The Contribution of Foreign Students to Canada’s Prosperity

Chedly Belkhodja and Victoria EssesConcordia University/Western University

SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis GrantsMetropolis ConferenceGatineau, March2014

Context

• In 2012: – 105 000 new international students– 265 000 international students present by Dec 1st

• Canada is becoming a destination of choice• See growing numbers: A New international

education strategy: 450 000 foreign students by 2022

• Policies in place: off-campus work permits; post-graduation work permit; Canadian Experience Class

• What is missing?

SSHRC Research Synthesis…5 main themes

• Understand international students’ transition to permanent residence;

• Their economic and social integration before and when they become permanent residents;

• Their contribution to Canada;• The challenges they face during their professional

integration and the factors that determine their economic performance in the labour market;

• The best pratices for their successful economic and social integration

Methodology: A diverse body of litterature

Social Psychology

Higher Education

Human Geography

Economics

Ethnic and Migration

Studies

Public Policies

InternationalStudents

Systematic Literature Review: Research Engines Used

• ABI/Inform• CBCA Complete• EBSCOhost• Google Scholar• Ingenta Connect• Proquest• Scopus• Sociological Abstract• Summon

Corpus

• Comprehensive review of the state of knowledge

• Qualitative approach: analytical and thematic• Peer-reviewed articles were found in diversity

of journals (n=51):– Globalisation, Societies and Education; Journal of

International Migration and Integration; Journal of Career Development; Population, Space and Place; International; Higher Education; Journal of Studies in International Education, among others.

• Grey Literature

The Contribution of International Students to Canada’s Prosperity

• International students are an important source of revenue for the Canadian economy (Kofmel, 2013; Kunin & Associates, 2012; Sidiq et al. 2010).

• International students significantly contribute to innovation and knowledge development (Chellaraj, Maskus & Mattoo, 2008).

• International students are a source of cultural creativity, notably in regions less marked by diversity (Yao & Bai, 2008).

Transition to Permanent Residency

• Becoming a permanent resident is an important motivational factor (Alboim & Cohl, 2012; Bass, 2005; Eskelä, 2013; Geddie, 2013; Lowe, 2012; Robertson, 2011; Zigurus & Law, 2007).

• Staying in host country post graduation:• Job opportunities (Kim, Bankart & Isdell, 2011; Arthur &

Flynn, 2011; Baruch, Budhwar and Kahtri, 2007).• Family reunification, and social and personal factors (Lu,

Zong & Schissel, 2009; Soon, 2011 & 2012).

• The transition period can have an impact on their professional and social integration (Robertson, 2012).

Integration Challenges

• “There is a need for comprehensive settlement services and supports for international students to facilitate a smooth transition towards their full integration and participation in Canadian society” (Gates-Gasse, 2012).

• Obstacles:– Acculturation stress (Reynold & Constantine, 2009)– Language proficiency as cultural barrier to professional

integration (Arthur & Flynn; Chira, 2013).– Cultural adaptation (Moores & Popadiuk, 2011).

Best Practices

• Community Connections at University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, in Australia.• University of British Columbia’s Professional Development Program International Teaching Assistants•Collaborative campaign in Alberta to promote international students to employers•The Connector program in Halifax, Nova Scotia•Memorial University’s Professional Skilss Development Program and International Student Work Experience Program

Conclusions/Recommandations

• “Switchers” : The student – state interface:– The anxiety of international students during the process of

transitioning to permanent residence shoud not be underestimated, as the transition period can have an impact on their professional and social integration (See Robertson, 2012).

• Better collaboration between local stakeholders to help smooth international student’s transition and integration to the host community.

• Pay attention to the softer factors or what happens at the coffee break?