There was something rather peculiar that occurred recently in the city of Toronto in Canada. Many job seekers were lined up at the doorway of the premises, which is known as Tim Hortons: a coffee shop. But they weren’t waiting for coffee or donuts, as one might suspect given that these men and women were assembled in what appeared to be a conference room or training room at a large corporation. These were the foreigners who were job seekers.
An Indian student named Nishat filmed this scene. He looked at those over 100 students keenly waiting for their opportunity to apply for a job.
Even Nishat had been searching for a part-time job for a month. It was expected that he would arrive early enough and, therefore, believed he would stand a fair shot. However, when he began to see the number of people who turned up it dawned on him that getting a job would not be an easy endeavour.
Why Is It So Hard for Foreign Students to Find Jobs?
This video shows a big problem in Canada right now. Many foreign students are having trouble finding work. There are a few reasons for this:
- Too many students: Canada has welcomed a lot of international students. This means more people are looking for the same jobs.
- Few job openings: There aren’t enough part-time jobs for everyone who wants one.
- Competition: With so many people applying, it’s harder for each person to stand out.
Students Share Their Struggles
After Nishat’s video went viral, other foreign students started sharing their own stories. Many said they’ve been searching for jobs for weeks or months without luck. Some feel frustrated and worried about how they’ll support themselves while studying.
One student said, “I’ve applied to so many places, but I never hear back.” Another mentioned, “I didn’t expect it would be this hard to find a simple part-time job.”
Looking for Solutions
As this problem grows, people are suggesting ways foreign students might find work:
- Try different jobs: Some say students should look beyond typical student jobs. They suggest trying fields like construction or truck driving, where there might be more openings.
- Spread out: Instead of everyone applying to the same places in big cities, students might have better luck in smaller towns.
- Gain skills: Learning new skills or improving English might help students stand out to employers.
A Changing Canada
Many people are surprised by how hard it’s become for newcomers to find work in Canada. In the past, Canada was known as a place with lots of opportunities. Now, it seems things are changing.
One longtime resident said, “I remember when it was easier for international students to find jobs and build a life here. It’s sad to see how tough it’s become.”
What Happens Next?
This situation at Tim Hortons has started an important conversation in Canada. People are asking:
- Should Canada accept fewer foreign students?
- How can the country create more jobs for everyone?
- What can be done to help students who are already here and struggling?