Offering helping hand
Every international student coming to universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada faces a key question after graduation. Should she or he stay here? For some, it’s simple, especially if their home country is in economic turmoil or suffering from civil unrest. For many others, the question is more difficult.
International students compose a growing and essential segment of campus populations across the region, boosting enrolment numbers and bringing additional revenue for cash-strapped, post-secondary institutions. They also support immigration efforts if they remain. It’s a win-win situation.
The loss of hundreds of Saudi Arabian students was acutely felt across Atlantic Canada over the past number of weeks following an international diplomatic spat. The Saudis didn’t like a Canadian foreign affairs tweet and ordered more than 8,300 students home - a setback for the four Atlantic provinces and the federal government which have co-operated on several initiatives in recent years to boost international student numbers. Many universities and colleges saw their international numbers surge in recent years — with most reaching 20 per cent and some approaching 30 per cent of total student populations. Retention rates are improving but are nowhere near preferred levels.
Perhaps the Saudi affair fast-tracked additional help for overseas student programs, as this week, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) stepped forward to expand funding for federal-provincial projects, in particular, Nova Scotia’s Study and Stay pilot. There is a dual emphasis on recruiting and retaining international students. It makes sense to attract the best minds possible to Atlantic Canada and it makes even more sense to keep them here after graduation to fill labour shortages and key gaps in the job market.
Perhaps the easy part is getting international students to the region. After all, many young people enjoy the chance to travel and set out on an adventure to a new country, with a chance to meet and make new friends. It’s after graduation, when the real world beckons, that requires some hard decisions and key supports.
So, why does the federal government equally subsidize recruiting departments, when universities already enjoy much success in this area, instead of putting more money into immigration supports and resources on campus?
Universities are well-advised to extend supports to these overseas students to help them overcome social, academic, financial and economic barriers. These students already face higher tuition costs, yet there are almost no financial supports or bursaries available for them. They come for a better life and the opportunities offered in Canada, but are often taken for granted. Assistance obtaining work permits and visa applications would help them in the search for employment.
ACOA is on the right track by investing in our institutions of higher learning and in the future of highlytrained, potential new Canadians.
A majority of overseas students might want to stay and become Canadian citizens but job opportunities and other supports are obviously determining factors. How to remove these roadblocks and enhance job options remain challenges facing governments and post-secondary institutions.