Syrian Children Facing Hardships In US Public Schools Due To Culture Clash

Education is a fast-fading dream for many Syrians today, especially after the civil war torn their nation apart. As they took refuge in other countries such as the United States, Syrian children are facing a string of challenges when it comes to pursuing their studies in a foreign land.

Since many Syrians fled their nation to escape violence, a number of them took refuge in the United States. Unfortunately, children are having a hard time making adjustments in school and most of the challenges they're facing are linked to the major issues vital to a refugee's status: bullying, discrimination, language barriers, lack of financial stability to pay tuition and the so-called, "culture clash."

In Elizabeth, New Jersey, some of the Syrian children have "rough experiences" in the community's public schools. Thus, some families are opting to send their kids in other schools such as a private Islamic school, Academy of Greatness and Excellence, located in Teaneck, PRI notes.

According to the school's principal Iman El Dessouky, her school could ease the culture clash felt by most of the new Syrian students. She also added that her board members offered scholarships last year as more Syrians arrived in New Jersey.

Aside from culture clash, Syrian children also face challenges academically. El Dessouky explained that Syrian kids have still a lot to learn since they missed so much schooling as refugees.

In spite of facing a lot of challenges, some Syrian children are hopeful that they can quickly improve through the help of summer classes as well as assistance from an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. International Rescue Committee spokeswoman Colleen Ryan also added the agency offers counselling and help with after-school homework.

In addition, the agency had academic coaches who are willing to provide assistance to schools and families. It also helped screen incoming refugees to figure out their academic levels.

Meanwhile, Syrian children in the United States are not the only ones suffering some challenges when it comes to pursuing their education. Foreign Policy reveals many Syrian refugees need help to go to college.

Based on a United Nations report, 73 percent of the Syrian refugees who arrived in Greece in February were students who had stopped their schooling in order to escape the violence in their country. Hence, graduating from a university has become a personal dilemma for every single Syrian student who dreamt of pursuing their degrees.

Fortunately, some efforts are being made to improve the chances of Syrian refugees and students to continue their education abroad. There are already a handful of universities and colleges that have started accepting Syrians, not to mention several online degree programs.

In the U.S., the University of Southern California (USC) also issued a memorandum last month, stating its involvement to support Syrian scholars and students. USC also vowed to provide "scholarships each academic year for at least three Syrian students who meet the standards for admission to the university," Daily Trojan reports.