Supporting African Scholars in Transition: Insights for an Inclusive UBC

This event is part of the 2026 Celebrate Learning Week, taking place from May 4 – 8, 2026.

African international students contribute significantly to the academic, cultural, and social fabric of Canadian universities. Yet, research shows they frequently encounter complex transitional challenges that shape their academic and personal trajectories. These challenges, ranging from academic adjustment to institutional support gaps and socially related concerns to geographical and cultural transitions, have been widely documented in the literature.

In this Celebrate Learning Week session, I will draw on findings from my systematic literature review on the transitional experiences of African international students in Canada, as well as on my professional practice in developing responsive programming and advising supports for Scholars at UBC.

Through an engaging presentation and facilitated discussion, participants will:

• Explore the four intersecting factors affecting African students’ transition, academic adjustment, institutional support, social concerns, and geographical context.
• Examine how these factors appear in both research and lived student experiences.
• Learn about evidence-informed, equity-oriented program design strategies that can help students move from surviving to thriving.
• Consider how Social Support Theory can shape more holistic, culturally responsive student services.
• Identify practical actions faculty and staff can take to foster welcoming, supportive learning environments for African international students and other racialized student groups.

Drawing on my role advising Mastercard Foundation Scholars, I will share real-world examples of pre-arrival programming, transition supports, wellness initiatives, community engagement practices, and storytelling and impact-sharing work that strengthen belonging and improve student outcomes.

This session invites educators, staff, and campus partners to collaboratively rethink how we design and deliver support for international students, and how UBC can continue to lead in creating equitable, empowering learning experiences for all.

Please register to secure your spot.
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