title: Picture this: a photovoice study of international students' food experience in Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Mount Saint Vincent University.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amos
authors.affiliation: Mount Saint Vincent University.
authors.forename: Daphne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lordly
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D004032:Diet / Q000208:ethnology; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005502:Food; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology; D063427:Food Quality; D005522:Food Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010781:Photography; D012147:Restaurants; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000208:ethnology; D013334:Students; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000193:education; D014495:Universities