UFV international students are facing a specific set of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the International department has been adapting the support they offer to meet these challenges.
David McGuire, associate vice president of UFV International, said learning in different time zones, adjusting to online learning platforms, and travel restrictions are just some of the unique challenges UFV’s international students are experiencing with distance learning.
“UFV International, as well as other service areas at UFV, are still offering the same levels of support, albeit in an online format,” said McGuire via email.
“We’ve been running peer mentorship programming, programming dealing with transition to Canada support, and workshops that focus on immigration-related issues. These have all been well attended. Furthermore, we’re taking time differences into consideration in scheduling these so that students in many parts of Asia, for example, can take part.”
The time barrier is another challenge, as the majority of UFV’s international students are from India, which is 12.5 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Many classes are offered in an asynchronous delivery mode so students are able to work through classes on their own schedule. When it comes to the online learning format, McGuire said the feedback from international students has been extremely positive and many of them are enjoying taking their classes online.
“Today’s students are incredibly adept at using digital resources to learn. UFV is here to help international students and to answer their questions,” he said.
McGuire stated that the number of continuing students remains strong, but, as expected, the university has had fewer students enroll for the summer semester. He said he was unsure at this time how many new international students will register for the fall semester. With classes being offered online, students have a choice between staying in their home country or coming to Canada.
“Ultimately, students should do whatever they feel is best for them — both for their academic success and their health,” said McGuire. “We welcome international students and we understand the picture looks a little different, but we are making sure the experience is fulfilling and provides a high-quality education in a supportive environment.”
For all international students who have valid study permits, or were approved for study permits on or before March 18, 2020, travel restrictions will be lifted by the federal government. Travellers still need to pass a health check as required by the airline in order to board flights. International students also need to have a quarantine plan in place upon arrival, meaning they need to have somewhere to completely isolate themselves for their first 14 days in Canada.
Online courses will not affect the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. According to the federal government’s immigration and citizenship website, students can complete up to 50 per cent of their program outside of Canada in an online format if they cannot come to Canada sooner. As well, all international students who work in essential services are now permitted to work more than 20 hours per week until Aug. 31, 2020.
International student Linh Nguyen said via email that her main concern was the increased tuition for international students. She said it adds a lot more financial pressure on her family in Vietnam since the global economy has been deflated by the pandemic. Tuition fees for international students have changed from a flat fee of $8,925 for a maximum of five courses in Winter 2019, to $7,560 for a 12-credit course load, with $630 per extra credit. That figure does not include student and ancillary fees, international administration fee, and the medical and dental plan.
Image: UFV Flickr
