Challenges and Strategies for Effective Communication in Studying Abroad: A Guide for UK Students in China

This guide provides insights on the common challenges and effective strategies for communication faced by UK students studying in China. It covers academic practices, cultural and language barriers, and time differences. The guide also suggests strategies such as cultural exchange, language learning classes, group activities, and designing classes as per student's requirements to overcome these barriers. References are provided for further reading.

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Introduction
UK students have given opportunities for
learning in China to complete their
education course. This brochure contains
varied challenges as well as effective
strategies for overcoming them
implemented by universities.
Common challenges and barriers to effective
communication
Certain common challenges and
barriers to effective communication
faced by students studying in China are
as follows:
Academic practices- This challenge is faced by UK
students while going for studies in China due to
difference in classroom behaviour, assignment
requirements as well as teaching style. In China, a
strict focus is given on students for achieving
academic success. Teachers strictly follows the
curriculum which lacks fun activities. Indulge in this
type of environment is considered as a challenge for
UK students.
Time difference- UK and China share differ time horizon and has a gap of 7 hours. This led UK students to not have a time to talk with their friends
and families which led them to feel homesick.
Cultural barriers- This challenge is faced by
UK students in Chinese students as they are
unsure regarding cultural protocol as well as
social conventions which led to frequent
misunderstanding. Students do not know how
to properly conduct eye contact, greetings as
well as maintain the level of familiarity in an
effective manner which act as a barrier for
them in learning.
Language barrier- In China, most
teachers taught in their own Chinese
language. Even if they speak in
English, their assent is not
understandable to British students.
This issue act as a barrier for UK
students as they are unable to
communicate actively with their
teachers.

Effective strategies for overcoming those communication barriers
Explore ethnic background- UK universities have
implemented seminars for UK and Chinese students for
exploring their ethnic background in a strategic manner. This
practice would help them to overcome from the challenges led
due to cultural differences.
Conduct of cultural exchange- For overcoming cultural
barriers, UK university has implemented a cultural exchange
program which lead students learn about Chinese culture.
Design classes as per student's requirements- It is
imperative for Chinese universities to design their
lectures in relevance with the requirements of UK
students regarding time horizon. They should be
given extra time for communicating with their
friends and families so that they do not feel
homesick.
Engage group activities- These activities can indulge UK and
Chines students in mindful practices. This also help them in
understanding common hobbies, interest among them in an
effective manner.
References
Bailey, F. and Et. Al., 2021. Removing cultural barriers and
advancing an asset-based pedagogy in higher education. Teacher
training and education in the GCC: Unpacking the complexities and
challenges of internationalizing educational contexts, pp.159-169.
Chibisova, M. and Zvonova, E., 2020. Multicultural space and
intercultural barriers in education: two approaches in one context.
In INTED2020 Proceedings (pp. 3197-3203). IATED.
Rak, R. and Et. AL., 2021. BARRIERS AND THEIR
CATEGORIES IN THE EDUCATION OF TEACHERS,
MANAGERS AND SPECIALISTS. In ICERI2021 Proceedings (pp.
2411-2418). IATED.
Conduct language learning classes- For overcoming the
issues in relation to language barrier, UK universities can
conduct classes for students. This practice would help
students in learning bi-language as well as proper non-verbal
cues in a strategic manner.
Conclusion
Communication barriers act as challenge for students going
abroad for higher studies. It comprises of effective strategies
which can be implemented by universities.