Exploring the Perceptions and Concerns of Canadian International Students (IS)

Higher education institutions in Canada are facing new challenges in addressing the needs of international students (IS), such as housing, mental health, and discrimination. A better understanding of the change dynamics associated with the internationalization of higher education will be necessary to better respond to these challenges. The present study looked at factors that influence IS’s decision to study abroad using a push-and-pull framework. We conducted surveys of IS at Ontario Tech University (OT) and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Ninety-five students completed an online questionnaire, and ten were interviewed for more details. Our findings suggested several factors that might influence IS’s decisions to pursue higher education in Canada. Information collected will be used to shape policies and practices at participating universities and may have possible implications for the broader higher education community in Canada.