Female Brazillian students' experiences at Canadian post-secondary institutions

Abstract

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.