International Student Issues

International students are a unique and important group on our campus. As such, they may face a number of unique challenges. One of the most important of these challenges is the International differential fee - the differential "fee" is $6,430, bringing tuition for international students to $11,912 plus mandatory fees.

In my experience, international students account for a unusually high proportion of required to withdrawal cases seen during the summer months by the Student Standings and Promotions Senate Committee (SS&P). Students are required to withdrawal if they do not meet certain GPA requirements, but SS&P hears appeals. Often, appeals by international students reveal that they simply didn't have the support they needed to be successful.

I feel that international students in need of support would benefit from targeted promotion of existing but underused services such as the Math Help Centre and Peer-Assisted Learning. Student Union services such as English Corner Cafe can be important resources to international students. I'd like to expand and improve on these services and their promotion.

Currently, there are two offices for non-domestic students: one for exchange students and one for international students enrolled in UNB. They operate largely independently, but I'd like to see more collaboration between these two office and the Student Union in order to create comprehensive services.

International students face issues when coming to Canada for the first time. On top of possibly struggling with English as a Second Language and cultural differences, they have to deal with the Canadian Winter. Support could be offered to help students unaccustomed to harsh Winters prepare themselves for life in New Brunswick.

I was surprised to learn that airport pickup is available for exchange students, but not international students. Imagine coming to New Brunswick for the first time, in January, wearing sneakers and a fall jacket with no welcome. As part of Red Shirts, I understand how important a warm welcome from the university community is to new students. I will endeavor to implement airport pickup for international students requiring it.