In the midst of a vibrant campus, where diverse cultures interweave, an often-overlooked struggle unfolds—a  predicament faced by international students grappling with homelessness. These individuals arrive in a new country, often coming for dreams of academic achievement, only to be met with the stark reality that their educational pursuits are marred by uncertainty.

        As they step onto unfamiliar soil, limited financial resources, visa restrictions, and the complexity of a new social structure become barriers. Amid the promise of academic pursuits, some fall prey to scammers offering affordable housing solutions. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the alleged housing details are abysmal, leaving students without a home and deceived of their money. The need for academic pursuits become entangled with the pressing need for stable housing, leaving these students in a state of vulnerability that goes beyond the academic challenges they anticipated. The stigma around asking for help, deeply ingrained in certain cultural upbringing, adds to these circumstances The fear of judgment and the desire to maintain a facade of success can lead to silent suffering, as they grapple with housing instability in a completely new country. 

      Yet, amidst the adversity, stories of resilience emerge. Libraries become makeshift homes, and campus corners transform into resting spaces. Despite the challenges, these students exhibit an unwavering commitment to their education, demonstrating that the human spirit can endure even in the face of housing insecurity. Each individual experiencing homelessness has a unique narrative, irrespective of their origin or background.

       Harshal Bhasgauri, is a 24-year-old international student who faced significant challenges in securing housing for his one-year program at George Brown College, Toronto. Despite his efforts over the past few months, Harshal has encountered difficulties with unanswered and rejected rental applications, leading him to question the feasibility of his academic journey in Canada. The struggle to find suitable housing has left him perplexed, wondering why he was invited to study in Canada when suitable accommodations appear to be scarce. "I am always moments away from like a mental breakdown, just from the stress of wondering if I'm going to be homeless," said Bhasgauri (Balintec, 2023).

      Dianne Munnings, originally from the Bahamas, came to Canada four years ago intending to study to become a teacher's aide to care for seniors. However, she was faced with unforeseen circumstances that took a toll on her ability to excel. Diagnosed with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a non-healing blister led to the amputation of her right leg at the knee. Now 50 years old and without family in Canada, she finds herself in a Moncton homeless shelter. Munnings faces the hardship of being alone, unable to support herself, and coping with the unfamiliar environment of a shelter (Haggett, 2023).

     The narratives of international students facing homelessness calls for a collective acknowledgment of their unique struggles. By sharing these stories, we foster awareness and understanding, urging universities, policymakers, and communities to create more inclusive environments. As we listen to their stories, we open the door to a more compassionate, inclusive educational landscape where no student, regardless of origin, is left to navigate the challenging journey of homelessness alone.

References

Balintec, V. (2023, August 23). International students say they want to study in Canada, but staying is a problem if they can’t find housing | CBC news. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/international-students-affected-by-housing-crisis-1.6940668 

Haggett, D. (2023, September 29). International student determined to get her life back despite facing homelessness and losing leg. Atlantic. https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/i-m-here-alone-international-student-determined-to-get-her-life-back-1.6583734 

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