Problem Face by Overseas Students
Skills for study 1
PM501-2T
(Group B)
Essay
Discuss the problems international students may face when studying in the UK. Suggest possible solutions to these problems.
T2257852
Tutor: Bates, Julian
2nd March 2012
Word count: 839
Nowadays, a large number of international students study abroad in well-developed countries such as the UK and the USA in order to achieve their desired degree level. The number of international students who study abroad has been increasing every year (BBC, 2009). The two major reasons why students choose to study abroad rather than their home countries are languages and the quality of education. The former is because English is widely used throughout the world, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn the language. The latter is because of world-class academic standards and cutting-edge educational facilities. Overseas learning could contribute to students being successful in their future career. However, leaving home to study in a new country could be a frustrating experience. Many students confront problems while they are studying in new countries; for instance, the culture shock and language barrier as well as a different style of learning (UCL, 2010). The purpose of this essay is to discuss what difficulties international students might experience while studying in the UK and some possible solutions will be suggested to deal with these problems.
It is obvious that the difficulties that international students may face are miscellaneous. Firstly, during the initial adjusting period, overseas students might experience a culture shock due to obvious cultural differences. This often happens when people move into an unfamiliar way of life (UKCISA, 2008). The UK is probably one of the most multicultural countries in the world (Benedictus, 2006). Therefore, students need to adapt to their new life in the UK and accept different cultures. This includes food, weather and activities. It is
PM501-2T
(Group B)
Essay
Discuss the problems international students may face when studying in the UK. Suggest possible solutions to these problems.
T2257852
Tutor: Bates, Julian
2nd March 2012
Word count: 839
Nowadays, a large number of international students study abroad in well-developed countries such as the UK and the USA in order to achieve their desired degree level. The number of international students who study abroad has been increasing every year (BBC, 2009). The two major reasons why students choose to study abroad rather than their home countries are languages and the quality of education. The former is because English is widely used throughout the world, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn the language. The latter is because of world-class academic standards and cutting-edge educational facilities. Overseas learning could contribute to students being successful in their future career. However, leaving home to study in a new country could be a frustrating experience. Many students confront problems while they are studying in new countries; for instance, the culture shock and language barrier as well as a different style of learning (UCL, 2010). The purpose of this essay is to discuss what difficulties international students might experience while studying in the UK and some possible solutions will be suggested to deal with these problems.
It is obvious that the difficulties that international students may face are miscellaneous. Firstly, during the initial adjusting period, overseas students might experience a culture shock due to obvious cultural differences. This often happens when people move into an unfamiliar way of life (UKCISA, 2008). The UK is probably one of the most multicultural countries in the world (Benedictus, 2006). Therefore, students need to adapt to their new life in the UK and accept different cultures. This includes food, weather and activities. It is
References: BBC., 2009. UK rise in international students [online]. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8271287.stm [Accessed 18 February 2012]. Benedictus, L., 2006. All together now [online]. The Guardian. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/jan/23/britishidentity.features118 [Accessed 18 February 2012]. Hofstede, G., 1991. Cultures and organisation: software of the mind. London: HarperCollins. Keele University., 2011. Common difficulties for international students [online]. Available at: http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentcounselling/thingsnotgoingright/commonproblemsforinternationalstudents [Accessed 25 February 2012]. Misra, R. and Castillo, L, G., 2004. Academic Stress Among College Students: Comparison of American and International Students The British Council., 1999. Studying and living in the UK: a guide for international students and visitors. Plymouth: The British Council. Thurber, C, A., Walton, E, A., 2007. Preventing and Treating Homesickness. Child Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics Of North America, 16 (4). pp. 843–858. UCL., 2010. Problems for International Students [online]. Available at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/personaltutors/helpingstudents/commonproblems/international [Accessed 25 February 2012]. UKCISA., 2008. International students and culture shock [online]. Available at: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/culture_shock_print.pdf [Accessed 25 February 2012]. UKCISA., 2011. Language and culture [online]. Available at: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ukstudent/language.php [Accessed 25 February 2012].