Call for Chapters: Barriers and Opportunities in Education for Immigrants and Refugees

Editors

Jibrin Yahaya, National Open University of Nigeria , Jabi Abuja, Nigeria

Call for Chapters

Proposals Submission Deadline: April 27, 2025
Full Chapters Due: June 29, 2025
Submission Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction

The global movement of people due to conflict, economic hardship, and political instability has led to an increasing population of immigrants and refugees seeking education in host countries. Access to quality education is a fundamental right, yet for displaced individuals, systemic barriers often hinder academic success and social integration. These challenges include language barriers, legal and financial restrictions, cultural adaptation difficulties, and discriminatory policies that limit opportunities for inclusion in mainstream education systems. This book explores the complexities of education for immigrants and refugees, analyzing both the obstacles they face and the opportunities available for overcoming these challenges. Drawing on case studies from diverse geographical regions, it examines policy frameworks, institutional practices, and grassroots initiatives that facilitate access to education and improve learning outcomes. Special attention is given to innovative approaches such as bilingual education, digital learning solutions, and community-based support systems that enhance educational opportunities for displaced populations. By bringing together perspectives from scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this volume offers a comprehensive assessment of education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility. It aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on inclusive education policies and strategies, highlighting best practices that can be adapted across different contexts. Ultimately, this book seeks to inform policymakers, educators, and researchers about practical solutions for building equitable education systems that support the academic success and long-term integration of immigrant and refugee learners.

Objective

This book aims to critically examine the barriers and opportunities in education for immigrants and refugees, offering an in-depth exploration of the systemic, social, and policy-related factors that influence their educational experiences. By addressing both challenges and solutions, the book seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how displaced populations navigate educational systems in host countries. The primary objectives of this book are to: Identify Key Barriers: Analyze the structural, legal, linguistic, and socio-cultural obstacles that hinder access to quality education for immigrant and refugee learners. Explore Policy and Institutional Responses: Assess existing policies, educational frameworks, and institutional practices that either facilitate or limit educational opportunities for displaced populations. Highlight Innovative Solutions: Showcase effective strategies, including bilingual education, digital learning platforms, community-based initiatives, and inclusive curriculum models that support the academic success and social integration of immigrants and refugees. Provide Comparative Perspectives: Offer insights from various geographical contexts to illustrate best practices and policy recommendations that can be adapted across different educational systems. Inform Future Research and Policymaking: Contribute to the academic discourse on migration and education by presenting empirical research, case studies, and theoretical analyses that enhance understanding and inform evidence-based policymaking. Contribution to Existing Research This book builds upon existing scholarship in migration studies, education policy, and social integration by bridging the gap between theory and practice. While previous research has largely focused on the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee students, this volume goes further by emphasizing actionable strategies and institutional frameworks that have successfully addressed these challenges. Additionally, the book provides a multidisciplinary perspective, incorporating insights from education, political science, sociology, and international relations to offer a holistic analysis of the issue. By synthesizing contributions from scholars, educators, and policymakers, it advances the conversation on inclusive education and proposes practical pathways for improving access, equity, and learning outcomes for displaced learners worldwide.

Target Audience

This book is designed for a diverse audience of scholars, educators, policymakers, practitioners, and advocacy groups engaged in issues related to education, migration, and social integration. The research and insights presented in this volume will benefit multiple stakeholders, including: Academics and Researchers – Scholars in the fields of education, migration studies, political science, sociology, and international relations will find valuable empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and case studies that contribute to ongoing discourse on inclusive education and refugee integration. Educators and School Administrators – Teachers, school leaders, and curriculum developers working with immigrant and refugee students will gain practical knowledge about challenges faced by these learners and innovative strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments. Policymakers and Government Officials – Decision-makers involved in education policy, migration governance, and social welfare will benefit from evidence-based recommendations for improving educational access, equity, and integration for displaced populations. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Advocacy Groups – Organizations working on refugee rights, immigrant education, and social inclusion will find useful insights and best practices to inform their advocacy efforts and program development. International Organizations and Development Agencies – Institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF, the UNHCR, and the World Bank engaged in global education and refugee assistance can utilize the book’s findings to enhance policy recommendations and international education initiatives. Students and Future Practitioners – Graduate and undergraduate students studying education, international relations, migration studies, and social work will benefit from the book’s multidisciplinary perspectives, equipping them with the knowledge needed for future research or professional practice in the field. By engaging this broad audience, the book seeks to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to education for immigrants and refugees globally.

Recommended Topics

This book will cover a broad range of themes related to the education of immigrants and refugees, including but not limited to: 1. Structural and Systemic Barriers Legal and policy restrictions on refugee and immigrant education Language barriers and linguistic adaptation challenges Socioeconomic disparities and financial constraints affecting access to education Discrimination, xenophobia, and exclusion in educational institutions 2. Educational Policy and Institutional Responses National and international policies on immigrant and refugee education The role of governments, NGOs, and international organizations in facilitating education access Comparative analysis of educational policies across different host countries Refugee and migrant access to higher education opportunities 3. Teaching and Learning Strategies Bilingual and multilingual education approaches Culturally responsive teaching methods for immigrant and refugee learners The impact of trauma-informed pedagogy on displaced students Bridging formal and non-formal education for migrant learners 4. Technology and Innovation in Education The role of digital learning platforms in expanding access to education Mobile education initiatives for displaced learners in conflict zones AI and EdTech solutions for overcoming language and curriculum barriers Distance and online learning opportunities for refugees in remote locations 5. Social and Psychological Dimensions of Learning The impact of forced migration on students' mental health and learning outcomes Peer support networks and mentorship programs for refugee and immigrant students Family and community involvement in the educational success of displaced learners Overcoming identity and cultural integration challenges in school environments 6. Higher Education and Career Development Access to university education for immigrant and refugee students Vocational training and skill development programs for displaced learners Bridging the gap between education and employment for migrants Recognition of foreign qualifications and credentialing challenges 7. Case Studies and Best Practices Successful integration models from various countries and regions Community-driven education initiatives for displaced populations Public-private partnerships in promoting educational access for refugees Lessons from past and ongoing education programs for immigrant communities This comprehensive selection of topics ensures that the book provides a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of both challenges and solutions in the education of immigrants and refugees.

Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before April 27, 2025, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by May 11, 2025 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by June 29, 2025, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Barriers and Opportunities in Education for Immigrants and Refugees. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery^® online submission manager.

Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing (formerly Idea Group Inc.), an international academic publisher of the "Information Science Reference" (formerly Idea Group Reference), "Medical Information Science Reference," "Business Science Reference," and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. IGI Global Scientific Publishing specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2026.

Important Dates

April 27, 2025: Proposal Submission Deadline
May 11, 2025: Notification of Acceptance
June 29, 2025: Full Chapter Submission
August 3, 2025: Review Results Returned
August 31, 2025: Final Acceptance Notification
September 7, 2025: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries

Jibrin Yahaya
National Open University of Nigeria , Jabi Abuja
jibrinubaleyahaya@gmail.com

Classifications

Education; Media and Communications; Security and Forensics; Government and Law; Social Sciences and Humanities

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