The number of international students living and attending Canadian universities has steadily grown since the early 2000s. In 2019, Canada welcomed over 250,000 international students, bringing diversity and new cultural perspectives into the Canadian education system. Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, allowing students to learn about different cultural values and social norms, form friendships, and expand their academic knowledge. However, leaving support systems, family, and friends can be challenging. Research has shown that international students are more prone to depression, anxiety, and isolation. To help ease their transition, universities have implemented support services where students can receive assistance and learn about their host country. However, social support has been found to significantly improve mental wellness and overall experiences while studying abroad. This study seeks to investigate the impact of social support on international students' mental and emotional wellness while living in Canada. It aims to examine the various sources of social support students rely on and explore how nationality, religion, and gender influence how they seek, receive, and perceive social support.
