Female Brazillian students' experiences at Canadian post-secondary institutions

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Date
2017Author
Burnham, Jonathan
Subject
Problems faced by new international students to CanadaSocial challenges
Mental and emotional barriers
Institutional barriers
Academic barriers
Cultural accomodations and needs
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Show full item recordAbstract
This qualitative study investigated the experiences of Female Brazilian international
students studying in Canadian post-secondary institutions. While funds and research have been
invested in the promotion and marketing of post-secondary institutions to Brazilian international
students, little or no research has been conducted regarding the cultural accommodations and
needs once they attend these institutions. This phenomenological study examines the experiences
of eleven female Brazilian international students between the ages of 26 and 43 who had
previously completed post-secondary education in their own country. Eleven unstructured
interviews, yielded six themes from a grounded theory analysis process: (a) the Competitiveness
of the Immigration Process; (b) the Adjustment to Living in Canada; (c) the Challenges of
Studying in Canada; (d) Financial Issues; (e) Employment in Canada; and (f) Personal
Wellbeing. The overall benefits and challenges of studying in Canadian post-secondary
institutions are presented and recommendations are made describing specific ways in which
institutions can adapt policies and programs in order to enhance international students’ transition
to Canada.