After high school, I began exploring options to study abroad to encounter better career opportunities. Canada charmed me with its multiculturalism and immigration encouragement. Yet, there is no mention of estimated costs in that motivational speech. I am an international student pursuing my undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management, a particular career only a few countries offer. I was so eager to start my journey and chase my aspirations without the help of my parents. But in recent years, those once-bright ideas have grown drab and dismal. Cost of living and education fees in Canada have caused financial difficulties for me and my family.
International students need support and assistance, and there is not much of that to be found. It is disappointing to see that schools consistently act in a way that has a negative impact on us. I am sure I share the opinion that foreign students are being exploited as a safety net to pay for domestic fee reductions and viewed as money-making machines. Even with multiple jobs, we are unable to cover the cost of living and educational costs on our own. The pandemic made matters worse by pushing up payment deadlines and driving up tuition expenses, giving us less time to make payments. I believe that overall costs need to be reviewed, and international students should receive more equitable financial treatment. Greater honesty and transparency ought to be embraced when promoting Canada as an alternative. Not often is it as simple as it sounds!