By addressing these challenges through our cultural competency training, universities can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for international students
We’ve released our cultural competency eLearning courses for staff and students at UK universities.
Originally developed in Ireland for the Royal College of Surgeons, the programmes have been adapted to meet the needs of UK universities in the post-Brexit era. With a far more diverse international student base, especially in post-graduate programmes, it is vital that UK universities attract, retain, and include international students.
The first programme is designed for university staff, who are seeking guidance and support when it comes to interacting with international students. As the number of international students continues to grow, university staff have raised numerous questions about cultural differences and communication barriers. The programme aims to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
The second programme is tailored specifically for international students to help them adjust to life in the UK and provide insights into what they can expect from living and studying in the country. For many students, this will not only be their first experience of living independently, but also their first experience of life in another country. This produces a number of specific challenges that if left unaddressed, could affect their academic success. Examples of these include issues such as:
- Cultural differences: social norms, customs, and values. These differences can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in building relationships with peers and staff
- Language barriers: language barriers can pose significant challenges for international students, particularly in academic contexts. Students may struggle to understand lectures, coursework, and academic expectations. This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration
- Academic adjustment: the UK education system may differ significantly from the system in the student’s home country. This can lead to confusion and difficulties in understanding academic requirements, expectations, and assessment methods
- Social adjustment: adjusting to a new social environment can be difficult. They may experience culture shock, homesickness, and feelings of loneliness. This can impact their mental health and academic performance
By addressing these challenges through our cultural competency training, universities can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. This can help to ensure their success in their academic pursuits and beyond.
Both programmes are now available for UK universities, and the University of Sunderland is the first to launch. We’re thrilled to offer these programmes to universities across the UK and to support the ongoing success of the higher education sector.
eLearning content: Delivered by Ciphr, powered by Marshalls
Find out more about our HE eLearning
See how we can support both staff and students
This content was initially published on Marshallelearning.com (March 2023) and has been uploaded to and lightly amended on Ciphr.com as part of the brand amalgamation in August 2024