Langara College is happy to announce that they have received funding to begin an explorative research study into international student pathways in Canada. They will be working closely with external partners, including government agencies, non-profits and other colleges. This collaboration will foster innovative social solutions to barriers to education, immigration and employment of international students. Overall, this grant and the work they complete will improve the quality of life of international students studying and living in Canada.
6 Figure Grant Awarded to Langara College
Langara College has recently been awarded a grant from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), a value of $360 000. So, this is an exciting award for Langara College. It will allow them to take on innovative research into international student pathways in Canada.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our faculty and students to engage with our community partners,” said Margaret Heldman, Vice President, Academic (Interim). “We’re thankful to SSHRC for recognizing the value of this research, and we look forward to working with our partners across British Columbia.”
Driving Research on International Student Pathways
Using the grant funding, researchers at Langara College looking at the education, employment, and immigration outcomes of international students. The findings they gather will then inform the development of new solutions. And, these solutions will bridge the existing gap between policy, reality, and intent. All in all, there will be benefits for all stakeholders.
Further, to conduct this explorative study, Langara College will work closely with a few different partners. Notably, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, College of New Caledonia, Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
“We want to examine immigration pathways and what they look like for urban and rural international students in BC,” said project director Jenny Francis, a geography instructor at Langara College. “What supports exist to prevent or mitigate challenges along with the study-work-stay transition, and how can we ensure student success? Addressing these issues is as much a matter of equity and social justice as it is a policy and program imperative to ensure effective decision making.”
Another appeal of this project is that it’ll open up opportunities for faculty and students to work on the study. In fact, 25 research assistant positions will be available for students. They’ll work in areas such as researching, surveying, recruiting, analyzing, and interviewing.
About CCSIF
The project will be supported by a $360,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant, paid over three years. So, these grants foster innovation by funding and connecting colleges and polytechnics with the needs of local community organizations. The aim is to bring diverse groups together to research and find innovative social solutions for a Canadian community need. Further, the program yields more capacity amongst colleges to engage with external partners. This is in order to foster social innovation in many areas. Areas including education, community development and integration of vulnerable populations into Canada.
Exciting to see that Langara College and external partners will be taking on such an innovative research project that will directly benefit future and current international students. Finding the gaps in policy that prevent quality education, employment and immigration of international students will help yield solutions. Plus, this study is a great way for international students to be involved as research assistants or even research subjects.
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