Amos Stephanie, Lordly Daphne
Mount Saint Vincent University.
Can J Diet Pract Res. 2014 Summer;75(2):59-63. doi: 10.3148/75.2.2014.59.
International student enrolment in Canadian universities is increasing. As international university students acculturate, they experience a culture shock in which food plays a major role. International university students' Canadian food experiences therefore were explored.
A Photovoice methodology was used with 15 international undergraduate and graduate university students, who were recruited to take pictures of their food experiences. They also participated in two focus group discussions that included an analysis of their photos.
Seven themes related to the significance of food in acculturation were revealed: the paradox of Canadian convenience, the equation of traditional foods with health, traditional food quality and accessibility, support networks, food consumption for comfort, ethnic restaurants, and the exploration of non-traditional foods. Maintaining cultural identity with traditional foods was an overarching theme related to acculturation.
International students acculturating to Canada have emotional and physical needs, which can be met through food. Opportunities exist to improve their acculturation experiences. Canadian universities can incorporate food acculturation strategies into campus events and menus. Nutrition professionals on campus can facilitate a positive food environment and nurture culture identity formation.
加拿大大学的国际学生入学人数在增加。随着国际大学生适应文化，他们会经历一种文化冲击，其中食物起着重要作用。因此，对国际大学生在加拿大的饮食经历进行了探索。
采用摄影发声法，招募了15名国际本科和研究生，让他们拍摄自己的饮食经历照片。他们还参加了两次焦点小组讨论，其中包括对他们照片的分析。
揭示了与食物在文化适应中的重要性相关的七个主题：加拿大便利食品的悖论、传统食物与健康的等式、传统食物的质量和可及性、支持网络、为了舒适而进行的食物消费、民族餐馆以及对非传统食物的探索。通过传统食物保持文化身份是与文化适应相关的一个总体主题。
适应加拿大文化的国际学生有情感和身体需求，这些需求可以通过食物来满足。存在改善他们文化适应经历的机会。加拿大大学可以将食物文化适应策略纳入校园活动和菜单。校园营养专业人员可以营造积极的食物环境并促进文化身份的形成。
