Covid-19 has caused unprecedented changes around the world, impacting everyone. To help flatten the curve, post-secondary campuses are closed until further notice. The move to online learning has caused stress and anxiety. All while compromising the educational experience.
For students, the pandemic has extremely changed the educational structure they were accustomed to. While that can be an inconvenience for some, it poses its own set of unique challenges for international students. Being miles away from home amid a global pandemic that has brought the world to a partial stand-still, international students are worried about more than the stress of the pandemic.
The sudden changes not only pose mental-health challenges, but also pose the risk of international students deferring their studies. They are left, understandably, worried about their future in a new country. Visas, graduation status, internships, post-grad work permits, study permits, application fees, processing times and finances are just a tip of the iceberg. Many international students don’t have a support system here in Canada. Many of them are here alone, miles away from loved ones, and the simple act of not being able to travel back home due to restrictions hits hard.
David Rockson, an international student from Ghana studying Information Technology, found it impossible to find any seasonal or summer job and as a result, his finances took a huge hit. He also had to move, and it was next to impossible to find another place, as homeowners were using Covid as a reason to not rent. “The whole situation definitely took a toll on my mental health. With losing my part time job and basically not finding a replacement but still having to pay rent. Then, not being able or allowed to go back home and be with the family, worrying about them while I’m here and they’re there… that was hard to endure.”
Journalism student, Luana Saturnino, who is from Brazil, is here with her husband and young son. They have no family in Canada. Trying to sustain themselves financially in regard to rent, groceries and health insurance is difficult. “We have a very tight budget; we don’t have much space financially. Sometimes we need help from our families back home and Brazilian currency is so low compared to the Canadian dollar that it’s quite hard. I’m always trying to figure out ways to get money… And trying to save, parenting a toddler, taking care of a household, being a full-time student and an immigrant, my mental health is challenged constantly.”
Critical Care and Infectious Diseases doctor, Emily Shay understands being away from family in a new country. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Medical Degree internationally, and says being alone, with the added stress international students face naturally to complete their studies abroad, can give an increased sense of isolation that can be frightening or triggering when coupled with the pandemic. She suggests finding a professional to talk to. “It’s extremely important to not sit with your feelings and try to cope with them on your own. No one knows how long this pandemic will last, so it’s important to speak with someone now… in the present. Delaying this can have dire consequences for their mental health.”
Colleges and Universities have risen to the challenge by providing counselling for students online, with free consultations by phone, email or video calls. Added to that, they can connect students with experts in organization and coping. There are also other support services specifically aimed at post-secondary students, including international students. Good2talk is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
There is hope.
Aside from seeking advice on ways to cope. The inevitable for international students is the documents they need in order to remain in the country. Temporary residents can extend their status online, and according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the transition to online courses will not impact a student’s eligibility for the Post-Grad Work Permit program. Additionally, the Government of Canada website has made a number of temporary policy changes intended to support international students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Immigration Lawyer, Lusi Brace, says international students are encouraged to not only research their options, but to also reach out to legal professionals for help when they are unsure of their next steps. International students are also encouraged to connect with other students facing the same challenges via social groups. Receiving and providing support for others in similar situations can and have proven to be helpful.
For more information on options and steps regarding immigration, students can visit Canada.ca.
For more information on how to manage mental health, students are encouraged to visit Your Mental Health During the Covid-19 Outbreak.
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