ASSEMBLING A NEW MODEL

This college put the brakes on international students five years ago. Why Canada's new cap still has it bracing for a 'catastrophic impact

- NICHOLAS KEUNG

Sheridan's Brampton campus offers programs in skilled trades and health professions.

With earbuds in, heads down and eyes trained on the cellphones in their hands, they hop off the bus and stream in all directions to various quarters of this expansive suburban campus.

As many hurry to their classes, some stop in the hallway to catch up with friends, while others lay down their backpacks and laptops in the cafeteria and work in small study groups.

There's nothing atypical about the hustle and bustle at the Sheridan College site nestled near a busy intersection in southern Brampton, but dark clouds are hovering over this vibrant school community.

They're a result of recent changes made by federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller to restore the integrity of Canada's international education program, which he said has been abused by some post-secondary institutions acting like "puppy mills" that churn out diplomas atop "massage parlours," fanned by unscrupulous agents promoting them as an immigration scheme.

A growing number of students have complained about exploitation by employers and landlords. They say they are being treated by schools like "cash cows" and that the learning experience in Canada has not lived up to their expectations. They have also reported financial hardship and mental-health issues, because they rely on their employment in Canada to support themselves and their families back home, who sometimes have to sell their land or take out loans to support students' education here.