Challenges persist for international students

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This article was published 27/07/2024 (533 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

International post-secondary students in Brandon continue to face many challenges, including a shortage of affordable housing, financial strains and transportation difficulties, among other issues, according to student leaders.

Assiniboine College African Students Club president Aishah Tiamiyu said the scarcity of affordable housing is a pressing concern for students at the institutions.

“About five of every 10 students currently have accommodation issues because there are limited options for students due to the general rental issues in Canada at this time,” she said. “Students face accommodation challenges by property owners, especially with the security deposit. Some houses’ rent is not even equivalent to the rental value.”

College communication specialist Shaun Cameron said the school has included additional support for international students to assist them with finding suitable housing.

“This includes pre-arrival workshops online in conjunction with WIS (Westman Immigrant Services) and we also encourage students to budget appropriately for the housing costs in Brandon, Winnipeg and Dauphin, where they attend our campuses,” he told the Sun in an email.

“Our international student advisor helps students with specific housing situations, and when appropriate, makes referrals to community partners including Westman Immigrant Services and 7th Street Access Centre.”

Brandon University Student Union president Charles Adamu described the accommodation challenge as a “weird situation.”

“When I got to Brandon two years ago, I was a resident on the campus. As convenient as it is, it’s expensive,” Adamu told the Sun. “The compulsory meal plan for students living on campus also adds to the financial burden, especially for international students who might not enjoy the food but are locked into the plan.”

The BUSU president said he compared the price of on-campus accommodation with off-campus living and other bills and found on-campus accommodation to be more expensive.

The university, on its website, says it offers several accommodation options. The “Super Saver” plan, costing $4,575 per term (estimated), includes a double room in McMaster Hall and the Value Meal Plan. The “College Single” plan, at $4,975 per term, features a single room and the Value Meal Plan.

In a statement provided to the Sun, the university said it believe its residence is priced reasonably for the local market, particularly when considering everything that is included that may not be a part of off-campus rentals, including utilities and internet.

Regarding the diverse meal plan needs, the university said it introduced a third tier, saying, “We are listening to students and have added a third tier to help find a plan that fits their needs and budget.”

Adamu said securing off-campus housing could be difficult, recounting his own experience of starting the search two months before leaving the on-campus residence.

“Landlords are not always considerate, sometimes acting contrary to rental agreements,” he said. “Recently, we heard about a student whose landlord asked (him) to vacate his residence shortly before the expiration of the tenancy agreement.”

The union executives, he said, recently had a conversation about such a case and concluded it is about time they teach students about their rights as a tenants.

Tiamiyu said financial pressure is another significant issue for students in the college.

“Many students face difficulties in managing tuition fees and living expenses, and this is particularly challenging for international students, who face additional hurdles such as securing housing and dealing with limited financial resources due to the high unemployment rate,” she told the Sun.

The restriction of working only 24 hours per week in Canada, she said, exacerbates these financial difficulties, “making it hard for them to pay their school fees and cover other essential expenses.”

Cameron said Assiniboine’s tuition continues to be on par with other public colleges and universities in Manitoba.

“Assiniboine offers payment plans for the majority of programs where students would like some additional time to pay their term fees,” he added.

Transportation is another area where students encounter difficulties. Adamu said public transportation in Brandon is often unreliable.

“All the time the buses are late, especially during the winter,” he said. “Except you have the money to buy a car for yourself, you have to rely on the buses or take a cab, and the cabs are expensive.”

Tiamiyu lauded the college’s efforts to provide emotional support to the students but emphasized the ongoing struggles they face dealing with mental health issues, stress and anxiety.

“Career uncertainty further compounds the stress, with many students worried about job prospects and securing internships in the current job market,” she added.

Cameron said the college “actively works” to connect students with employment experience, creating opportunities both during and following their studies.

“Recently the college added dedicated staff to the Peters School of Business to complement the available support in all our schools,” he said. “These staff help directly meet the needs of students looking for work-integrated learning and employment opportunities.”

Adamu said the union is working on educating and creating an FAQ for students, informing them of certain rights when it comes to accommodation.

Regarding creating support systems, BU said its Student Services and Office of International Activities are available to help students with any concerns.

The university advised international students to be vigilant against scams.

“Be aware and be wary of a deal that seems too good to be true,” as some lower-priced listings may not always be legitimate, the university said.

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