Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of the ‘Sikh Diaspora’ course in terms of enhancing the first year higher education experience of Punjabi Sikh students attending a post-secondary educational institution in the Vancouver Lower Mainland. The paper provides a general overview of the pertinent socio-cultural issues that South Asian students may experience while obtaining higher education. It analyses data based on an evaluation questionnaire collected from 82 students registered in the ‘Sikh Diaspora’ course. The analysis reveals that the course had a positive impact on the students, including (a) enhanced classroom experience, (b) cultural validation, and (c) career relevancy. The paper concludes that the classroom can play an integral role in welcoming, supporting, and validating students of culturally diverse backgrounds.