Exploring barriers to off-campus outdoor recreation among International and Domestic students attending the Dalhousie University Studley campus.

Abstract

The aim of our research was to address the question: What are barriers to accessing off-campus recreational outdoor activities among Undergraduate students attending the Dalhousie Studley Campus? Is there a significant difference between the barriers identified by International students compared to Domestic students? In our study, we compared demographic and statistical data between International and Domestic undergraduate students who attend the Dalhousie Studley campus to reveal if there were any significant trends or differences in barriers to accessing the outdoors. To answer our research question we developed four categories of qualitative and quantitative data to collect which include: a) self-identification/demographics, b) outdoor participation, c) barriers in accessing outdoor recreation and d) open-ended reflection questions. Our primary research tool was a google survey that established questions in each respective category. Our results indicated general consensus among all undergraduate students that “lack of transportation” was the most significant barrier to outdoor recreation. Our statistical t-test results compared rankings of barriers to outdoor recreation and suggest there is a significant increase in the severity of barriers experienced by International students compared to Domestic. The four barriers depicted as most significant amongst international students were “lack of information or guidance,” “language barriers,” “extreme or adverse weather” and “fear of discrimination and/or racialization.” Using linear regression calculations we discovered a significant negative correlation between the average weekly time spent outside and the participation rate of visible minorities. The R² trendline indicated that there was an overall 81% rate of decrease in participation amongst visible minorities compared to a 36% decrease in the general student body, as reported time spent outdoors increased in 2 hour increments. International student respondents were 65% self-identified visible minorities, so many of the barriers identified above could relate to challenges experienced by visible minorities amongst the International student population. In terms of qualitative results, students mostly reflected on personal barriers and issues. Some clear suggestions were identified that include Dalhousie increasing funding, transportation options and affordability, and for student societies to be more inclusive and accessible. To further our research we propose that Dalhousie University conducts a larger scale survey of outdoor participation that compares barriers in outdoor participation faced specifically by visible minority groups to that of the population of the general student body. Further, we recommend taking action to address the barriers outlined in our research that impact vulnerable student populations, to a) alleviate the cumulative impacts on students facing inequities on campus and b) to create a more welcoming and inclusive space in outdoor recreation for all.