Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 1 Youre here. Now what? Your journey begins… Richard Melia (Senior International Student Advisor)

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 2 Icebreaker - The Jellyperson Tree….!! 1. Look at the jellypeople! 2. Look at their facial expressions and body language. 3. Where are they on the tree? 4. Find vocabulary to describe these figures 5. Choose one which reflects how you feel right now…

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 3 What is culture shock? culture shock n. a state of distress or disorientation brought about by sudden immersion in or subjection to an unfamiliar culture. Oxford English Dictionary (online), 2008.

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 4 What is culture shock? Homesickness and more Disassociation (lack of connection to new environment) Unfamiliarity (climate, traffic, food, surroundings) Misunderstanding (new routines, study methods) Isolation Prejudice?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 5 Exercise 1 - How are you feeling? What aspects of culture shock have you experienced since you arrived in the UK? -Physical feelings? -Emotions? -Thoughts? -What observations have you made?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 6 Remember … The processes of culture shock are simultaneously universal (everyone who relocates experiences them) and individual (everyone experiences them in their own way). Conti-Bekkers and Dawson, 2002 Remember too….it is not only international students who experience culture shock!

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 7 The culture shock curve

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 8 How can we can respond to culture shock?: Keep in regular contact with family/friends at home Surround yourself with familiar things (e.g. photographs, sentimental items) Eat familiar/healthy food (a regular, balanced diet) Exercise regularly Make friends (international and home students) Join a club or society (Give It A Go, SU, International Students Society) Talk to an International Student Advisor

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 9 Exercise 2 - The British 1. What adjectives would you use to describe the British people? 2. How useful are stereotypes?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 10 British Culture Diverse – wide mix of cultures in the UK Tolerant – general tolerance to foreigners and those with different opinions and beliefs Freedom – to express own opinions and wear what they want. Don't expect people to agree with you all of the time! Humour – British people have a strong sense of humour, but it can be hard to understand when someone is joking if you are unfamiliar with the British sense of humour Modesty - Dislike of complaining directly (e.g. when there is poor service) Do you agree/disagree?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 11 Exercise 3 – with the person next to you, please discuss: How do British people greet each other? What do British people talk about when they dont know each other very well? Do British people maintain eye contact when they talk? How far apart do British people stand? How often do they touch each other and when?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 12 Observing: differences and similarities List: -3 things that you have noticed in Britain that are similar to your culture -3 things that are very different

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 13 Remember: –Ask for help! –Talk to each other! –Observe! –Reflect on your own culture & values! –And dont forget… all behaviour is culturally subjective – your way/our way is not wrong… just different! –Keep your sense of humour!

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard Melia Presentation to Agents Conference 14 Other sources of information Cultural Connections – how to make the most of the international student experience (published by the British Council) (