Mobility in higher education has millions of international students studying in countries such as Canada (Unesco, 2021). This qualitative action research study explores the experiences and perceptions of international students who are also working mothers studying at a private Canadian university, and how they manage the demands of their multiple roles. Through unstructured focus group interviews with six female participants, the study identifies psychological, physical, and financial support from spouses as the most significant factor in achieving work, life, and family balance while studying at a private Canadian university. The ages of their children had a direct mediating effect on their ability to balance their roles effectively. While all respondents ranked their families as their top priority, they tended to arrange urgent matters first when balancing multiple responsibilities. These findings shed light on the challenges and strategies employed by international students who are also working mothers in navigating the complex demands of work, study, and family. Future research recommendations include drawing participants from higher education institutions in other countries with large international student populations.
3.88 $
