STATE CURRENT $22BILLION

The international education industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, generating $22 billion in economic activity and supporting over 200,000 jobs across Canada (CIMM and Government of Canada 2020). In 2022, British Columbia hosted 164,875 international students, making it the second-largest destination in Canada for international students after Ontario (British Columbia Council for International Education). However, despite their substantial economic contributions, international students face several challenges in securing employment in Canada Additionally, according to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, there is an immigrant wage gap of approximately 20% in British Columbia, which is attributed to language skills, inconsistent skill recognition, and discrimination (OECD).

Efforts to support international students must focus on improving their knowledge of the local job market and Canadian workplace culture through career counseling, mentorship programs, and job search workshops. The Community Connections Program is an initiative that compliments and surpasses these approaches by providing a platform for international students to build local experience with notfor-profit organizations in Vancouver. Externships with non-profit organizations in Vancouver can be particularly beneficial for international students as these organizations

often collaborate with various stakeholders, providing students with exposure to diverse work environments and enhancing intercultural competence.

Externships with non-profit organizations can be an effective way for international students to gain work experience, develop professional skills, and expand their networks, which are critical for securing employment in Vancouver's competitive job market Non-profit organizations offer unique opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, and expand their networks, enhancing their employability in multicultural settings.

“With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth. Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work [...] while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our shortterm recovery and long-term prosperity ”

Sean Fraser Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship