On October 19, 2023, relations between the two countries became tense after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and India recalled its High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma, triggering an unprecedented diplomatic rift. Canada also expelled six Indian diplomats, including Verma, and India expelled six Canadian diplomats. people.
In his statement, Verma issued a strong warning to Indian families about the risks of sending their children to study in Canada. “Parents should think twice before sending their children to Canada,” he said in an interaction with PTI. Citing various shocking statistics and personal experiences, he said, “Parents should think twice before sending their children to Canada.” A pall has been cast on the viability and safety of Indian students.
Reality Check: Shocking Statistics and High Student Suicide Rates
One of Verma’s most concerning comments concerned the high suicide rate among students. “During my tenure, two batches of students were sent back to India every week,” he said, adding that many students ended their lives after experiencing academic failure and feeling unable to return home. Verma noted that this often stems from intense pressure to succeed, especially after families have invested heavily in education abroad.
The proliferation of substandard universities
Verma also noted that it is troubling that many Canadian universities perform below acceptable standards, leaving students with minimal academic or career support. “These universities are not delivering on their promises,” he said. Verma said students typically only attend classes once a week, leaving them with limited skills and poor employment prospects. Many people find themselves underemployed, driving taxis or selling snacks instead of pursuing the career path they want.
family financial pressure
For many Indian families, sending their children abroad is a huge financial sacrifice. “Parents of these students often sell their land, other properties and properties to fund studies abroad,” Verma was quoted as saying by PTI. Despite the high tuition fees for international students – about four times that of Canadian students – many families find that This investment does not guarantee a safe or profitable future for their children.
Misleading educational institutions and unclear guidance
Unscrupulous educational institutions exacerbate these problems by luring families with unrealistic promises about Canadian institutions. Expressing concern over the agents, Verma said, “The reality on the ground there is not encouraging.” These agents often mislead students into substandard colleges where they face unexpected challenges and limited careers, PTI reported. Chance.
Velma’s final warning
Given these concerns, Verma warned families to thoroughly research Canadian institutions and realities before making a decision. “Of course, parents should think twice before sending their children to Canada,” he told PTI, noting that the current diplomatic spat would only add to the complexities faced by Indian students.
The unfolding diplomatic crisis and Verma’s candid warning are a stark reminder of the challenges and risks Indian students can face in Canada. Prospective students and their families must now make these decisions more carefully, conduct thorough research and seek reputable guidance.
(Inputs from PTI)
