Study seeks to identify trajectories of grade changes in a sample of adolescents following their entrance into junior high and to examine differences in these trajectories by gender and ethnicity. Three patterns were observed: "sliders," (characteristic of Anglos), "steadies," (characteristic of Blacks), and "rebounders," (characteristic of…

This study expanded and tested Furnham and Bochner's (1982) model of culture shock, employing a sample of 156 male international students in a Canadian university. Path analysis was used to assess the effects of cultural differences, size of co-national group, family status, cross-cultural experience, and social interaction with hosts on culture…

The guide offers 13 modules on integration and reentry of foreign students returning to their home countries, designed to span the period from first arrival at the U.S. university to the final return. Stressed is the need for students to adapt to unexpected problems on their return due to both changes in their home situation and changes in…

Intended to aid administrators and advisors of foreign students from developing nations enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, the guide offers suggestions for all stages of the advising process. A chapter on planning and selection considers factors concerning pre-admission, admission, determining English language proficiency, and finances.…

This report provides information that will help Americans deal with or counsel Vietnamese refugees. The following topics are covered: (1) history and geography of Vietnam; (2) culture of Vietnam; (3) differences between American and Vietnamese culture; (4) counseling recommendations; (5) differences between American and Vietnamese students; and…

This article reports the findings of an in-depth qualitative case study that explored the ways in which Chinese-speaking international students adapt to a western learning environment, and the effect that the teaching context has upon student learning. The study explored this effect by investigating a critical thinking task from the perspectives…

This essay focuses on how people respond to cultural difference, and, specifically, two tendencies. One tendency is to romanticize the cultural differences encountered. Another tendency is to rush to a negative judgment about the specific people involved, and about their culture more generally. In this essay, the author illustrates these…

The democratic changes that occurred in Croatia within last two decades are oriented towards European values and multi-intercultural perspectives. Let us remember that, according to the census from 1991, Croatia was inhabited with people from 27 nations, with Croats being a majority. During the Homeland war, basically a defensive war against the…

This paper reports an empirical study of the psychological and sociocultural adjustments of two cohorts of Chinese students taking a foundation course in English language at a British university. Using Zung's (1965) Self-Rating Depression Scale and a modification of Ward and Kennedy's (1999) Sociocultural Adaptation Scale, quantitative data were…

This paper discusses two types of adjustments that foreign students face when they encounter university culture in the United States. The central section lists and describes four key groups of underlying principles, values, and practices in American education and discusses the reasons why these may be difficult for foreign students to understand.…

Describes difficulties experienced by librarians in trying to communicate with students for whom English is not the native language. The discussion covers strategies to improve communication, including the use of analogy, universal humor, hands on experience, and integrated programs involving English as a second language and library personnel. (10…

A qualitative survey explored the professional educational experiences of 63 Native American social workers and social work students. Most respondents identified the need for more cultural content in the curriculum, personal struggles experienced in pursuing an education grounded in Anglo cultural norms, but also available supports, especially…

When Asian students decide to study in North American colleges or universities, they expect to experience differences in the new environment, but the actual experiences often cause conflict at such basic levels of life and study that the students need assistance from Canadian or United States faculty or staff in order to achieve the original…

Perspectives on studying abroad in third world countries are presented. Fewer than 5% of Americans who study abroad do so in Third World Countries, although economically and politically the United States and these countries are interdependent. In addition, many employers are seeking individuals with cross-cultural training and sensitivity. The…

Focusing on early childhood issues specific to New Zealand, this document is comprised of three papers exploring provision of culturally competent care in early childhood services. The first paper, "Considering Culture" (Lisa Terreni with Judi McCallum), addresses some current theories that attempt to understand "culture" and…