Many people do not realize that the struggles international students face starts at the airport itself. Fanshawe College has many international students who come from various places and cultures. Mostly the students are from African and Asian countries.

Coming to Canada is a great achievement for these students, but they face many challenges over here. Financial, accommodation and language challenges are some of the major concerns.

The search for accommodation starts way back when they are in their home countries. International students do not know what the rules and regulations of the new country are, and because of financial problems, they try to get into a cheap place. But they do not realize what problems they are getting into. They do not know whom to trust, and they may end up trusting people they should have never trusted.

Prateek Raj, an international student said, "I trusted one of my own community person's words and paid him $275 as rent, but after three months I came to know that the rent was just $200. I was also told that I am in the lease; (but I) never knew that for the lease we had to sign some papers. After three months, I came to know the truth that I was not in the lease and was suddenly asked to leave the house."

Uchechi Alajemba-Udeagha, an African student, said, "I feel newcomers should ask their landlords to explain lease to them if they really want to."

Mariam Khan, a Fanshawe student from India, also faced some difficulties in renting an apartment. "Everyone else was paying like $600 for (a two-bedroom apartment) and we paid $750 for one bedroom. I did not take help from college people." She added, "Don't be in a hurry to take a place without checking other options."

Raj added that "Alisha helped me in the International Student office to look for an accommodation, and I would advise the newcomers should use their brains and open their eyes; don't go on anyone's words, even if they are their own neighbours back in your home country."

The newcomers do not understand what the importance of signing a lease is; some do not understand the value of their own signatures and give their valuable signatures on any piece of paper. They do not keep a photocopy of the papers signed. These are some of the major blunders.

Fanshawe College provides a wonderful provision of a free stay at a motel for three days and helps students to look for accommodations. The purpose of this article is to spread the awareness that international students should not trust anyone except the college authorities. The International office in E2025 is there to answer all questions international students may have — do not be hesitant to ask questions. Before signing any papers, check what you are signing, keep a photocopy of those papers and do not take any step in a rush.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.