1. International Students Families in the University Context An experiential journey of delivering a program Presenters: Shahana Islam and Juanita Hennessey

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Program Provides

Two main objectives:

Initial settlement assistance

Ongoing activities and supports

7. 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

8. Settlement Assistance Continued

Inquire as to students 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.)

9. The Reality : Challenges and Issues

Student balances study, research and family life

Students 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

10. 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.

11. Financial Balance

Health insurance

High rent (housing) and heating costs

Daycare costs

Transportation

Expense of fresh groceries and milk products

Seasonal clothing

12. Ongoing Activities

Meeting every 3 rdSunday in a cycle

Discussion, play games, share information

Visiting local attractions

Entertainment

Sample different cultural food

Guest speakers

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20.

Feedback and Discussion

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