International students raises issues of prejudice

Susan Anderson, December 6, 2004

Last spring, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) commissioned Canada First, a national survey of international students in degree, exchange and language programs. It asks students about factors affecting decisions on where
to study, the student experience in Canada, financial issues and levels of satisfaction. Queen’s was among 16 universities and 20 colleges that took part.

Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) staff also conducted focus groups of
exchange and degree-seeking international students this fall to discern the needs, interests and assets of particular groups. Here are some results related to equity.

These students face the extra hurdle of acquiring permission to enter Canada temporarily to study. Not all students accepted by Queen’s are successful in getting
their documents in time to meet the start date. A few are denied outright. A visit to the federal government immigration website lists acceptance rates for consulates around the world.

To the survey question, “I have been treated fairly in class by my instructors,” 95.4 per cent of our students agreed/strongly agreed compared with the national average of 88 per cent. The university also scored significantly higher on the statement, “Some of my instructors have taken a personal interest in my academic progress,” with 69.7 per cent agreement compared to 58 per cent nationally.

In the Queen’s focus groups, students stressed the importance of “being heard” and of working with people who care to know of their circumstances. But on the
issue of racism, the responses were mixed. The statement, “My instructors show sensitivity to racial issues” yielded 34.9 per cent agree/strongly agree for Queen’s compared with the national average of 42 per cent.To the question, “I have not
experienced any form of racism or discrimination as an international student in Canada,” 79.1 per cent of Queen’s students agreed compared with the
national average of 70 per cent.

While Queen’s score was better than the national, it still shows that more work needs to be done to raise awareness on campus to issues of discrimination.

Students in one focus group stressed the desire to be seen as individuals in defiance of prevailing stereotypes in the media. Financial concerns are many. Fluctuating exchange rates, currency restrictions and differential fees are matters over which a student has no control. The CBIE survey asked students to describe
their family’s wealth in comparison with others in their home country. Queen’s responses showed 69.8 per cent were from families of average wealth, with
20.9 per cent being from “better off” families. The national response showed 56 per cent from average wealth families and 31 per cent from wealthier homes.

These results perhaps challenge the prevailing view of international students. Students in one focus group expressed the need for “tuition forecasting” to allow for more accurate estimates of education costs before they, and their family, commit to the institution.

International students want to have the chance to work – not only to assist themselves financially but also to gain professional experience in an international environment. Because international students are restricted to working on campus,
some Queen’s worksites have developed affirmative action practices. Our international students clearly envision possibilities for more sharing of perspectives between themselves and their peers, and consider themselves potential partners in
internationalizing our campus.

Susan Anderson is international student advisor at Queen’s University International Centre.