Working with International Students: A Cross-Cultural Training Manual (2003)

by Colin Lago, updated by Alison Barty; 2003, ISBN 1 870679 37 7, 298pp; First published 1990 by British Council and Huddersfield Polytechnic; Second edition 2003 UKCOSA

Numbers of international students continue to expand and their presence contributes significantly to the academic, social and financial health of most HE and many FE institutions. Consistently, research into the experience of international students shows that, despite growing multi-culturalism especially in large conurbations, the cultural adjustment process is still complex, confusing and at times distressing.

Customer care emphasizes the importance of professional and skilled interpersonal communication, skills which will ease encounters for both the student and staff member.

This publication is a cross-cultural awareness training manual focused on aspects of academic, linguistic and social life affecting international students studying in this country. The training activities in it cover a broad sweep of issues and perspectives that reflect the complete experience of international students.

The exercises are divided by the nature of the activity from introductory exercises to evaluation. Any course is likely to use a variety of methods. Each exercise has an estimate of the time required to complete the activity, the target group and any special considerations. There are also more specific sections on activities related to language and to academic practice.

Through offering a considerable choice of training materials it is hoped that trainers will be able to find exercises and ideas pertinent to their task and consistent with their style of training.

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