"IT'S ALMOST LIKE HAVING A ‘LITTLE BRAZIL' INSIDE OF CANADA": THE ROLE OF COMFORT IN CREATING COMMUNITY

Abstract

The desire for self-improvement and the need for acceptance have a significant impact on the experiences of Brazilian international students at Lakehead University. By examining the links between the desire for self-improvement and need for acceptance, we argue that Brazilian students have actively created a coping mechanism based on the notion of comfort. More particularly, these students seek out comfort in the form of connecting with other Brazilians in large part due to cultural similarities and the need for assistance. This results in the creation of co-national relationships, which refer to forming community and familial bonds with other Brazilian international students. The term designated for this community at Lakehead University is "Little Brazil".