International students in Canada show increasing trends over the past decade

Many students from around the world get the opportunity to study abroad and have a variety of cultural experiences other than their own.

Canada is one of many host countries that welcome international students. According to statistics from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the number of students has increased from 70,000 in 2003 to 105,000 in 2012.

Students of King George International College in Vancouver, B.C.

There are plenty of factors that contribute to the rising rates of international students who would like to study in Canada, according to the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

Qualifications are valued around the world. Canada’s high academic standards and rigorous quality controls result in a high-quality education. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is globally recognized as being equivalent to those obtained from the United States or Commonwealth countries.

Canada offers affordable education. The quality of education and living standards in Canada are one of the highest in the world, but the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Multiculturalism is everywhere. It should be easy to find activities or ethnic foods associated with a specific culture.

There are healthy and safe communities. The United Nations consistently ranks Canada as one of the best places to live. International students in Canada experience all of the same freedoms that protect Canadians: respect for human rights, equality, and a stable and peaceful society.

Canada has world-class language education. Since teaching French and English as a first and second language is an integral part of Canadian education, international students will be able to improve their fluency and capacity for either language. Canada is considered a world leader in language training.

Founder and head organizer of Canadian Friend, Stephanie Bourgeois, said several international students she has met decided to study in Canada because their friends or siblings have done it and highly recommended the experience.

Canadian Friend is a free-to-join group with a purpose to connect exchange, international and ESL students with local Canadians and native English speakers through different activities. Bourgeois’ work is done on a volunteer basis.

Though there are many reasons why Canada attracts a variety of international students, the one that contributes a big part is the immigration possibilities.

In 2008, there were changes made to immigration rules that has made Canada more attractive to foreign students. According to an online article by UniversityAffairs.ca, “the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is allowing skilled foreign workers who have been working in Canada on a temporary basis and foreign graduates of Canadian postsecondary institutions with work experience to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.”

In 2003, Korea was ranked number one for the number of students they sent to Canada. According to CIC statistics, the total number of students they sent was just under 14,000.

Jun-Heok Seok, an international student from Korea studying at King George International College, highlighted the importance of the need to learn English. “Koreans feel it’s very important to their development and will help them get a good job,” said Soek.

But in 2012, Korea is no longer ranked number one. According to CIC statistics, China has taken the top spot for sending over 25,000 students to Canada.

Experts have pointed out China’s growing economy, as the catalyst for middle class families sending their children overseas to study, according to StudyMagaze.com

A potential reason why Korea, as well as other countries’, rates of students being sent to Canada has decreased is because of visa waitlists.

According to an article posted by the Globe and Mail online, the rate of visa approvals has dropped by 15 per cent, and there has been a 5 per cent decline in requests for visas.

An ongoing strike by the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) has caused a delay in processing visas of all types, including those required for international students landing at Canadian colleges and Universities.

There are also those international students who fear that they will not receive their visa in time. In response, most schools have given international students a grace period through which they will hold spaces and residence rooms. There are services offered that allow the latecomers to catch up with what they have missed.

For those who can’t make it soon enough, Canadian schools are recommending deferrals until next semester, or even next fall, and crossing their fingers the students don’t go elsewhere instead.

Luis Rodriguez, an international student from Mexico studying at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, thought the process was fast and convenient. He said those are the key factors when you are abroad and have to deal with all the paper work required for visas and permits within a time frame.

“To be an international student is a big challenge, but let me tell you, it’s worth it,” said Rodriguez.