International Students Families inthe University Context

An experiential journey of delivering a program

Presenters: Shahana Islam and Juanita Hennessey

Origin of the Family Program

• Student based initiative (need for social support)

• Summer program• Limited Funding• Creative use of facilities and

resources on campus• Based on this initiative the ISA Office

recognized the need for an ongoing organized program

Why a Family Program?

• International Students are looking for Global opportunities

• Increasing number of International Students’ families

• Newly arrived families are in great need for services regarding multiple issues and

a variety of challenges

International Student Population at Memorial University

• Students from over 90 different countries

• International Students: 1070+

• Graduate students: 416

• Number of families: ~ 70

• New families Fall 2008: 18

Purpose of the program

• Assist students and their families to settle into and adjust to an unfamiliar environment

• To open venues for students spouses and their children to interact with each other and exchange information

• Deliver integration assistance

Program Provides

Two main objectives:

• Initial settlement assistance

• Ongoing activities and supports

Settlement Assistance

• Contact the family as early as possible( if possible before arrival)

• Meet the student and family soon after arrival

• Address immediate concerns (housing, banking, food, etc.)

• Respond to immediate student concerns and answer inquiries

Settlement Assistance Continued

• Inquire as to student’s area of study and research related information

• Inform students as to the different offices and services on campus

• Provide information : supports are available for the spouse and children on campus (Daycare, ISA programs, etc.)

• Share experience and knowledge to help ease transition (time management, asking direct questions, etc.)

The Reality : Challenges and Issues

• Student balances study, research and family life

• Student’s lack of time can make spouse feel isolated and lonely

• Reduction of income to run a family• Difficult to find time for household

chores and family time

Impact of changes:

• Immediate shocks: geographical change,

speaking & listening only in English, missing native language, missing family and friends

• New climate, loneliness and isolation• Unavailability of familiar foods, fresh

vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, etc.

Financial Balance

• Health insurance• High rent (housing) and heating

costs• Daycare costs• Transportation• Expense of fresh groceries and

milk products• Seasonal clothing

Ongoing Activities

• Meeting every 3rd Sunday in a cycle

• Discussion, play games, share information

• Visiting local attractions • Entertainment• Sample different cultural food • Guest speakers

Ongoing Supports

• Encourage to keep contact through phone and email

• Call and inquire as to their settlement and well-being

• If needed, visit hospital, visit home or schedule a time for them to come visit the Family Coordinator

• Respond to on-going issues

Building a bridge with the local community

• Assess the needs of individual families and match with appropriate resources

• Inform as to programs and activities available off-campus

• Publicize local community organizations• Encourage families to use these services• Invite people from various community

services to provide information sessions• Build a support network among the families

Provide Integration Assistance

• Motivate families to participate in activities

• Encourage families to ask questions• Share experiences, compare and

analyze• Identify issues that can be modified• Maintain hopeful attitudes

Provide Integration Assistance

• Plan activities that promote positive thinking

• Look at what can be done at present to help accomplish future goals

• Inform families of possibility of future citizenship

Obstacles of program

• Families may live far away from the university

• Transportation• Weather• Scheduling – finding a

convenient time for most• Appropriate facilities – safe play

areas, adult space, etc.

Future…

• Recently received considerable financial support from the provincial government through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (Dept. of Human Resources, Labour and Employment)

• Reevaluation and expansion of services

References

Plett-Martins, V., & Grant, P. (2008). A needs

assessment of international students’ wives.

Journal of Studies in International Education, 12(1), 56-75.

Urias, D. (2005, Mar – Apr.). Empowering the

disenfranchised: Supporting spouses of

international students and scholars.

International Educator, 42-47.

Feedback and Discussion