International Students: The Canadian experience

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of the results of a voluntary on‐line survey administered to international students attending Canadian universities. The participants include students attending a full programme of study as well as English as a second language (ESL) and exchange students. This study examines the role of the university with reference to providing the pertinent information/services to the students, pre‐ and post‐arrival. Certain choice patterns of international students in selecting Canada vis‐à‐vis other countries are also examined. The results of our analyses indicate that Canada seems to have performed well in meeting the expectations of international students. Furthermore, this study did help to illustrate some of our inherent strengths that, if marketed properly, could allow Canada to enlarge its share of the foreign student market.