1. Cultural Awareness- working with international students Andy Gale

2. Aims and Objectives
Explore the meaning of ‘culture’ and what this might mean to you and to students
Look at Culture Shock and how this might affect students
Explore some of the practical aspects of this
Look at how we might assist international students to start to adapt to British culture

3. What is culture?
In simple terms, ‘culture’ consists of things that people have learned to do, believe, value and enjoy in their history. It is the totality of ideals, beliefs, skills, tools, customs, and institutions into which each member of society is born.” Sue and Sue “Counselling the Culturally Different” (1981)

5. Culture shock
“Culture shock describes the feeling that many students have when they move from one culture to a new and unfamiliar one. It is something that affects many students who live in a new country and it is normal to feel homesick at some time while you are here.”
UK Council for International Student Affairs

6. The effect of new surroundings
“I arrived in winter and on a Sunday when everything was closed and it was really cold. I arrived at the accommodation and I didn’t know where to get food or what to do.” “British students have expensive social lives which we cannot afford.” “Most Chinese students like to cook together because there are too many steps in our cooking for one person to do on their own.”

7. The effect of new surroundings
“We are shy and reserved in our country. We are not trained to speak our mind – it is rude to do so, especially with older people.” “I find it easy to talk to British people, but hard to become close friends.” “Holding hands is acceptable, but I find some kissing unacceptable.” “In my country we don’t have support services so we’re not used to asking for help. No one’s going to help if you don’t ask for it.”

8. Some cultural and practical aspects
Accommodation
Attitudes to status
Climate
Socialising
Attitudes to time

9. Some cultural and practical aspects
Relationships and gender
Language
Body language
Study methods
Assumptions from UK staff and students

10. What can we do to help?
Emphasise that culture shock and homesickness are normal
Provide guidance on how students can help themselves
Talk and listen to students
Provide guidance on opportunities on campus
Arrange events with international students in mind, or to facilitate cultural interaction
Re-evaluate our own provision for international students – is it sufficient? Is it suitable?

11. Thank you!