How International Students Adapt to British University Life

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Introduction:
One in ten students studying within the UK comes from overseas with international students attending universities within the from over 100 different countries (University Guide, 2013). This therefore makes it possible for students at university to experience differing cultural practices, norms and values which may be experienced in different places all around the world (University Guide, 2013). As a second year student at the University of Essex I have spent the past two years living with and becoming close to six international students who I would now call my closest friends. This has led me to notice differences, as well as similarities, in social as well as cultural views between the different cultures and I have realised how this may affect how international students adapt to British university life. These differences include food consumption, drinking behaviour and attitudes as well differences in language and religion.
By the end of my research I aim to be able to answer the subsequent question:
“To what extent do differences in culture affect how international students adapt to British university life?”
I believe that research into this area is important as it provides information about different cultures and their experiences adapting to British university life which could be used within universities to help make the transition for international students as straightforward as possible. Universities could also use this research to guide further plans to help international students facilitate with the changes that will be experienced when moving to and studying in a completely new culture; which must be an absolutely terrifying concept.
Literature review:
Catherine Montgomery in her book “Understanding In...

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Montgomery, C. (2010) Understanding the International Student Experience, London: Palgrave Macmillan. 1-100.
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The University Guide. (2013). International Students- The Facts. Available: hhtp://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/international/international-students-the-facts/. Last accessed 19th December 2013.

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