This qualitative study examines the interplay between academic staff and international students with regard to developing academic literacies at university. Higher education has traditionally responded to increasing student diversity with the expectation that students will conform to institutional norms or habitus. In this context international…

This paper shares some of the experiences of the author, a former Ph.D. overseas student from Thailand, during the time she was conducting a research project in Australia. Being abroad for the first time, as well as coming from a culture with different norms, values, languages, beliefs, and ways of life, led to most of her days studying overseas…

Examined possible cultural differences in psychological distress between 50 Asian-American and 48 Caucasian-American college students using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Found significant differences between the two groups on six of the nine symptom scales. Asians scored significantly higher than Caucasians on obsessive compulsiveness,…

Arguing that foreign students must be understood in terms of the actual academic and social milieu of the particular college or community rather than on sweeping psychological or social generalizations, the author suggests colleges aid them in tailor-making their own programs of orientation and continued support. (JT)

Although diversity has become a social reality in U.S. higher education, certain issues concerning diversity in classroom settings have not been addressed. Despite increasing multiculturalism and diversity awareness in the U.S. educational system, the literature is still derived primarily from either monocultural assumptions or superficial…

A study examined foreign students from one cultural background, Malaysia, in the American basic speech class to discover which areas they find most difficult and to discover those norms and values that cause these difficulties. Malaysian students were chosen as the focus of the study because Asian students comprise more than half of the total…

College attendance by Italian and American women over age 30 is compared, and attention is directed to whether mature Italian and U.S. women who continue their education do so for similar reasons and whether they experience similar problems. The analysis is based on two studies of women over 30 in post-compulsory degree programs: (1) a study on…

Found that particular college of undergraduate degree was a predictor of problems in orientation, academics, social-personal living-dining, student-activities and placement areas for Nigerian students. Except in the area of finance, undergraduate respondents reported more problems than graduate respondents. (Author)

Juxtaposing Chinese and American culture, this paper anticipates problems Chinese students have with their perception of the interpersonal communication course and suggests lesson plans American teachers can utilize. The paper first discusses salient patterns within the American and Chinese educational systems, noting that Chinese students are…

The kinds of assistance needed by foreign college students in dealing with problems encountered during their college sojourn, as well as resources used in resolving those problems, were examined. Male (N=27) and female (N=17) students were interviewed during the spring quarter of 1977 on the University of Minnesota, Duluth, campus. Results…

This book discusses the particular social work needs of West African foreign students and their families in Britain. These needs are elucidated by reference to aspects of traditional West African society, with special attention given to the extended family, to its importance in the lives of individuals, and to the major part it plays in the…

Recognition of some of the variations in educational backgrounds and life-styles of foreign stduents--particularly those from developing nations--could ease the communication difficulties they face when studying in American universities. Observations of language problems, counseling problems, class behavior, and social customs are offered. (JMD)

When Asian students decide to study in North American colleges or universities, they expect to experience differences in the new environment, but the actual experiences often cause conflict at such basic levels of life and study that the students need assistance from Canadian or United States faculty or staff in order to achieve the original…

Used case study approach to focus on adjustment decisions of 15 female Chinese college students who emigrated from Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia. Common themes of conflict involved Chinese and Western value opposition, the need for personal development, and the fear of social isolation. Six different patterns of client adjustment were…

This guide examines the problem of providing orientation for foreign students attending U.S. universities. Ideas and suggestions for the design and conduct of orientation programs are provided. Inherent constraints that may impair program success are enumerated, including erratic student arrival times, lack of motivation to participate in…