School alumni associations in modern Australia as transcultural conduits of migrant identity:the Sri Lankan experience

Abstract

The literature illustrates that there has been relatively little specific research undertaken on the ways in which pre-migration school connections might have influenced the individual or group migration experience to Australia. Such influence is evident with migrants from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), a gap that the authors have identified in previous work. This paper attempts to bridge this research space by reporting on a pilot study into how Sri Lankan school alumni associations in Australia have influenced the migration experiences of individuals now living in Australia. Data for the study was generated via surveys and interviews with members of alumni organisations. Findings suggest that Sri Lankan school alumni associations can be important drivers and facilitators of both the act of migration and the process of migrant adjustment. They work as conduits enabling their members to remain connected to their ancestral roots in Sri Lanka whilst embedding themselves in modern Australian society.</p