Struggles of International Students | The Exodus from Canada | Escalating Cost of Living |

Struggles of International Students | The Exodus from Canada | Understanding the Escalating Cost of Living | a Short Review 

Struggles of International Students | The Exodus from Canada | Escalating Cost of Living | 

Introduction : 

Canada has witnessed a steady rise in emigration rates due to soaring living expenses. 

Recent data reveals a concerning trend: in the first half of 2023, 42,000 individuals left Canada, following 93,818 departures in 2022 and 85,927 in 2021, marking an ongoing migration pattern reported by Reuters based on official data.

Emigration Trends :  A Decade of Change : 

Emigration rates in Canada, once at 0.2% in the mid-1990s, have now reduced to about 0.09% of the total population, according to government statistics. 

Notably, a two-decade high in immigrant departures was recorded in 2019, a figure that dipped during pandemic lockdowns but is steadily resurging, as per Statistics Canada.

The Financial Strain : Cost of Living in Canada : 

The cost of living in Canada, particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, has been a pressing concern for many immigrants. 

Shockingly, covering home ownership costs demands approximately 60% of the average household income, rising to 98% in Vancouver and 80% in Toronto, reported by Reuters referencing Royal Bank of Canada's (RBC) September report.

Individual Struggles :  A Glimpse into the Lives Affected :

Individual stories paint a vivid picture of the financial struggle. Cara, a 25-year-old refugee from Hong Kong, now pays C$650 in monthly rent, constituting nearly 30% of her take-home salary. 

Similarly, Stankus, grappling with a graduate student's budget, finds it unsustainable to manage basic expenses amid soaring living costs.

Impact on International Students : A Shift in Requirements : 

Prospective students eyeing Canada will face tougher financial criteria starting next year, with the cost-of-living requirement doubling to CAD 20,635, alongside travel and tuition expenses. 

This change aims to align financial prerequisites with the escalating living costs, preventing students from arriving unprepared, as stated by Miller.

Challenges Faced by Indian Students in Canada :

Indian students, the largest group among new international entrants in 2022, face significant hurdles, primarily the dearth of job opportunities. 

Despite diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, concerns about job security post-education remain paramount.

Struggles Amid Aspirations : Bleak Job Prospects and Financial Burden : 

Students express grave concerns about their future careers, with many unable to secure well-paying jobs post-education. 

These challenges, coupled with skyrocketing living expenses and healthcare costs, make it daunting for them to support their families back in India.

The Emotional and Financial Toll on Families : 

The sacrifice and hardship faced by families in India to fund their children's education in Canada are immense. 

Parents sell properties, land, and take massive loans, highlighting the colossal financial burden incurred to facilitate their children's higher studies abroad.

Conclusion : 

Canada grapples with a reverse immigration trend fueled by exorbitant living expenses. 

As international students and immigrants face daunting challenges, the focus shifts to addressing the pressing issue of affordability and job opportunities to sustain a promising future for those seeking education and careers in the country.

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