- Ontario colleges have announced a new set of rules to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their international student population before and after arriving in Canada.
- Before international students arrive, Ontario colleges will work to provide guidance and support by giving pre-arrival information on immigration and settlement services and health services.
- Colleges are also required to offer guidance on academic and co-curricular opportunities and advice on financial matters.
Colleges in Ontario have announced a new set of rules to ensure the safety of international students before and after they come to Canada.
These colleges are working with government and community partners to provide support and services for international students.
Before coming to Canada, Ontario colleges will be required to provide information on the Canadian healthcare system, the Canadian culture and essential information about the area where the student will live.
While it has always been recommended that foreign students conduct their own research into financial aspects of their course abroad, such as housing costs, insurance and exchange rates, it is equally important that students consider the cultural and educational environment in which they will be studying.
International students are often supported financially by their families abroad, so safe money transfer services are essential to ensure that students can facilitate their education.
Ontario colleges are providing resources to assist students with visa processing and help them understand the different types of insurance that can be purchased to cover medical expenses.
Once students arrive, colleges will continue to provide support to international students through a variety of services, including counselling and mental health support, orientation and transition programs and other student services.
Ontario colleges will also be providing international students with access to health insurance, emergency assistance and support in obtaining a Social Insurance Number.
At the same time, universities in the province will actively work to ensure that international students receive the same education as their domestic counterparts.
They will also provide students with job opportunities to help them gain Canadian work experience. This can open up opportunities for international students to find longer-term employment in Canada after their studies.
The new rules mean that Ontario universities will assist with immigration processes, such as applying for permanent residency, and ensuring that international students have a safe, comfortable and successful experience in Canada.
To make sure that you get the most out of your money when sending it abroad for tuition and living expenses, take a look at our money transfer comparison tool.