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

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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You’re here.Now what?

Your journey begins…

Richard Melia (Senior International Student

Advisor)

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 figures5. Choose one which reflects how you feel right

now…

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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The culture shock curve

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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Exercise 2 - The British

1. What adjectives would you use to describe the British people?

2. How useful are stereotypes?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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 MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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?

Tricia Norman & Dr Richard MeliaPresentation to Agents’ Conference

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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

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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!

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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/