Professor Sharon Huttly Dean of Studies Life and Work at LSHTM Professor Sharon Huttly Dean of Studies Improving health worldwide www.lshtm.ac.uk

This session will include LSHTM as a study environment Returning to study Maths introduction Student support Safety and security matters Careers service Library IT services Student Representatives Council

LSHTM as a study environment The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is an ___________ institution The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is an international institution

The next 20 minutes Provide you with an opportunity to consider: That the LSHTM is an international institution The potential benefits and pitfalls of studying in such an environment Strategies to maximise the benefits, to prevent pitfalls and to deal with problems

MSc Students by Country

LSHTM as a multicultural institution Opportunities for learning about: British culture Many many other cultures

Studying in a multicultural institution Buzz exercise 1: What are the potential pitfalls of studying in such an international environment?

Potential pitfalls Misunderstanding Giving offence Loss of social identity Language, communication difficulties Different approaches to shared tasks Different lifestyles Don’t know what is acceptable/not acceptable – jokes, personal space Interpreting non-verbal language Assumptions and stereotypes Retreat into “polite behaviour”

Potential pitfalls Buzz exercise 2: How can we prevent the pitfalls? How can we deal with problems which arise?

Preventing pitfalls/ dealing with problems Do not assume shared cultural norms Remember your culture is one of many cultures Approach people with an open mind – see the individual not “the typical…” Be prepared to give feedback Be prepared to receive feedback Ask for help: fellow students, course reps, tutors, course directors, Student Adviser etc.

Studying in a multicultural institution Buzz exercise 3: What are the potential advantages? How can we maximise these advantages?

Advantages Learning about other countries Learning about other cultures Becoming more flexible and understanding Making friends in many countries Developing a network of contacts for future work

Maximising the advantages Make the most of social occasions Create opportunities for interaction Be aware of what restricts people socially (expense; time and distance; perception of danger) Home visits Keeping in touch when your studies finish

Final thoughts Make the best of this challenging and exciting new environment We cannot assume shared cultural norms Be prepared to give and receive feedback

Returning to Study Buzz exercise 4: What excites you about returning to study? What makes you worried about returning to study?

Exciting things The challenge ahead Learn new skills for professional development Get away from routine work Be my own boss! Rich academic and cultural environment Time to think and discuss New things, ideas, people Opportunity for fun!

Worrying things Financial matters How to organise and prioritise study Balancing work and study (part-timers) Missing family and friends Homesickness Assessment, exams

Help and support People – staff, fellow students, family and friends Key skills sessions, for example English classes, maths refresher classes – look out for other sessions later this term and beyond Written sources – handbooks; study skills guides

And finally…. This is likely to be one of the busiest periods of your life Your studies at LSHTM will be finished much sooner than you think You will hopefully experience a lot of happy times here but maybe some difficult ones too But we hope this will be one of the best periods of your life!