Open AccessThe Practice of Supporting International Students Learning English in Canada: Grounding Decisions in Evidence and Lived Experience
Author(s) -
Alanna Carter
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of professional, continuing and online education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2371-0071
DOI - 10.18741/p93w2b
Subject(s) - acculturation , identity (music) , pedagogy , study abroad , international education , lived experience , sociology , psychology , mathematics education , higher education , political science , ethnic group , physics , acoustics , law , anthropology , psychoanalysis
This paper is a response to the language, learning, and life needs of the increasing number of international students studying in Canada. In addition to introducing two “real-life” international students who chose to live in Canada to learn English and otherwise study, the paper presents what the literature tells us about: international students in general; culture shock and acculturation; the struggle of international students for identity, based on the International Student Identity model; and mental health issues among this learner group. It then juxtaposes key themes found in the literature with the life experiences of the aforementioned students. Implications for students, extracurricular and preparatory program planners, and classroom instructors are shared. Given the role of many continuing education centres in providing ESL instruction and supports, the paper holds particular value for educators and administrators in the continuing education sector.