for federal, provincial and territorial governments to address integrity issues within the program.
International students play an important role in Canada’s economy, society and culture, showcasing Canada’s global appeal and providing substantial benefits to the nation. However, the report highlights the urgent need to address challenges that undermine the integrity of the program, such as student mistreatment and exploitation.
Addressing Integrity Challenges in the International Student Program
Senator Ratna Omidvar noted“The international student program has faced challenges despite its success. International students have a strong desire to study in Canada, but they face a variety of obstacles, including high tuition fees and mistreatment. In many cases, they do not have access to lack the support needed to overcome these challenges. We must reform the program to ensure it benefits both Canada and the dedicated students who contribute significantly to our nation.
The challenges associated with the Canadian international student program involve various stakeholders, including Designated Educational Institutions (DDIs) who charge high tuition fees, to educational consultants, landlords, employers and government entities. These problems include inadequate housing, limited employment opportunities, and regulation of educational agents and private educational institutions.
Senator Yuen-Pau Woo noted, “Challenges to program integrity stem from the financial constraints of the Canadian post-secondary sector, which, in turn, affect broader issues like student neglect, unaffordability of housing and criticisms of the program itself. The fact that these problems involve multiple levels of government and private entities highlights the urgency of solving them.
Recommendations for Strengthening the Canadian International Student Program
To improve the integrity of Canada’s international student program, The report offers recommendations to federal, provincial and territorial governments:
- National Financial Sustainability Review: Propose a national debate to ensure the financial stability of IDDs, thereby reducing their dependence on international student tuition fees.
- Better monitoring of DLIs and agents: Suggest stricter criteria for DLIs to provide increased support to international students, encompassing housing, legal rights, employment and mental health.
- Increased awareness of PTPD ineligibility: Recommend better dissemination of information to international students enrolling in programs not eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
- Housing offer: Advocate for active federal participation to ensure adequate supply of student housing through data collection and infrastructure funding.
- Inform international students: Encourage federal and provincial governments to better inform international students about their legal rights, housing, employment opportunities and protection against fraud and scams.
- Develop a national policy strategy on TR to PR pathways: Closing the gap between the number of international students and available permanent residency places through a national strategy.
- National policy strategy on settlement assistance: Propose a national settlement support strategy to provide better care to international students and assist them in their transition to permanent residence.
- National language standard: Explore the introduction of a national language standard for DLI admission criteria to alleviate issues arising from insufficient language skills.
- Strengthen LOA verification: Advocate for improved admissions letter verification processes to prevent fraud and abuse.
- Regulations on reformed education officers: Introduce federal oversight measures to regulate educational agents, impose sanctions for misconduct, and establish a centralized agent information system.
At the provincial and territorial level, the report suggests exploring further regulations on international student tuition fees and introducing education agent regulations, similar to Manitoba’s International Education Act.
International students contribute significantly to Canada; however, the integrity of the international student program requires immediate attention. The report’s recommendations aim to cultivate a healthier international student program. This could ensure that Canada continues to reap the benefits of this invaluable population while preserving its reputation for excellence in international education.
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