Abstract:
Background: Most migrants face a variety of hardships when settling into a new country but for migrant youth of today these challenges are compounded. They occur at an important social and developmental stage of adolescence during an unprecedented world migration pattern while a digital revolution is unfolding. The literature is lacking in voices from migrant youth and their experiences in New Zealand, so this study set out to explore recent young migrants’ experiences of settling in New Zealand. In particular, the aim of this qualitative study was to identify areas of particular challenge, examples of resilience and new insights into the acculturation process. This information is useful when developing culturally relevant support to better assist migrant youth wellbeing. Methodology: This study explored the experiences of 28 migrant youth aged 16-19 from three Auckland secondary schools. Two focus groups in each school were conducted using a semistructured guideline. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using a General Inductive Approach. Results: Five key themes emerged that centred on new beginnings, confronting new realities, developing resilience, support seeking and overcoming challenges and young people’s advice to other young migrants. Discussion: Overall, the young migrants interviewed for this study experienced similar challenges during their post-migration stages. They were often faced with additional responsibility, being caught between two cultures and struggles with communication and language. However, they were able to draw on their own self-growth and gratitude, social connections and were able to find comfort in the familiar to get them through challenging times. For most, digital media was part of their day-to-day lives and allowed them to keep in contact with friends and family and served as a tool to maintain their wellbeing. While this is a small qualitative study, it gives voice to an often overlooked population group and provides insights that may be used to better support young migrants in the future.
