Transitional Experience of International Students from African Countries Studying in Canada: A Systematic Literature Review

The purpose of this paper is to understand the transitional experience of international students from African countries who are studying in Canada, provide guidance on how post-secondary institutions in Canada can best support these international students from African countries to enable them to settle and succeed in their academics, add to the limited body of literature on African students in Canada ​and give a voice and advocate for African students in BC. Therefore, this research aims to answer the following questions in line with this purpose: What are the transition experiences of international students from African countries studying in Canada? What are some of the barriers or challenges that hinder the success of African international students in Canadian post-secondary institutions? What factors affect African international student success in post-secondary educational institutions? A scoping review of the literature was conducted. The review included research studies focused on international students from African countries studying in Canada. The core concept underpinning the review was transitional issues, with the outcome being their ability to successfully settle in Canada. Thematic analysis across studies was used to identify key themes emerging. Over 50 articles (with a date range between 1995 and 2024) from different authors were included in the review. Four key factor groups emerged from the review: Academic adjustment, institutional support, social-related concerns, and geographical location. Drawing from a literature synthesis that provides a holistic perspective on transitional student experiences and using Social Support Theory, this paper will provide guidance on how post-secondary institutions in Canada can support these international students from African countries to enable them to settle and succeed in their academics.