International students on same plan as domestic students at other schools

March 24-26, TRUSU is holding a health and dental referendum for international students, as stated in an article published in the Omega ("International students to vote on health, dental benefits", March 17).

At TRU, international students are not currently on the same extended health and dental benefits plan as the domestic students and will be asked the question of whether or not they would like to join.

Rob Nagai, general manager of the UBCSUO, said that the UBC Okanagan does not separate international students from domestic students. He said that the benefits act like a fee.

"Same with the media fees. If you pay the fees, you read the Pheonix," he said.

At the University of Manitoba, Sid Rashid, president of their students' union, also said that international students and domestic students are the same.

In Manitoba and Saskatchewan he said that international students are required to have basic coverage that is administered through the University, as well as extended benefits.

"We work together with a national student network to provide health coverage for all students, including international student," Rashid said.

He said that students with alternative coverage are also able to opt out of the plan.