International Student Safety in Canada: A Country-Wide Initiative and Campus-Specific Commitment

Discover how Canada and Huron University prioritizes international student safety.

International students deserve to feel safe on their university campus and within their destination country. As a top choice for studying abroad, Canada stands out as a place that honours international students’ diverse contributions. As a nation and within specific university campuses, Canada is enacting effective policies and programs to protect global students and encourage their success.

National policies that put international student needs first

Over the past several years, international student safety has become a forefront global issue. Currently, a spotlight is shining on the programming universities put in place to protect and uplift young international leaders. Canada has responded with a thoughtful approach to student care that is reflective of the country’s longstanding commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

These considerations are paramount in aligning the availability of academic, living, and economic resources with the number of students who study in Canada. Politicians and higher-education institutions have united to better prepare international students to afford things like adequate housing, food, and necessities. These thoughtful national and provincial conversations ensure that international students are not only welcome in Canada, but that they are set up for long-term success. Success that is readily available to them, in accordance with Canada’s work-study permits, which allow students to remain in the country several years after they graduate.

Huron University delivers on an exemplary model of international student safety

Long before the world began to analyze the treatment of international students, Huron University prioritized their needs through personalized academic, mental health, and cultural care. Thanks to its intentionally small and tight-knit environment, Huron offers a much higher faculty-to-student ratio than the majority of elite institutions. Smaller classrooms and robust services mean international students engage in a healthy and inclusive community with personalized support that propels them toward significant achievement.

International Admissions Advisor and Huron University alumna, Namra Amrohi, chose to study in Canada because of its emphasis on safety, diversity, and inclusivity. She admits that many students get caught up in what they see in movies about studying in the United States or Europe, but in her experience, Canada far exceeds expectations. Like her brother who preceded her, Namra found out Canada is a place where people from every walk of life are treated with kindness.

“Even when I first arrived in Canada, I did not feel like an outsider,” Namra shares. “Here, immigration has been taking place for so long that there is no one look or background that defines you as Canadian. Everyone is welcome, and they are made to feel that way on and off campus.”

International Welcome Week is a key part of student success

International students bring many wonderful gifts to Canadian campuses. They also bring with them unique needs that universities should be prepared to address. When students arrive in Canada for the first time, they may be unfamiliar with the weather, how to set up a bank account, or how to ensure they have the right phone plan. International Welcome Week takes place before a university’s Orientation Week starts, and it is specifically designed to ease international student transitions. In a fun and engaging way, Welcome Week ensures students have everything they need — from SIN cards to dorm room bedding.

“I kicked off my university experience with Huron’s International Welcome Week,” explains Namra. “The whole thing was customized to international student needs, so we were not just thrown into the beginning of the semester. We were supported by Huron staff, faculty, and upper-year students to learn more about the culture and the campus. I made lifelong friends during that week, and I became comfortable with navigating all aspects of student life.”

International student safety should extend beyond policies

While Canada has put in place several policies to protect international students, university campuses also need to hold themselves to a high standard of care. At Huron University, student safety is prioritized around the clock. Throughout the school year, students engage in specialized training aimed at conflict resolution, resilience building, violence prevention, and reporting. Beyond that, they have access to late-night shuttles and volunteers called “Foot Patrol” who will accompany students to their classes, residences, or cars, should they wish for this additional comfort.

“We never had to worry about Namra’s safety while she attended Huron,” shares Mr. and Mrs. Amrohi. “If we ever had any questions, we always knew we could reach out to her Residence Manager or other campus staff. Thanks to Huron’s close-knit campus, our inquiries never ended up in a general inbox. We always heard back from someone who personally knew Namra and cared for her well-being.”

Feeling safe is the foundation for a successful university experience

A student’s sense of safety is an essential learning condition. This idea extends to physical, psychosocial, and cultural safety. For parents who want their children to succeed, it is important they know exactly which types of practices the university has put in place to care for students. When researching where to send your child, consider the size of the institution and understand whether your student will be one of 40,000 or known personally by friends, faculty, and staff within their community. Imagine how that scale impacts their access to key resources and whether an overcrowded environment is the best place for personal and professional development to take place.

If you are interested in learning more about a school that truly cares for and uplifts its young leaders, reach out to Namra directly and discover one of Canada’s top Liberal Arts institutions.