At the airport, I learned to expect the pauses, the extra questions, the glances at my passport that lingered a second too long. I did everything right—got into McGill, applied for my visa, and carried proof that I would leave once my degree was over. Even in places I call[Read More…]
Tag: International student
Demonstrators across Quebec protest Roberge’s abolition of the PEQ immigration stream
Protesters gathered in front of the Ministry of Immigration on Feb. 7 to protest Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge’s decision to abolish the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), a popular immigration program for international students and foreign workers seeking to obtain Canadian citizenship. The demonstration was organized by Le Québec c’est[Read More…]
The bittersweet reality of homesickness
You just arrived at the airport. It’s snowing white everywhere. Security agents shout at you to go to the right line, and police officers coldly ask your reasons for entering the country. An eternity passes before you are reunited with your suitcases. You just made it back to Montreal. And[Read More…]
Two minutes till dawn
Every morning, my phone tells me the sun is setting two minutes later than the day before. Most students would be warmed by the thought of another winter ending and brighter days coming soon to wash away the snow. Yet, every morning, I cannot help but feel a slight anxiety[Read More…]
Tribune Explains: International students’ entry into Canada
As McGill opts for in-person learning this fall, international students are navigating the challenges of entering Canada, such as getting vaccinated, making a quarantine plan, and finding housing options. What are the requirements for students to enter Canada? As of Feb. 19, 2021, international students with a valid study permit[Read More…]
McGill students start fund for Lebanese students affected by the Beirut explosion
On Sept. 16, McGill students started the Lebanese Student Relief Fund to support Lebanese students whose access to education has been restricted by the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut, which killed at least 200 people and injured thousands more. The blast not only severely damaged health infrastructure but also exacerbated[Read More…]
McGill Board of Governors discuss potential declining international student rate
At their Oct. 1 meeting, the McGill University Board of Governors’ (BoG) passed revisions to the university’s Gift Acceptance Policy, stating that accepting gifts does not mean the university endorses the donor’s positions. It also discussed the status of student enrollment, McGill’s anti-Black racism action plan, and heard reports from[Read More…]
Considering Canada Day in the context of Bill C-24
Last week, I celebrated my first Canada Day as a new citizen. My family immigrated here a little over five years ago and earlier this year, I took my oath of citizenship. Being Canadian offers opportunities, rights, and privileges that being a citizen of Bangladesh does not. Although I received[Read More…]