Hungarian and Vietnamese refugees who had arrived in Canada during two of the largest refugee movements in Canadian history report that strong social connections, supportive communities, and opportunities for belonging played a crucial role in helping them build successful lives, according to a new University of Toronto study.
The research explored the experiences of 42 refugees aged 50 and older, including 25 Hungarian refugees who arrived in the 1950s and 17 Vietnamese refugees who had arrived in the 1970s and 1980s following the Vietnam war. Through in-depth interviews, researchers examined participants' experiences from their arrival in Canada through later adulthood.
"Integration is a lifelong process," said Alyssa McAlpine, a Master of Social Work graduate of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW), University of Toronto, and lead author of the study. "Our findings point to the importance of policies that strengthen community connections, reduce social isolation, and support cultural belonging — all of which helps refugees thrive not only when they arrive, but throughout older adulthood."
Social capital
Despite arriving in different decades and under very different circumstances, members of both groups described similar challenges and successes. Participants spoke about adjusting to a new culture, learning English or French, finding employment, building friendships, maintaining their cultural identities, and adapting to life in Canada over many decades.
The researchers found that social capital — supportive relationships with family, friends, neighbours, community organizations, and cultural groups — was key to the refugees' success. Many participants recalled experiencing culture shock when they first arrived. Language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and financial hardship were common challenges. However, most also described feeling welcomed by communities, churches, schools, sponsors, and fellow refugees. These connections often helped refugees find jobs, improve language skills, access resources, and develop a sense of belonging.
"Our interviews demonstrated that social networks are not simply helpful additions to settlement. They are often central to successful integration and can shape opportunities across an individual's entire life course," said Maia Jaffer-Diaz, a researcher with the Institute for Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto.
Access to employment
The study also found important differences between the two refugee groups. The Hungarian refugees who were interviewed for this study had arrived as children during a period of strong economic growth and often reported easier access to employment. Vietnamese refugees were more likely to have arrived as young adults and frequently described challenges related to credential recognition, employment barriers, and experiences of racial discrimination.
"The timing of migration matters. Refugees who arrive at different ages and under different economic conditions can face very different pathways to integration, even when they ultimately achieve positive outcomes," said Andie MacNeil, a doctoral candidate at the FIFSW, University of Toronto.
Supportive communities
Despite early hardships, many participants reported achieving long-term economic stability, maintaining good health, and developing strong identities that embraced both their heritage and their Canadian citizenship.
"Many participants described arriving in Canada with uncertainty and few resources, yet they also spoke about finding kindness, opportunity, and hope," said senior author Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson of the FIFSW and the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto. "Their stories show the remarkable resilience that can emerge during the refugee experience."
The researchers believe their findings can help inform policies and programs that support current and future refugee populations in Canada, particularly as the country welcomes newcomers from around the world.
