The ‘Visa Student Dream’: An Examination of Shifting Trends and Vulnerabilities in Chinese International Student Populations Within Toronto’s Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experiences of Chinese international students in secondary schools in Canada, paying particular attention to the vulnerabilities and risks among this population. Along with the pre-existing systemic issues international students face, the COVID-19 pandemic placed these students in an even more precarious position due to the anti-Asian racism and discrimination that manifested itself during this time period. The study employed Critical Race Theory (CRT), specifically Asian Critical Theory (AsianCrit) which prioritizes Asian identity and their experiences with racism to understand and contextualize how prevailing systems of oppression impacted the lives of Chinese international students. Utilized alongside these theories are complementary frameworks like International Student Security (ISS) and neoliberalism to further explore the experiences, vulnerabilities and risks among this population. Multiple constructs were also used like model minority, yellow peril, neo-racism, and racial capitalism to expand understanding and application of theories such as CRT and AsianCrit to this international student population. The principles highlighted within CRT and AsianCrit theories, utilized alongside the frameworks and constructs all built upon each other to provide further insight into how educational institutions continue to operate within a dominant culture paradigm and with whiteness as a norm and how programs are maintained and/or implemented based on assumed notions and ideologies of Asian international students. Interview data was collected from six teachers and six Chinese international students from public secondary schools within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Findings revealed that neoliberalism has ultimately created unethical and unsafe policies and practices that negate EDI initiatives, and the push towards standardization and individualism perpetuate racial inequities. Standards of success are rooted in Whiteness that validates Western knowledge, with concepts like racial capitalism playing a role in exploiting Chinese international students. Issues and concerns regarding the academic, social, and housing/guardianship experiences of Chinese international youth were also revealed, as students faced discrepancies between the services and support that was advertised in comparison to what they actually experienced in Canada. Key concerns and gaps in policy and programmatic supports were also identified for international students with the study outlining recommendations and interventions to better support international secondary students during their studies in Canada.