The Contribution of Foreign Students to Canada’s Prosperity Chedly Belkhodja and Victoria Esses Concordia University/Western University SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grants Metropolis Conference Gatineau, March2014

Context In 2012: – new international students – international students present by Dec 1st Canada is becoming a destination of choice See growing numbers: A New international education strategy: 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 International Students

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?