Learning at Intercultural Intersections

With anticipated economic growth in Canada, emerging trends of an aging population, and changes in labour-market conditions, the question of who will fill labour demands warrants attention. International education is viewed as a key ingredient in Canada’s future prosperity. Considered potential skilled immigrants, international students are viewed as proficient and able to meet future labour demands. Understanding the experiences of such students during the transitional years of post-graduation work authorization will highlight the intentions and realities of this apparent advantageous group settling permanently in Canada. This research paper will explore how graduated international students in British Columbia navigate this new transitional phase by drawing from data collected through 20 semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study will advance knowledge on a current and relevant issue critical to Canada’s future prosperity, in light of immigration policies, academic institutional support services, and employers' hiring practices.