The Atlantic Research Group on Economics of Immigration, Aging and Diversity (ARGEIAD) has received funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to conduct new research on the well-being and overall satisfaction of international students who come to Atlantic Canada for schooling.
“Understanding the well-being of these students is imperative to retaining them in the region after their studies,” says ARGEIAD Chair Dr. Ather H. Akbari. A decline in natural population growth in Atlantic Canada means that immigrants to the region are an important demographic to prevent labour shortages. International students who stay after graduation are invaluable for avoiding these skill shortages, and for increasing the population of Atlantic Canada.
Although the attraction and retention of international students has become a focal point for immigration strategies adopted by provincial governments in Canada, there has been little research done to track whether they stay in the area after graduation. ARGEIAD’s new project plans to delve into the various factors that affect the well-being of international students, which should provide an insight as to whether students will want to stay in Atlantic Canada. Additionally, this research may also provide valuable insights for university and college administrators on how to improve their supports and services for international students.
Although in its beginning stages, this new project has the potential to highlight areas where international students do not feel satisfied or supported. By identifying these gaps, this research could help international student initiatives to improve their programs, and increase retention of these students.
The goal of ARGEIAD is to promote research and mobilize knowledge focusing on the economic significance of immigration, diversity and aging. Learn more about the centre and their research or sign up for their newsletter.