1. 1 Transitions Coping With Change Ruth Roberts Educational Counsellor University Counselling Service

2. 2 What is a transition? A change in a persons life. Part of a natural process, or Caused by a specific event. Transitions can have cultural values. Experience of transition is different for every individual.

3. 3 How do transitions affect us? First, we need to understand who we think we are. What constitutes our identity? Culture. Relationships.

4. 4 Culture Visible aspects: Language. Religion. Food & eating habits. Music, art & literature. Clothes & styles of dress. Facial expressions. Gestures. System of education. Political system.

5. 5 Culture Invisible Aspects Values Beliefs World View Concept of Self Importance of Time Rules of Behaviour Ways of Relating

6. 6 Other Factors Weather Physical Environment Shops and Facilities Public Transport Currency Exercise: Discuss in pairs your experience of coming to the UK. What had you expected? What has surprised you? How has coming to the UK challenged you so far?

7. 7 Adjustment to Change 1 The W Curve 2 3 4 51 2 3 4 5 Self- Esteem Time UK Home

8. 8 Stages of Adjustment 1. HONEYMOON 2. DISINTEGRATION 3. REINTEGRATION 4. AUTONOMY 5. INDEPENDENCE

9. 9 Stages of Adjustment Exercise Discuss in pairs: Reflect on your experience of coming to the UK. How have your feelings changed since you arrived?

10. 10 Symptoms of Culture Shock Tiredness & withdrawal from social situations. Health problems & worrying about health. Difficulties making decisions. Loss of self-confidence. Feeling isolated. Difficulty concentrating. Changeable emotions. Making too many commitments.

11. 11 How to Help Yourself Be aware of own needs and feelings. Understand this is a normal experience. Know what kinds of relationships are important to you. Think of the kinds of roles you like to be in and feel comfortable in. Trust your feelings and accept how you feel.

12. 12 Practical Ways to Help Yourself. Keep in touch with home but not too often. Have familiar things around you. Eat well and take exercise. Make friends with local as well as international students. Attend orientation meetings and events organised by your school. Join a society or (faith) community. Find someone to talk to.

13. 13 Academic Differences – What to Expect. Independence of study. Styles of teaching and learning. Assessment. Academic support.

14. 14 Who Can Help? Academic Advisor / Supervisor University Counselling Service Resident Tutors Dean of Students Office Union of Students – Welfare & Advice Centre Chaplaincy Friends