Socio-cultural Experience of International Students in Canterbury Christ Church University

By

DECLARATION

This Dissertation is the product of my own work and has not been presented for any other Award. I declare also that the Dissertation is available for photocopying, reference purposes and Inter-Library Loan.

ABSTRACT

With the rise of globalisation, many people are moving from their native countries for many reasons, and when they go to their new country, they have to deal with new beliefs, practices, mannerisms, and other components of the new culture. The most challenging of these reasons for change is education. The students are under pressure of learning more than the course contents. In addition, the students have to familiarise themselves with the native language and work on their accent when speaking English, which are the main language barriers and principal subjects of ridicule against foreign students. This study will be carried out in the Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), which has many international and non-European students from various countries all over the world. This means that globalisation has resulted in an institution that comprises of students who have physical, psychological, economic, cultural and social differences, and other components of a multicultural society. International students are challenged by these differences, and their stay in the United Kingdom is strained as they struggle to conform to what is normal to the natives. This research will take the form of a case study, which will be analysed by using the replication logic. The main data collection instrument will be semi-structured interviews, in which the investigator will only have the themes to be studied and a few guiding questions, and the rest of the questions will be formulated as the interview progresses. Respondents will be informed of the interview and intentions of the researcher prior to the date of the interview. The analysis of case study using replication logic will help in providing answers to the research questions, and meeting the objectives of this study.

CONTENTS

DECLARATION2

ABSTRACT3

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION8

1.1Aims and Objectives9

1.2Rationale of the Study10

1.3Theoretical Framework10

1.4Outline of the Study11

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW13

2.1Background Literature13

2.2Focal Literature15

2.3Factors Influencing Academic Achievements of International Students18

2.31Language Barrier18

2.32Cultural Shock19

2.33Learning Approaches and Teaching Styles21

2.4Context of the Study23

2.5Research Questions23

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY25

3.1Research Design25

3.2Research Philosophy25

3.3Triangulation26

3.31Data Triangulation27

3.32Investigator Triangulation27

3.33Theory Triangulation27

3.34Methodological Triangulation28

3.4Validity and Reliability28

3.5Data Collection Instruments29

3.6Data Collection Method30

3.7Data Analysis Method30

3.8Ethical and Legal Considerations30

CHAPTER 04: PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS32

CHAPTER 05: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS33

5.1Interview Analysis33

5.2Thematic Analysis37

5.3Factual Analysis of CCCU (2010-2012)44

5.4Discussion of Findings in Relation to Literature Review48

CHAPTER 06: CONCLUSIONS50

Recommendations53

REFERENCES55

APPENDIX58

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS58

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Expectations between British university staff and Chinese and other groups of International students22

Figure 2: Gender of the interview respondents34

Figure 3: Diversity of interview respondents35

Figure 4: Purpose of enrolment in CCCU36

Figure 5: Percentage of people choosing CCCU when looking to study in Kent44

Figure 6: Approximate Number of full time and part time students45

Figure 7: Number of full time and part time students- region wise46

Figure 8: Number of students who found employment in Kent47

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Gender of interview respondents34

Table 2: Diversity of interview respondents35

Table 3: Purpose of enrolment in CCCU, for higher studies36

Table 4: Challenges faced ...