A recent report, co-authored by Senators Sabi Marwah, Ratna Omidvar, Yuen Pau Woo, and Hassan Yussuff, sheds light on the challenges confronting Canada’s international student program. The report is titled “Enhancing Canada’s International Student Program Integrity”. The report emphasizes the need for federal, provincial, and territorial governments to address integrity issues within the program.
International students play a significant role in Canada’s economy, society, and culture, showcasing Canada’s global appeal and bringing substantial benefits to the nation. However, the report highlights the urgent need to address challenges that undermine the program’s integrity, such as the mistreatment and exploitation of students.
Senator Ratna Omidvar noted, “The International Student Program has encountered challenges despite its success. International students have a strong desire to study in Canada, but they encounter various obstacles, including high tuition fees and mistreatment. In many cases, they lack the necessary support 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 Canada’s international student program involve various stakeholders, including Designated learning institutions (DLIs) that impose high tuition fees, education consultants, landlords, employers, and government entities. These issues encompass inadequate housing, limited employment opportunities, and the regulation of education agents and private educational institutions.
Senator Yuen-Pau Woo emphasized, “The program’s integrity challenges stem from Canada’s post-secondary sector’s financial constraints, which, in turn, affect broader issues like student neglect, housing unaffordability, and criticism of the program itself. The fact that these problems involve multiple levels of government and private entities underscores the urgency of addressing them.”
To enhance the integrity of Canada’s international student program, the report offers recommendations for federal, provincial, and territorial governments:
At the provincial and territorial levels, the report suggests exploring further regulations on international student tuition and introducing regulations on education agents, akin to Manitoba’s International Education Act.
International students significantly contribute to Canada; however, the integrity of the international student program demands 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 demographic while upholding its reputation for excellence in international education.
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