When Irene Thomas moved from Kerala, India, to Canada in 2021, she had to manage the cost of studying abroad, find work and build her confidence speaking English. Coming from a middle-class family, starting again in a new country took careful planning. She worked both on and off campus while studying at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where she now helps other international students make decisions about their education.
Before moving to Canada, Irene worked as an assistant professor in pharmaceutical sciences and as a pharmacist in India. Today, she is an International Lead Management and Conversion Officer at Algonquin College, drawing on her own student experience and her work in admissions and enrolment to help applicants understand their options, choose suitable programmes and navigate the application process.
Her advice comes with a clear message: someone else’s experience cannot replace your own research. The circumstances that shaped her move in 2021 were different, and she encourages students to look beyond friends’ success stories or social media when planning their future.
In this Campus Conversations interview, Irene discusses how to prepare for life in Canada, budget beyond tuition fees and balance paid work with your studies. She also explains why your course choice, career goals and understanding of post-study work options need to fit together before you make the move.
(Photo courtesy of Irene Thomas)
From India to Canada: Irene’s experience as a student and adviser
Studyportals: You’re originally from southern India. You came to Canada as an international student, decided to stay and now work at the college you graduated from. Is that right?
Irene Thomas: Yes, I’m from Kerala, in southern India. I came here as an international student in 2021, graduated from Algonquin College and now work here full-time. I’m also a permanent resident of Canada. This country has given me a lot of opportunities, and I’m still here.
Studyportals: Canada has long been a popular destination for Indian students, but we’ve recently seen numbers decline. What do you think is changing?
Irene Thomas: For a lot of Indian students, including me, Canada was always the preferred academic destination. I would still say it’s a good option, but there are several reasons behind the decline. People are doing more research now. They have more options, and they’re looking beyond Canada.
It’s also a personal and financial decision. International students spend a lot of money coming to Canada and starting from zero. Personally, I know that’s not easy. It’s a very difficult process.
Immigration changes are a big part of that. Getting a study permit is not easy, and there have been a lot of policy changes. So students are exploring other options, which is a good thing.
Studyportals: What does your role as an International Lead Management and Conversion Officer involve?
Irene Thomas: I help international students, both inside and outside Canada, who are interested in applying to Algonquin.
They might have a lot of questions about the college and our programmes. If they’re struggling to choose a programme, I can guide them. Students need clarification, so I help them understand their options and make sure they have a smooth application process.
I mainly focus on the US market and students who are already in Canada. They might have a study permit, a work permit or a visitor visa. They can book an appointment with me, virtually or in person, and I can guide them.
Studyportals: How did you experience moving to Canada as a student?
Irene Thomas: I come from a middle-class family, and getting here was a struggle, financially and in other ways. Starting from zero was very difficult. But the opportunities and the quality of education I received were worth the money I paid.
That was back in 2021. I wouldn’t say it was easy for me. No, I struggled a lot. But I planned carefully, and now I’m working for the college where I studied.
English was not my first language, but now I’m speaking confidently to you. I came here, interacted with a lot of people and improved my communication. That’s one of the opportunities Canada gave me.
Studyportals: When you first started researching Canada, what attracted you to it?
Irene Thomas: You hear a lot through friends and relatives, and you see students going to Canada and becoming successful.
I thought: “If I go there, I can improve my education and my career.” You talk to people and compare your options. That’s very normal back in India.
Seeing other people go there, develop their skills and explore opportunities was a driving factor for me.
Choosing a course in Canada: career goals and post-study work
Studyportals: What should a student from India considering Canada pay more attention to now?
Irene Thomas: When I came here in 2021, the situation was completely different. I remember people saying: “Let me go to Canada, and then I’ll figure out what to do.” That’s not an approach you should take now. Things have changed.
Canada is still a preferred destination for some students, but immigration rules have become tighter. Even students who genuinely want to study here aren’t always getting their permits.
There have been changes to the post-graduation work permit, or PGWP. Your choice of programme can affect your options for working in Canada after graduation, so you need to understand that before you apply. Think about your academic goals and whether there is demand for the skills you’ll gain. Then make your plan.
If your main goal is to develop your education and skills, Canada can offer good opportunities. But if you arrive without a plan and expect to figure everything out later, you may not get the outcome you want.
If your main goal is to develop your education and skills, Canada can offer good opportunities. But if you arrive without a plan and expect to figure everything out later, you may not get the outcome you want.
Ask yourself: “What skills can I gain? What is my goal? What are my future plans?” The right skills can help you access internships, co-op opportunities and work after graduation.
Don’t just assume that something you see in a social media reel is true. Do your own research. Talk to an expert. If you’re interested in a university or college, visit its website and book an appointment. You can speak to someone from wherever you are.
Get a feel for whether the programme is right for you. Research more, explore your options and choose carefully.
(Photo courtesy of Algonquin College)
Studyportals: Which fields would you suggest students explore if they want opportunities to study and find work afterwards?
Irene Thomas: Based on the trends I’m seeing, I would suggest looking at science and technology, trades, community studies and health studies. There is demand in these areas, and there are programmes that are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
“Don’t just assume that something you see in a social media reel is true. Do your own research. Talk to an expert. If you’re interested in a university or college, visit its website and book an appointment. You can speak to someone from wherever you are.”
There are different options, including two-year programmes, Bachelor’s degrees, certificates and graduate certificates.
But again, don’t just select a programme at random. Look at the discipline and your interests. Ask yourself: “Will this help me? Will it improve my skills?” Then decide.
Student life in Canada: living costs and part-time jobs
Studyportals: How has the financial situation changed for international students in recent years?
Irene Thomas: International students have to show that they have money to cover their living expenses. When I came in 2021, the amount was much lower, around half what it later became. Inflation and living costs have increased.
