Chinese Students in Canada
I was chatting with a Chinese friend here in Halifax today. He, like many of the Chinese students here, studies English with the ultimate goal of attending Canadian university. We started chatting about working in Canada. He painted a picture for me of the manipulation, discrimination, and profiteering that students like him are subject to.
First off, the legal entitlement of overseas students to work off-campus is sketchy. The situation is improving but there is still a lot of paper work to be processed and fees to be paid before one can obtain a work permit. He knew nothing about the official channels for a work permits. He just assumed that working in Canada is illegal for foreign students. Nonetheless, he admitted many students work. I asked him how much they get paid. He said about $5-7/hour. This is significantly less than the provincial minimum wage. Then, even more shocking to me, he mentioned what happens with tips. He says many students who work in the service industry are expected to give their tips to their employers. If they keep the tips they will be fired, and because they are for the most part working without permits and with little understanding of the system there is limited recourse available to them. When I tried to tell him how reprehensible this would be to most Canadians he didn't seem to understand. He just shrugged and said "Well what are we supposed to do?"
Were I not an overly busy history major I'd undertake an social-anthropological study of the situation of foreign students in Canada. If someone has time and does do some more general interviews and research I'd be interested to know the conclusions you come to.
Comments
I have read this recent discourse with interest. First of all, you speak of manipulation, discrimination and profiteering that international students must face..I must say that is absolutly untrue. I taught at Acadia University in Wolfville in 2004 and spent much time with the international student especially from mainland because I have lived in Mainland for over three years. Not one spoke of what you are referring to above. as far as the minimum wage is concerned, 5-7.00 is accurate however.in the service industry, because of your tips you do receive less of a salary. If any students are getting ripped off for tips, they need to inform the taxation bureau or other government officials. Your friend is completely wrong. what he is used to is the corruption, cheating and ripping off of the people in his own country...I really dont like this person trashing canada and you sir should have put a stop to it immediatly.
Posted by: Dr. Laurence J. MacDonald | November 6, 2006 11:57 PM
Hello Dr. MacDonald. Thanks for the comment. I wouldn't characterize what he was doing as 'trashing' Canada. He was just pointing out that some overseas students don't understand how the employment system works, and their lack of English skills makes them more liable to be manipulated.
I have no doubt it occurs. I'm just unsure as to the frequency. I imagine the VAST majority of employers are honest and kind-hearted. However, humans being human, some will profiteer over the less-informed and vulnerable.
Posted by: Ryan Whalen | November 13, 2006 11:55 PM