Anna Mathew, 27, came to Canada from India to pursue a diploma in public relations from Cambrian College. She was getting used to her new school, new job and had managed to make a few friends before college faculty went on strike Oct. 16.
Since then, she has been trying to gather more work hours and spend time with friends, but anxiety about the lost time and money is starting to build.
“Our semester will be crammed, and I do not know how I will manage the extra load and work,” Mathew says.
For international students like Matthew – whose study permit expires next year -- the lengthy duration of the strike has already caused a dent in their plans.
This is the reality for many international students who have to pay exorbitant fees to pursue their education in Canada. The plight of domestic students is parallel to that of international students.
For students like Amelia Mogensen, enrolled in Cambrian-LU articulation program, working extra hours is not an option due to the uncertainty of how long the strike will last.
“It is very frustrating, not to be able to plan,” Mogensen says. “My work schedules two weeks in advance, and because I am unsure about when we will go back, I am afraid to commit to a schedule.”
Students who spoke with Sudbury.com attributed the high stress levels to poor communication from their colleges.
“We received emails saying they had a plan in place, however the plan wasn’t communicated.” Matthew says.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is tabling a back-to-work legislation this weekend that would require 12,000 professors, instructors, counselors, and librarians to return to work as early as Tuesday.
"I have an aversion towards all school-related activities, this should have happened sooner" Matthew adds.
