International Student Transitions PG Guide Booklets available at: University of Stirling STIRLING GRADUATE SCHOOL

Themes that emerged  Emotions  Relationships  Language  Culture Cultural boundaries with supervisor Homesickness & culture shock Different fieldwork risks British humour & social differences  Suggestions for improvement

Emotions: Growing Confidence My confidence has grown with time. In the beginning I felt quite anxious, however the encouragement of my supervisors and the small steps of progress have built up my confidence. I still feel anxious, however, as the project takes shape, my confidence in my ability and the task ahead have grown. I started my Masters with a novice’s reckless confidence, being new to research. I have started the PhD with a better understanding of the challenges ahead. (Kirk, Intl. PhD Student)

Relationships: Peer/Supervisor At Phd level I just meet with very few busy mature students studying different topics, thus it is quite difficult to make friends compared to making friends when we were at master level. It will be quite lonely for international students, especially when only few students from their home are studying here. (Lorna, Intl. PhD student) My supervisors are always available to support when I need their advice. I believe supervisors’ availability and responsiveness have a great impact on how smoothly their students can proceed in their studies. (Sara, Intl. PhD student)

Language: Office Discussions I find it difficult to share my table with others as my department has limited office space. I need a quiet environment, and thus a small conversation between others can easily distract my focus. (Lorna, Intl. PhD student) Helps to be in an office where you can talk to colleagues. Can ask someone and build up support group for issues. Connections made in academic community really help. Conversations with other PhD students are a great support and you don’t feel alone. (Claire, Intl. PhD student)

Culture: Cultural Boundaries with Supervisor Passive learners from home country, it is not good using supervisor’s first name, or to sit at same level. It is uncomfortable. (Libby, Intl. PhD student) I have been told to leave class at home because I challenged the lecturer’s views. Here the system works. It gives empowerment to the student. Wouldn’t feel this comfortable at home. (Graeme, Intl. PhD student)

Culture: Homesickness and Culture Shock Concept of time difference, homesickness a real issue. Internet helps with keeping in touch with family etc. (Claire, Intl. PhD student) Culture shock, found people to be quite judgemental relating to children and it changed my behaviour. Took about a year to settle in. (Claire, Intl. PhD student)

Culture : Different Fieldwork Risks Different cultures relating to fieldwork here. For example, at home, there were many issues relating to safety and when fieldwork is conducted in home country that is not addressed here. (Graeme, Intl. PhD student)

Culture: British Humour and Social Differences I don’t feel comfortable talking about difficulties to my supervisor – I don’t understand British jokes or sarcasm. My supervisor said to me “pull my leg”. I didn’t understand. (Libby, Intl. PhD student) I went to a party and back home for a party you wear jeans and a t- shirt. I went in jeans and a t-shirt and everyone else was in shirt and tie. I was so embarrassed. (Graeme, Intl. PhD student) In my country we ask people for each other’s phone numbers, we are community spirited. If we see someone walking down the street with bags etc. we offer to help. Here everyone is so individual. Here they walk by you. You ask for someone’s number and they take offense. (Steve, Intl. PhD student)

Suggestions for Improvement  A ‘Guide to Scottish Culture’, including potential social and academic cultural differences.  Peer mentor scheme - link with two postgraduate students in second year or above: one international and one home student to address integration and isolation issues (Kochan and Pascarelli, 2003)  Consider ongoing informal language support sessions  For pre-sessional language courses: uk/english/ uk/english/  For in-sessional language courses: sessionalenglish/ sessionalenglish/  For international summer school: uk/international-summer-school/ uk/international-summer-school/