Sixteenth internationally and first in Canada according to the 2012 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings; fourth for its MBA program, tenth for its arts and humanities program, and twenty-seventh according to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s world university rankings — U of T’s achievements are likely unsurprising to both newcomers and returning students alike.
For an unspoken proportion of our student body, both domestic and international, these numbers are what make U of T attractive. With its steady improvement in program quality and impressive rankings, U of T draws an increasing number of international students each year. The number of international students on the St. George campus increased by 400 last year, compared to a domestic student-increase of only 100. At the undergraduate level, the proportion of non-domestic students has risen from 9.6 per cent in 2006 to 11.2 per cent in 2011.
An increase in international admissions is the inevitable result of a policy in Canada’s Global Commerce Strategy to attract the “best and brightest” international students to Canada. Hopefully, the university will continue to take pride in its cultural diversity, rigorous environment, and exceptional student life. How can this be achieved? By maintaining a balance between supporting domestic students and attracting the world’s most promising young minds from other corners of the globe.
Why is an increase in international student numbers desirable? Locally, international students contribute significantly to both academic and student life while weathering a host of unfortunate myths and cultural barriers. The academic benefits of encouraging international students are countless. From the diversity of their classes, U of T graduates gain an increased appreciation for international customs, preparation for a workplace with cultural and language barriers, a competitive academic environment, and courses with a global focus and relevance. Socially, the number of cultural student associations on campus is rivalled only by the number of cultural enclaves in the city of Toronto. Every student has a unique opportunity to connect with his or her cultural background while discovering others, encouraging both cultural understanding and a sense of community that are invaluable both professionally and socially.
Beyond the campus, the Canadian government has highlighted the economic benefits that international students provide. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, foreign students spend over $7.7 billion and generate $445 million in tax revenue annually, and support 81,000 jobs. With over 218,000 international students in Canada in 2010, an increase of 40,000 from 2008, spending by international students rivals many large Canadian export industries.
As U of T grows, let us hope it will continue to welcome ambitious international students as part of a spirited U of T community. Beyond the statistics, U of T’s vibrant mixture of local, exchange, and international students gives us an edge. The experience and global-mindedness that U of T students gain is just what Canada needs, and that is something that should truly be at the top of our lists of what makes U of T a great place to be.
