Refuge
Volume 33, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 56-65

Refugees, higher education, and informational barriers (Article)

Bajwa J.K. , Couto S. , Kidd S. , Markoulakis R. , Abai M. , McKenzie K.
  • a Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies, George Brown College, Canada
  • b Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
  • c Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, George Brown College, Canada
  • d Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, Canada
  • e Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
  • f Wellesley Institute and A Psychiatrist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada

Abstract

The purpose of the qualitative study was to explore the experiences, needs, barriers, and expectations of survivors of torture and/or war, interested in entering post-secondary education in Canada. We conducted 38 interviews with participants from the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT), 10 interviews with CCVT staff, and 1 focus group with 3 participants, which followed a semi-structured interview guide, and were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Survivors of torture and/or war report experiencing informational barriers to navigating educational pathways, accessing professional supports, evaluating credentials, financing education, navigating immigration systems, using online resources, delaying their educational progress, and contributing to mental health distress.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Canada comparative study socioeconomic conditions refugee higher education mental health information
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85037637525&partnerID=40&md5=cc2e5567f06e795afd559b836c629ffb
ISSN: 02295113
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English