Challenges an International Student Likely to Encounter - Essay Example

? Case Study: Challenges an International is Likely to Encounter Number Case Study: Challenges an International Student Likely to Encounter Introduction Landing at the University of my Dream, University of Wolverhampton was a breakthrough in my life, and this for sure I opt to transform the world with skills, values and virtues I will acquire in my entire study. Having heard of challenges international students were facing as a result of different cultural background, I was ready to face my new world boldly and determined to emerge victorious without affecting my education. In my case study, I will explore potential threats to the comfort and academic excellence of an international student. My views, encounter, and success in the new environment will be shaped by Maslow hierarchy of needs which outlines various needs and preparedness one ought to have towards attaining excellence in all spheres of life. Further, some of my ideas and facts will be drawn from diverse academic resources presented by specialist in the light of the case study. Finally, other ideas will be corroborated by interviews I conducted with students and lecturers. Background Located strategically at the centre of England, the University boasts a total student population of “23,207 inclusive of 2,500 international students” (University of Wolverhmpton, 2013). According to factual information presented in the university official web site, University of Wolverhampton traces its way back in the mid- 1800s as Wolveharmpton Mechanics Institute and college of Arts. It later gained the current status 1969 as the University of Wolverhampton. It offers over six international courses such as international foundation, undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, pre master’s program, English pre-sessional course, just to mention a few. Also, the university has three campuses located in Telfoord, Walsall and the city campus. It has modern and well-equipped accommodation facilities with different options to suit the needs and privacy of every student. The university offers over one hundred courses in its various academic programs. Food and Accommodation Burnapp (2009, p.13) points out that “what a body needs to survive such as food, water and somewhere to sleep . . .” aid in excellent physiological development. The university has taken this into great consideration with spacious and fully functional hall of residence. However, this is enjoyable for those who had been accommodated. As an international student, accommodation becomes a major challenge and if not addressed before taking that flight you may be unlucky and forced to spend some few days under someone’s roof, your “good Samaritan” and it can be a hell of experience without a friend who has settled there or a relative to turn to at such hour of need. Many students are often misguided and fail to prioritise accommodation. All they do is to firmly fix their eyes on the academic part of it. This is absolutely wrong for an international student. Nelson (2012) in an interview mentioned the importance of accommodation for an international student, but for him all had been done by his parents prior to his coming. This clearly shows how accommodation is so valuable for an international student. We didn’t stop at importance of accommodation and further talked about food. “I managed to find my local food” (Nelson, 2012) something we shared in common as I managed to find my local favourite dish with much ease. Undoubtedly, it will be absolutely right to authoritatively say food and accommodation play major role which an international must consider before taking a flight. Security Every student needs to feel safe each. The university authority does not take students security lightly. Every student is required to flush out their issued ID to pass the security guards on the ground. This is unlike my country institutions which indeed, each student is issued with student identification card but hardly used at the entrances making it easier for strangers to go unnoticed. One of the workers interviewed when asked to comment on the security of Telford Campus, she quickly responded “security in Telford is good” (Lawton, 2012) having seen how they are screened before making their way. Maslow 1970 reported in Times 100, (2005) stated that “. . . in the context of the workplace these needs could include physical safety, security of employment, adequate rest periods, pension and sick schemes, and protection from arbitrary actions.” This clearly points out that security is an important factor to consider. Nelson (2012) further confirmed that “he has been made to feel at home.” Group Work Burnapp in addressing the hierarchy of needs brings the fact that self-esteem is a survival tactic in the new environment. Santrock (2004) in relation to self-esteem says that an individual has to feel good about themselves. I got myself in various group works and always made my points known regarding an issue or task before us. My outspoken nature was an added advantage and ensuring excellent communication skills which Lawton (2012) pointed out as a success instrument in the new environment, made me visible among my course mates. A point further reiterated by Maslow 1970 in Burnapp (2009, p.13) asserts that “in education students need to feel they are noticed and included in groups.” One important thing is the manner in which one represents his or her views. Doing politely crowns it all not only as an interactive technique, but also as a survival and adaptive mechanism. Respect Many international students have a stereotyped perception how they will be received in the new environment. This if not addressed maturely can ruin ones happiness and lead to lack of focus in classwork. Individuals demand love and attention (The Times 100, 2005) which have been made to believe comes with respect. Since I set foot in the United Kingdom, I have received overwhelming respect, contrary to my expectation. Indeed, I totally agree with the famous saying that you must learn to give before you start to receive. Respect, love and affection play a crucial role in the life of an international student which they must learn to embrace throughout their study lest they suffer anguish in the new environment. Personal Growth and Fulfillment In Maslow hierarchy of needs, self-fulfillment tops the list. Regardless of the environment, one must put their creativity to task. This is the only way they got to accept the current situation and vow to continue to nature their talents. Personal growth is very important and as an international student taking advantage of growth opportunity is the first step to that self-fulfilling process. Fear breads ignorance and should not feature in your new environment as it has ruined the lives of many international students. Conclusion On the whole, the case study has shed more light on the great challenges encountered by international students. I have managed to cover critical areas such as accommodation and food in the first part of the case study and subsequently addressed security, group work, respect and personal growth and fulfillment. Taking a close look at how the United Kingdom community members treat one another and the manner in which the university is handling major student issues and their facilities unquestionably, makes me believe it is a home for international students. Bibliography Burnapp, D. 2009. Getting Ahead as an International Student. England: Open University Press. Humfrey, H. 1999. ManagingInternational Students. Buckingham. Philadelphia Open University press. Lawton, M. 2012.Things International Student Need to Consider When Coming to United Kingdom for Study. Interviewed by Mohammed [in person], University of Wolverhampton, October 2012. Nelson, 2012.Things International Student Need to Consider When Coming to United Kingdom for Study. Interviewed by Mohameed et al [in person] University of Wolverhampton, October 2012. Santrock, J.W. 2004.Educational Psychology. 2nd ed. Boston; London: McGraw-Hill. (Extract ‘Perspectives on Motivation’ pages 415-417). Available at: http://mcgraw-hill.co.uk/openup/internationalstudents/santrock%20415-417.pdf TheTimes 100 .2005.Motivation.[Online]. [Accessed 20 November. 2012] Available at : Read More