In an unprecedented diplomatic rift, India recalled its high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, on October 19, 2023, amid strained relations following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations linking Indian officials to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada also expelled six Indian diplomats, including Verma, with India reciprocating by expelling six Canadian diplomats.These actions have heightened concerns for Indian students in Canada, whose numbers exceed 4,27,000, according to recent data.
In his statements, Verma issued strong warnings to Indian families about the risk of sending their kids to study in Canada. “Parents should think twice before sending their children to Canada,” he said, in an interaction with PTI, citing a variety of alarming statistics and personal experiences that have cast a shadow over the viability and safety of Indian students studying in Canada.
Reality Check: Alarming Statistics and High Student Suicides
One of Verma’s most concerning remarks involved the high rate of student suicides. “At one point in my tenure, two bodies of students were being sent back to India each week,” he said, adding that many students took their lives after experiencing academic failures and feeling unable to return home. This situation, Verma noted, often stems from the immense pressure to succeed, especially after families have invested significant sums of money in their education abroad.
Proliferation of Substandard Colleges
Verma also pointed out that a troubling number of Canadian colleges fall below acceptable standards, leaving students with minimal academic or career support. “These colleges are not delivering what they promise,” he said. According to Verma, students often attend classes only once a week, which leaves them with minimal skills and bleak job prospects. Many find themselves underemployed, driving cabs or selling snacks rather than pursuing their intended career paths.
Financial Strain on Families
For many Indian families, sending a child abroad is an enormous financial sacrifice. PTI quoted Verma saying, “Parents of these students have often sold their land, other properties, and possessions to fund education abroad.” Despite the steep tuition costs for international students — around four times the fees of Canadian students — many families find the investment does not guarantee a secure or lucrative future for their children.
Misleading Education Agents and Unclear Guidance
Unscrupulous education agents exacerbate these issues by luring families with unrealistic promises about Canadian institutions. Verma expressed concern about these agents, saying, “The ground reality there is not very encouraging,” according to PTI. These agents often mislead students into attending substandard colleges, where they face unexpected challenges and limited career opportunities.
Verma’s Final Word of Caution
In light of these concerns, Verma cautioned families to thoroughly research Canadian institutions and the on-ground realities before making a decision. “Absolutely, parents should think twice before sending their children to Canada,” he told PTI, noting that the current diplomatic row only adds to the complexities faced by Indian students.
The unfolding diplomatic crisis and Verma’s candid warnings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks Indian students may face in Canada. Prospective students and their families must now approach these decisions with greater caution, conducting thorough research and seeking reputable guidance.
(With inputs from PTI)
