Welcome to Finland. A Study on Educational Experiences of 1.5 Generation Children of Nepali Immigrants Living in Finland
Thapa Magar, Rajendra (2017)
Thapa Magar, Rajendra
2017
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International migration is a popular phenomenon nowadays. The common reasons that make people migrate to other countries include work, study, business, travel, family reunification and seeking refuge. In the global context of migration, Finland is no exception to this common phenomenon. It involves people of all ages including children, adults and elderly people. This research deals with the 1.5 generation children of Nepali immigrants residing in Finland. It explores their educational experience in Nepal and Finland.
The study uses qualitative research methodology. Eight Nepali children of 1.5 generation have participated in the study. Data is collected through specially structured interviews where the children provide information through drawings, worksheets, writing exercise and role plays. After the activities, the children explain their drawings and other works in a discussion session. The discussion and role plays are audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. The data is analysed applying thematic analysis.
The analysis shows that despite some initial adjustment problems in the new country, like learning a new language, making new friends and getting used to the everyday life in the new society, the children make positive educational experiences in Finland. Various factors like short school hours, less homework, research-based and fun-filled teaching- learning activities, well-furnished school facilities and friendly teachers make their educational experience pleasant and fulfilling. While discussing their educational experience in Finland, the children spontaneously compare it with their schooling in Nepal. They describe problematic issues like corporal punishment, lack of good infrastructure, long school hours, abundance of homework and stressful examinations in their previous schools in Nepal.
The study uses qualitative research methodology. Eight Nepali children of 1.5 generation have participated in the study. Data is collected through specially structured interviews where the children provide information through drawings, worksheets, writing exercise and role plays. After the activities, the children explain their drawings and other works in a discussion session. The discussion and role plays are audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. The data is analysed applying thematic analysis.
The analysis shows that despite some initial adjustment problems in the new country, like learning a new language, making new friends and getting used to the everyday life in the new society, the children make positive educational experiences in Finland. Various factors like short school hours, less homework, research-based and fun-filled teaching- learning activities, well-furnished school facilities and friendly teachers make their educational experience pleasant and fulfilling. While discussing their educational experience in Finland, the children spontaneously compare it with their schooling in Nepal. They describe problematic issues like corporal punishment, lack of good infrastructure, long school hours, abundance of homework and stressful examinations in their previous schools in Nepal.