SIEC Blogs | Page - 8

As an international student, you not only gain exposure to a totally different culture, tradition, and way of living but also get a chance to give and share certain aspects of your culture, tradition, and way of living with this new culture to which you are introduced. Studies abroad help in understanding the new way of life and culture you are in, but at the personal level, it helps evolve you as one begins to learn how to appreciate the little things in life. These experiences increase personal development and growth in professional avenues.

Canada has long been one of the preferred places for international students mainly for its high-quality education, multicultural atmosphere, and prospects for post-graduation work and immigration. By 2025, barring some recent policy changes and difficulties, Canada still had the potential to be one of the leading destinations for students across the globe.

Research from 2023, 2024, and 2025 reveals that international students still heard primarily good things about studying in the United States. For instance, according to a survey conducted in February 2025 by top study abroad consultants IDP, more than half of respondents claimed that their impression of the US had improved since the presidential election in November 2024. An Interstride study conducted at the end of January and beginning of February also revealed that only 16 percent of respondents associated negative impressions of the US with the presidential election. Looking further, IIE estimates a slight increase (+3%) in international enrollments in the United States for this academic year. And yet, while very early signs seem quite positive, indications are already growing that all will not be as rosy this year and into 2026.