As the municipality of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago soaked in the festivities of Carnival Tuesday, he was oblivious and distant to the grandeur surrounding him — like he had something weighing on his mind. He did. It was the day Tom*, then 20, was planning on telling his parents he’s gay. It was the first time he would be telling anybody.
Zahra Khosroshahi smiles for the camera in a deep red veil.
Zahra Khosroshahi is a fun and fashionable 22-year-old. She has a glowing olive skin complexion paired with gorgeous brown almond shaped eyes. Her lips are nice and plump and reveal her warming smile. Her sense of style is simple yet up-to-date with today’s changing trends. Like most students at the University of Toronto, she keeps her wardrobe simple and casual when on campus. Black tights with trendy leather boots and a long top covered by a black double-breasted jacket is an average school day outfit for Khosroshahi. However, outside of her studies, she changes in her comfortable wardrobe for something more fashionable. Her Facebook profile feature several pictures of her out with friends in heels and her make-up done with accessories to match. But Khosroshahi has one particular accessory that follows her at all times regardless of her surroundings: her hijab.
Throughout various parts of the world, some believe love should exist only within members of the same nationality or race. However, Canada has adopted a much more liberal view as love simply has no boundaries or restrictions in this country. Take Phoebe Shao and her boyfriend Anthony Egbuna for example. Shao, 23, an Asian-American, born and raised in the United States and Egbuna, 21, a Nigerian, are both international students studying political and international studies at the University of Toronto. They met through mutual friends at a comedy club two years ago, Egbuna says it was “instant attraction” and the two have been dating ever since.
Both noted how pleasantly surprised they were by Canada’s multiculturalism.
Staying in touch with family and friends back home can be expensive for international students. But social media outlets are expanding to make this communication easier.
Matthew Cheung a 20-year-old student at the University of Toronto strolls down St. George Street, his black trench-coat unbuttoned and flaring against the brisk November winds. He is an average height and weight, but what makes him stand out is his fashion-sense. Sporting lemon-yellow sneakers, a white-button down shirt and a pale blue cardigan, Cheung turns some heads on campus.
Chang studies with her Korean friend Hwanjun Yu at Robarts Library regularly.
International students often feel homesick or lonely in the first few years that they arrive in Toronto. The quick solution? Entertainment from home. We take a look at what international students read, watch and listen to on their ipods to make them feel more like home.
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We are a team of culturally diverse journalists who are passionate about covering issues international students care about.