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You’re here. Now what? Your journey begins…

You’re here. Now what? Your journey begins…. Richard Melia (Senior International Student Advisor). Icebreaker - The Jellyperson Tree….!!. Look at the jellypeople! Look at their facial expressions and body language. Where are they on the tree? Find vocabulary to describe these figures

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You’re here. Now what? Your journey begins…

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  1. You’re here.Now what?Your journey begins… Richard Melia (Senior International Student Advisor)

  2. Icebreaker - The Jellyperson Tree….!! • Look at the jellypeople! • Look at their facial expressions and body language. • Where are they on the tree? • Find vocabulary to describe these figures • Choose one which reflects how you feel right now…

  3. What is culture shock? • culture shockn. a state of distress or disorientation brought about by sudden immersion in or subjection to an unfamiliar culture. Oxford English Dictionary (online), 2008.

  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?

  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?

  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!

  7. The culture shock curve

  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

  9. Exercise 2 - The British 1. What adjectives would you use to describe the British people? 2. How useful are stereotypes?

  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?

  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 don’t 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?

  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

  13. Remember: • Ask for help! • Talk to each other! • Observe! • Reflect on your own culture & values! • And don’t forget… all behaviour is culturally subjective – your way/our way is not wrong… just different! • Keep your sense of humour!

  14. Other sources of information • Cultural Connections – how to make the most of the international student experience (published by the British Council) (www.educationuk.org) • www.ukstudentlife.com/

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