Overcoming Challenges Pakistani Students Face when Studying in Canada
Pakistani students face several challenges when planning to study in Canada. Key obstacles include navigating complex admissions processes, varying requirements and deadlines, and high tuition and living costs, making scholarships essential. Language barriers can hinder academic and social engagement, and cultural adjustments require acclimatization to a new environment. Successful transition demands careful planning and informed choices.
1. **Study Permit Application Process**: Navigating the Canadian Study Permit application process can be complex and time-consuming. Students need to gather various documents, demonstrate financial stability, and meet specific requirements set by the Canadian government. This past year, 2024, has been especially taxing for international students with all the changes initiated by the Canadian government. Fortunately, for Pakistani students, there is some good advice available. Western University has their own IRCC Advisor who will help a student apply for their study permit. The Canadian government also lists trained and licensed visa consultants on their website so if you are looking for a Pakistan-based visa consultant, you can go to the site.
2. **Financial Costs**: The cost of studying abroad, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, can be prohibitive for many Pakistani students. Securing funding through scholarships or financial aid can be competitive and challenging. That’s were being in touch with an in-country representative for Canadian universities is helpful. Not only will they tell you about available scholarships at the universities they represent, but in-country representatives can give you scholarship application guidelines.
3. **Cultural Adjustment**: Adapting to a new cultural environment, language differences (English or French), and societal norms can be a significant adjustment for Pakistani students. This cultural shift may affect their academic and social experiences. The plus side is that many universities have culturally-sensitive mental health care support resources that Pakistani students can access.
4. **Academic Preparation**: Meeting the academic standards required by Canadian universities can be demanding. Pakistani students may need to demonstrate proficiency in English (via tests like IELTS or TOEFL) and meet specific academic prerequisites for their chosen programs. Again, it is best to consult with an in-country representative for Canadian universities and colleges as these reps will know what the admission requirements are and if you don’t meet the requirements, they are able to tell you how you can meet the requirement. They will even know if there are alternative routes our institutions you can take. For example, if you are missing a required Math subject, you might be able to join a foundation program like the one at the University of Alberta or MacEwan University, or study at a university like UNBC or Thompson Rivers where you can make up high school Math in your first year.
5. **Homesickness and Support System**: Being far from home can lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Establishing a support network, both on-campus and off-campus, becomes crucial for their well-being and adjustment. One of the ways to overcome this is to live on campus for your first year build a supportive network of friends around you. Also, phoning home can also help you combat homesickness.
6. **Employment Opportunities**: Balancing study with part-time work opportunities, as permitted by visa regulations, can be challenging. Finding relevant job opportunities and managing work-study-life balance can add to their stress.
7. **Healthcare and Insurance**: Understanding healthcare options in Canada and securing adequate health insurance coverage is essential but can sometimes be confusing for international students. This is where your in-country representative comes in because they can tell you which Canadian provinces offer free health care to international students and which ones don’t.
Navigating these complex challenges requires careful and strategic planning, thorough research, and often substantial support from knowledgeable in-country representatives for Canadian universities or dedicated international student offices at various universities.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: