An Exploratory Study of Resilience in Postsecondary Refugee Students Living in Canada

Authors

  • Andrew H. C. Wong York Catholic District School Board; University of Alberta
  • Sophie Yohani University of Alberta

Keywords:

Post-secondary Education, Resilience, Refugees, Adaptation

Abstract

Postsecondary refugee students, who may face many challenges in their migration journeys, constitute one refugee population that has been neglected in research. World University Services of Canada annually sponsors refugee students to attend Canadian postsecondary schools. Although students with refugee experiences are expected to face many challenges in postsecondary schools, 85% of them earn a bachelor’s degree. This qualitative case study utilized the ecological-transactional model to understand this refugee population’s resilience. Results suggest that resilience is cultivated by family, resettlement community, and educational supports. These findings inform the need to establish community supports to foster educational success.

Author Biographies

Andrew H. C. Wong, York Catholic District School Board; University of Alberta

Andrew Wong is a staff psychologist at the York Catholic District School Board who earned his doctorate at the University of Alberta's Counselling Psychology program.

Sophie Yohani, University of Alberta

Sophie Yohani is an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta's Counselling Psychology program. She is also the Director of the Counselling Centre at the University of Alberta.

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Published

2016-09-14

How to Cite

Wong, A. H. C., & Yohani, S. (2016). An Exploratory Study of Resilience in Postsecondary Refugee Students Living in Canada. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 50(3s). Retrieved from https://cjc-rcc.ucalgary.ca/article/view/61073

Issue

Section

Articles/ Articles