International Students

In 2022, there were over 800,000 international students in Canada at all levels of study, which was a 31% increase from 2021 (Canadian Bureau for International Education, 2023). B.C. has the second largest international student population next to Ontario, followed by Quebec.

International students may be at significantly increased risk of being targeted for sexualized violence and may face unique barriers to reporting and accessing support. According to the B.C. International Student Survey, international students rely primarily on other international students from their home country and from other countries for their primary sources of support, especially for non-academic issues (Adamosky, 2015). Consequently, international students who are survivors of sexual assault will be more likely to disclose the sexual assault and gain support from other international students. International students who experience or who are impacted by sexualized violence are significantly less likely than Canadian students to seek help from counselling services due to language barriers and cultural differences (Mori, 2000).

To make matters more complex, cultural perspectives of violence and myths about rape and sexualized violence differ from one culture to another (Bonistall Postel, 2017). Thus, international students might have difficulty identifying sexualized violence and responding to disclosures of sexualized violence. It is important for post-secondary institutions to play a role in equipping international students with knowledge on how to best respond, support, and advocate for their peers in an appropriate and sensitive manner that does not further traumatize the survivor.

It is important to highlight that international students are not weak or vulnerable; rather they are resilient and determined to thrive and establish a sense of home, whether temporary or long term, in Canada. It takes positive determination to leave the safety of family, financial stability, and social network. Once in Canada, they may face additional challenges from within their own ethno-specific community while also possibly experiencing feelings of anxiety caused by the changes and separation from people and places they know.

Post-secondary institutions should involve international students in the development and implementation of training on sexualized violence. They are the experts and can identify the gaps and needs of their peer groups and as individuals. Facilitators can develop the training agenda based on their needs and be prepared with relevant safety resources, including community organizations and groups, translated materials, and supports. Post-secondary institutions can build partnerships with organizations that provide support to international students. These organizations can often share resources, such as safety booklets, infographics, and educational materials (see, for example, the International Student Safety Guide developed by MOSAIC).

As a facilitator, there are several strategies you can use to ensure the inclusion and participation of international students in this and other workshops:

• Consider language barriers. If possible, use translated materials and slow down the pace as you go through complex material.
• Learn about translated sexualized violence resources and community supports that include services in diverse languages.
• Provide opportunities for participation while also considering safety. Be aware that some female international students may not be comfortable speaking about topics related to sexualized violence if male students are present.
• Be aware of community resources and supports available to international students so that you can share them with participants either verbally or in written form (or both).
• Consider collaborating with community organizations such as MOSAIC so that a support worker can be available to support international students if needed.