International students' challenges and the role of...

"International students' challenges and the role of social media as a coping mechanism"

Presented by Sara Falahatpisheh, PhD candidate in Media Studies (Western University)

All are welcome.

Part of the 2024/25 Mediations Lecture Series.

Attend in-person: FNB 4130
Attend online: Zoom link

Abstract: Canada’s international student population is growing significantly faster than its competitors; namely, the United States, the UK, and Australia. By the end of 2023, the number of international students in Canada increased to more than 1 million, indicating a 30% growth compared to the previous year. It is expected that almost half a million new study permits to be issued for incoming international students in 2024. This means that Canada currently hosts almost the same number of international students as the US, even though the US has a 9 times larger population.

International students face various challenges after arriving in Canada, which can significantly influence their academic success and well-being (Baines, Ittefaq & Abwao, 2022). These challenges include sociocultural adjustment, language  barriers, and academic pressure, and can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. Receiving social support from family, friends, and peers has an important role in dealing with these challenges and helps reduce students’ stress and improve their mental health (El-Ghoroury et al., 2012; Goplerud, 1980). The most common methods of dealing with challenges for international students are sharing their experiences on social media with people who can relate to them and building  connections with people they trust. Social media platforms have become an important tool for these students, allowing them to stay connected to family and friends back home, build new connections in Canada, and access information.