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An SFU urban studies professor says schools are worried about growing animosity toward international students after recent news that a number of Vancouver’s multi-million-dollar mansions were bought using foreign students’ names.

Wu Qiyan said that he is urging international students to work on integrating into Canadian society to overcome this animosity, adding that the public should recognize the difference between opportunistic overseas investors driving up home prices and families of students who want to best accommodate their children.

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The topic was broached during a talk at SFU’s Harbour Centre this week examining Vancouver’s version of “studentification” in the local community and housing market. Wu said some participants fear an increase in animosity toward foreign students, especially those from mainland China.

“If the local economy is strong, I think that there is no doubt the community would accept these students and their efforts with open arms,” Wu said, noting the friction comes from Lower Mainland residents feeling priced out of their own communities. “What we see with the level of angst from Vancouverites toward these students, I think, is driven by economics.”