International Student Experiences in Montreal: Comparing Racialized Asian and White European International Students

Abstract

This qualitative study compares the experiences of Asian international students (from China, Korea, and India) with those of European international students who do not identify as visible minorities (from France, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic) at universities in Montreal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 students: 31 Asian international students (27 from China, 1 from Korea, and 3 from India) and 10 European international students (8 from France, 1 from the UK, and 1 from the Czech Republic). Thematic analysis was guided by a theoretical framework focused on othering and discrimination, accounting for intersecting forms of oppression and privilege. This study intentionally contrasts the experiences of racialized international students (in this case, Asian students) with those of non-racialized international students (in this case, white European students), with particular attention to Chinese and French students, two major international groups in Quebec. While acknowledging that not all European students are non-racialized, this comparison highlights how, in the Global North, white international students tend to integrate more easily. In contrast, students from the Global South often face additional barriers such as racism, othering, and structural exclusion. Quebec provides a particularly meaningful setting due to its strong emphasis on French-language protection and its distinct model of integration (interculturalism). This context adds complexity to the experience of international students in both academic and public spaces. Findings reveal that while some Asian students reported positive experiences, others encountered racism, microaggressions, and language-based exclusion. European students did not report such experiences. The conclusion provides recommendations.