The rate at which the coronavirus (aka COVID-19) pandemic is exterminating thousands of people and leaving millions sick has pushed the International Federation of Social Workers to call on scholars to examine the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations. One of the most vulnerable population groups ignored by social work research on COVID-19 is international students. Drawing on media sources, academic literature, and the author’s interactions with international students, this essay argues that international students are more vulnerable during this pandemic. The essay contributes to our holistic understanding of how social work can mitigate the impact of the pandemic in general.
International students in Canada make enormous contribution to the Canadian economy. As domestic students’ enrolment has declined, international students’ admissions have compensated for economic losses that Canadian universities incur from the decline of domestic students’ enrolment. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting international students’ admissions to Canadian universities. Drawing on various secondary data sources, this article argues that international students in Canada are vulnerable due to their temporary immigration status. They are excluded from most governments’ relief programs aimed at supporting Canadians during this pandemic. Most international students experience psychological and financial difficulties amid the pandemic. The situation is triggering a further decline in international students’ admission, creating economic implications for Canadian universities. By exploring the challenges facing international students and the strategies required to strengthen international students' resilience and universities’ capacities, the paper contributes to our understanding of the plights of international students and educational institutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many studies of immigrant housing and integration do so within the borders of a nation-state without reference to transnationalism. Using a mixed-method approach, this study demonstrates that immigrant groups, like Ghanaians in Toronto, with strong ties or attachments to their homeland will invest in housing in the country of origin because investment in housing in the country of origin confers high social status among these immigrants. Investments in housing in the homeland affect immigrants’ settlement and integration process. The study prompts for international social work practices to have a deeper understanding of the nuances of transnational practices when delivering services.
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