Language navigation, learning and new beginnings – Brandon Sun

Idea

The struggle you are in today develops the strength you need for tomorrow.

— Sukh Sandhu

The experiences of new students to Canada vary widely, from the emotions they experience to the challenges they face, such as language barriers and the diverse support systems they encounter. I spoke with Tracy Song, a ninth grader from China, and asked her if her native language was English and how the language barrier affected her. He said, “No (it is not); “I cannot understand what others say the first time and I cannot speak fluently with others.” Other students whose first language was not English shared similar experiences.

I also asked Tracy if the school provided any orientation or mentoring programs to help her adjust and how helpful they were. She said: “The school has a tutoring programme, usually in the last period, which has also helped me meet new friends in two different countries and also allowed me to finish my schoolwork.” Since he came from a different country, I asked him to compare his first day at the new school with his first days at his old school in China. He explained: “I felt very nervous when I came to school on the first day. The decoration of the school was indeed different from what I had imagined, and the learning methods were also different from the eighth graders at my old school. “All in all it was good.”

I also spoke to another student (Mofeoluwa Adelekan) about how she is adjusting to the academic workload now compared to her previous school and she said: “The workload here is less stressful than at my previous school. It is easier to understand what is being taught because it takes more time to explain the material and the material “It’s falling apart.”

In interviews with various other students, one of the main challenges they face in a new school is the language barrier and differences in education systems around the world. Language barriers play a significant role in these difficulties because it can lead to difficulties adjusting, an inability to relate to others, and an inability to make friends. This can have a profound impact on a young person’s mental health. When students feel lonely due to language difficulties, homesickness often sets in, creating a cycle of negativity.

Differences in education systems around the world also have a big impact. Some countries have fast-paced education systems, while others progress more slowly and the age of graduating from high school varies. While in most European countries, such as the United Kingdom, students graduate from high school at age 16, in Canada they usually graduate at age 18. If students need to move from the UK to Canada in their final year of high school, they may be placed in two schools. their grades are lower, the learning materials they have already covered. This can lead to tremendous pressure as they try to succeed in a system that repeats material they have previously covered and may not be compatible with their previous level of education.

New students can benefit from the various support systems available to them, such as orientation for Grade 9 students at the beginning of the academic year. This is an excellent strategy for minimizing anxiety and other negative emotions by relieving the stress of starting high school and encouraging them to form new friendships. Apart from this, numerous learning support systems are offered, such as the tutor program that Tracy Song attended. Many schools in Brandon also provide counseling, assistance with educational programs, community service referrals, cultural support, and learning support systems.

Since many new students are likely afraid, homesick, or have learning disabilities, it is crucial to support them and provide them with a new community. We must also consider that some of these new students come from foreign countries, may speak a language other than English, and may come from a completely different learning environment and curriculum. We need to create a community where they feel welcome, so they can have a positive attitude towards learning and school in general. We need to support them as much as we can to ease their transition to a new school and make them feel as safe and accepted as possible.

» Chidinma Emeka-Ogumka is a Grade 9 student at École Secondaire Neelin High School