Hi everyone, I am Sheilla, a final year student at Cambrian College offering the Social Service Worker Program, and I am currently undergoing four months of co-op placement at Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre (SWEAC). This has been a dream come true, as I am fulfilling my passion for advocating and educating migrant workers on their rights through the help of SWEAC.
As an international student in Canada, I have encountered exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Dreams of personal growth, academic excellence, and future career prospects often drive the decision to pursue education abroad. However, the reality of being an international student in Canada today is much more subtle than many of us expected. One critical issue facing international students is the recent changes in regulations regarding off-campus work.
Recently, the Canadian government announced changes to work schedules for international students effective September 2024. We are to work up to 24 hours per week during the study period. This is an increase from the current limit of 20 hours; although this change will slightly increase job opportunities, it still creates challenges for many students.
The reasons behind these limitations are understandable. Immigration Minister Mark Miller stressed that the main objective of the international student program is education, not employment. This approach does not fully consider the economic realities that many of us face. Working more with high tuition and living costs may be critical to our economic stability and well-being. Restrictions on working hours and high tuition fees place enormous financial pressure on international students.
This stress can significantly impact on our mental health and academic performance. The constant worry of making a living while trying to excel in school is a burden many of us carry in silence. Moreover, the recent hostile rhetoric regarding international students in Canada adds another level of tension. Feeling unwelcome or a burden in your host country can be profoundly demoralizing. It is essential to recognize that most of us come to Canada with the true intention of learning, participating, and building a future here.
Also, when I first decided to study in Canada, I imagined a welcoming environment with many opportunities for growth and integration. While many aspects of life in Canada lived up to these expectations, others were more challenging than expected. High cost of living, Limited job opportunities and the complexities of navigating the new health care system. These are all critical obstacles.
Also, we need a more comprehensive support system for international students, which does not only support academics but also include advice on following the rules of work and access to health care and addressing the unique challenges we face. Organizations such as the Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Center play a key role by providing education about rights in the workplace and support for better conditions.
As I continue my journey as an international student in Canada, I hope to see more understanding and support for our unique challenges. We are not just temporary visitors or financial participants. We are individuals with dreams, aspirations and the ability to strengthen Canadian society in many ways. By resolving these issues, Canada can create a more equitable and supportive environment for international students. This will ultimately benefit students and Canadian society. Organizations like the Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Labor are critical in advocating for our rights as we navigate these challenges and provide much-needed support and education. I am on a journey of learning more to be able to contribute to a broader understanding of the international student experience in Canada and inspire positive change that will benefit future students who may choose to pursue their dreams in this country through the help of SWEAC.
Sheilla Okai