“I’m Thinking I Want to Live a Better Life”: Syrian Refugee Student Adjustment in New Brunswick

Abstract

In this paper, the authors explore the re-adjustment experiences of seven refugee students from Syria and Iraq, who enrolled in a large high school in New Brunswick. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, school and community documents, and field notes. Five themes were identified and are reported and discussed in this paper. Recommendations for future direction regarding how to successfully integrate Syrian refugee children into Canadian schools are provided.

Educators Responding to Rapid Demographic Change in New Brunswick: “It is not Inclusion if They Are Just Sitting in the Desk”

“…Further, we encourage school leaders to think deeply when they set up EAL programs for new Canadian students. We have found conclusively that newcomer and refugee students want Canadian friends (Massfeller & Hamm, 2019). Further, they are often marginalized and racialized by some of their Canadian peers, either overtly or covertly.…”

“…Secondly, what are some effective responses that educators are providing for new Canadian students and their families, during and after their settlement and adjustment in New Brunswick? In our previous studies of New Brunswick, we found that educators experience various levels of stress and anxiety as they help new Canadian students adjust to their new schools and communities (Hamm, 2017;Hamm, Massfeller, Scott, & Cormier, 2017;Massfeller & Hamm, 2019). Still, the academic literature is limited on studies of immigration, demographic change, and diversity in New Brunswick.…”

“…Educators who listen to stories such as this one may not fully understand how to respond to the student's socio-emotional needs. Further, many communities where new Canadian families are moving to may not have schools with appropriate mental health services to support refugee students (Massfeller & Hamm, 2019).…”

Coping with Stressors by Drawing on Social Supports: The Experiences of Adolescent Syrian Refugees in Canada

“…Last, school staff and organizations played important roles in helping teenage Syrian refugees navigate their new lives in Canada by providing resources. The support of school staff, which included teachers and guidance counsellors, is important for helping refugee youth resettle and flourish academically (Massfeller & Hamm, 2019;Salam et al, 2022a). For many newcomers in Canada, resettlement organizations play an important role in helping provide vocational and language training (Shields et al, 2016).…”

“…Literature on Syrian refugee youth mental health connects resettlement experiences and stressors (Guo et al, 2019;Hanley et al, 2018;Massfeller & Hamm, 2019;Scharpf et al, 2021;Walker & Zuberi, 2019). However, a paucity of research examines coping strategies among this population, and therefore, further exploration may be helpful in understanding how to reduce negative mental health outcomes and promote positive well-being.…”