The opportunity to work while studying can help. But how you manage financially also depends on your lifestyle. You’re arriving in a new city, and of course you want to explore. You should do that, but you also need discipline.
I’ve seen students get into debt because they haven’t planned their spending. International tuition fees are a lot of money, especially compared with domestic fees.
Some students take out loans or receive financial support from home. You have to think: “I’m spending this much. Is it worth it? What should I focus on?” That money is valuable, and you need to manage it carefully.
How you manage financially also depends on your lifestyle. You’re arriving in a new city, and of course you want to explore. You should do that, but you also need discipline.
Scholarships can help, but the amount may be limited compared with your tuition fees. You might plan to find a part-time job, but what happens if you don’t get one? How will you manage? Always ask yourself that.
Is the money you’re bringing from home enough? What expenses will you have? You need to budget for your own circumstances.
Our college provides guidance during orientation and information about the approximate costs students should prepare for. It’s not just tuition. You also have to cover your living expenses.
If you’re coming to Ottawa, research the situation here. What is the rent? How much will you need? You have to be mindful of those costs.
Studyportals: How did you manage financially? Did you find work as a student?
Irene Thomas: Yes, I had a student job at the college and also worked off campus, following the immigration rules.
I worked hard to find a job on campus because it’s a good opportunity to meet professors and people from different departments.
I arrived with a plan to work both on and off campus so I could manage my finances. There were quite a few opportunities at the time. I prepared my CV, applied for lots of campus jobs and eventually got one.
It wasn’t easy. It was stressful. You can’t just apply for one job and sit back. You have to tailor your CV, try to get an interview and prepare to do well in it. I was lucky to get a position, but I also worked hard.
One thing I see is students focusing so much on earning money that they neglect their studies. Don’t do that. Yes, you need money, but don’t overwork. Your main focus should be your education. Try to find a balance between the two.
One thing I see is students focusing so much on earning money that they neglect their studies. Don’t do that. Yes, you need money, but don’t overwork. Your main focus should be your education.
Studyportals: Do colleges and universities offer opportunities for students to find part-time work?
Irene Thomas: Yes. At Algonquin, we have job openings specifically for international students, as well as openings for domestic students.
There aren’t as many as there used to be, but there are opportunities. You need to pay attention to the postings and tailor your CV.
Universities and public colleges also offer roles such as peer tutoring and assistant positions, where you might help students in earlier years of their studies. We have those here, too.
There won’t be a position for everyone, so you have to make an effort. But there are opportunities on campus.
Study pathways in Canada: diplomas, degrees and plans after graduation
Studyportals: Can you share an example of a student who changed their plans after speaking with you?
Irene Thomas: Yes, I’ve met quite a few students like that, particularly students who weren’t aware of the post-graduation work permit rules.
One student was very interested in Animation, which is a very good programme at Algonquin. But it wasn’t eligible for a PGWP, and the student also wanted to stay in Canada and gain work experience after graduating.
We sat down and explored similar options. They were investing a lot of money and wanted the opportunity to work here afterwards.
There was a lot of back and forth, but I love helping students. We asked: “What is close to animation?” We found Interactive Media Design, which also interested the student and was PGWP-eligible.
I always give students a heads-up if they’re applying to a programme that isn’t PGWP-eligible, because they might not know. I’ll say: “This programme isn’t eligible. Would you like to explore other options?”
Then it’s their decision. Do they want to study that particular subject and return home afterwards? Or is gaining work experience in Canada part of their plan?
It took time to go through everything, read the information and understand the options. But the student was able to choose a programme that still matched their interests and ambitions while supporting their plans to gain work experience in Canada.
They’ll be starting soon. Their goal is to develop their skills, work here and then decide whether to continue exploring opportunities in Canada or use those skills back home.
Studyportals: What type of degrees are students looking for when they reach you?
Irene Thomas: We actually meet students at very different stages. Some already have Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and want to change careers. Others come here to take a diploma programme.
For example, Construction Engineering Technician is a two-year diploma programme. There are options to continue into the Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma, and students may eventually go to university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.
So there are different pathways. You might start with a diploma and later work towards a degree. It depends on your preferences and goals.
Some students have just finished high school. Others already have a Master’s degree or a PhD. It’s very diverse, both in terms of personal and educational backgrounds.
(Photo courtesy of Algonquin College)
Studyportals: Do students seem better informed now than when you were researching your options five years ago?
Irene Thomas: Yes, I would say 100%. Students have more tools now. They use AI to research, they know how to find information on websites and they ask a lot of questions.
When I was researching, my access was more limited. I didn’t get the opportunity to speak to an Algonquin representative before coming here. That was partly because of the internet access and facilities available where I lived.
Students tell me: “I’m exploring my options. I’m considering these countries and these colleges, and I need more information.” They gather that information and then choose.
Studyportals: Summing it all up, what top three pieces of advice would you give a student from India who is considering studying in Canada?
Irene Thomas: This comes from my personal experience as someone who came from India and a middle-class family.
First, focus on your academic goals and your future. Don’t choose something just because you saw it on social media or because your friend did it. Think about your own education and career goals. That should be your starting point.
Second, research the country you’re considering, whether it’s Canada or somewhere else. What’s happening there? What are the policies? Always rely on reliable information. For Canada, look at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or the college’s website. Talk to an expert, ask questions and seek advice.
Third, don’t assume everything will fall into place once you land. Think about what comes next. Keep improving your communication, your knowledge and your skills so you’re ready to make use of the opportunities available.
Those are my suggestions based on my experience. You have resources and options in front of you. Choosing a programme and a country is a personal and financial decision, so take the time to think it through.
