Resilient Learners

Experiences of Syrian Refugee Youth in Adult Education in Quebec

Authors

  • Milagros Calderon Moya McGill University
  • Domenique Sherab
  • Arianne Maraj
  • Ratna Ghosh McGill University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v37i02.5732

Keywords:

Syrian refugees, young adults, adult education, Quebec

Abstract

Young adult Syrians who arrived in Canada with ‘disrupted education’ in recent years are in a vulnerable position as they are transitioned into an education sector designed for independent and self-directed adults. This study examines how Syrian refugee young adults’ agency and freedoms are supported in the adult education (AE) sector in Quebec. Specifically, how do they navigate the AE system to achieve their educational goals? How do they perceive the progress of their learning in the AE system? Data were collected from 10 Syrian students (18-24 years) through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that despite their strong self-motivation and drive to achieve their educational goals, these students are vulnerable due to several factors, among them, the different methods of teaching in Syria and unfamiliarity with independent teaching methods in AE in Quebec that make it difficult to navigate this new system, all whilst having to learn new languages.

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Published

2026-02-11

How to Cite

Calderon Moya, M., Sherab , D., Maraj, A., & Ghosh, R. (2026). Resilient Learners: Experiences of Syrian Refugee Youth in Adult Education in Quebec. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 37(02). https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v37i02.5732

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 02 (2025): Fall Issue

Section

Articles

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