International students miss out on classes to get hours at their jobs

By: Arshia Kochar

BELLEVILLE- The move to extend the number of hours international students can work for another four months means many international students continue to miss classes on a regular basis. And that’s raising concern.

Loyalist College does not maintain formal records of student attendance. But there is a recognition that international students regulmiss classes in favour of going to work.

“The College does recognize the investment of time and money that international students make to attend and work to educate students of the important connection between their education and their immigration and the impact a course failure may have for them,” said Jodie Russett, the director of Student Engagement and Experience at the college’s International Students Centre.

Many international students continue to work more than 20 hours a week. The 20 hour limit was first extended in November 2022. It was meant to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. But the federal government has now extended it until the end of April 2024. 

On the other side, some students are eager to get the whole college experience but are working more so that they can reduce their student debts. 

Karanjeet Singh, a first year Financial Technology student wants to build a healthy work and education balance. 

“I have to work for all the expenses and I can’t maintain a balance between work and study so it’s getting hard,” he says 

Loyalist has been constantly thinking about solutions to help these students. 

The international centre at Loyalist College

Russett credits the international team at Loyalist for their constant support given to these students. 

“The international team does a lot of outreach with international students before their arrival to help them with their planning but also to make them aware of the many supports and services available to them on our campus but also so they know what to expect when they get here.”