Bridging the gap in expectations between international students and academic staff

Abstract

This article is concerned with the transition into higher education in the United Kingdom of students with an East Asian background. Such a fusion of cultures (the Western individualist culture and East Asian collectivist culture) often creates a clash of traditions. The tensions that arise between the expectations of the most rapidly growing group of students (namely East Asian students) and the implicit rules that govern the academic and social environments of UK higher education can no longer be overlooked. The authors aim to resolve some of the issues that arise when cultures based on differing philosophies meet within a London University by narrowing the gap between the expectations of international students and academic staff. The ultimate goal, therefore, lies in working toward a synergy of educational cultures.