Journal of International Students

Book Reviews/NewsISSN: 2162-3104 Print/ ISSN: 2166-3750 Online

Volume 3, Issue 1 (2013 Spring)Copyright © 2013-2014 JIS

http://jistudents.org/

76 ISSN: 2162-3104 Print/ ISSN: 2166-3750 Online Copyright © by JIS http://jistudents.org/

Journal of International Students

Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1

With the latest statistics issued by theUK Council for International StudentAffairs (UKCISA, 2012) indicatingthat the number of studentsparticipating in Higher Educationcourses in the country may be as highas 428,225, and rising, Hyde’scontribution seems particularly well

timed. Whilst the book has few academic pretentions,in his introductory chapter the author does explain tothe reader that it is written with the intention of“Developing your understanding of how youunderstand yourself and understand your reactions tothese various layers of experience” (p. 2). Thus Hydesucceeds in positioning the text firmly within a Kolbian(Kolb, 1984) ambit of experiential learning rather thanas a simple self-help book.

The second and third chapters deal with theprocesses preparatory to undertaking study in the UK.The first of these encourages readers to take time toconsider the reasons for embracing an internationaleducational experience and to think about howstudying in the UK specifically will further students’life goals. Chapter 3 turns attention to the choice of theright study program and university, emphasizing thatthe content of programs with the same name oftendiffer from institution to institution, before moving onto a description of the centralized and computerizedapplication system that operates under the acronymUCAS and encompasses all UK universities.

Subsequent chapters will be of interest and useto readers who have already begun their educationalstay in the country. In Chapter 4 the author focusesparticularly on the early days of a student’s stay beforeturning his attention to the teaching and learningmethods extant in UK institutions (Chapter 5), theiracademic structures and systems (Chapter 6) as well asthe administrative and support arrangements that areavailable in them (Chapter 7). A wide rangingcollection of anecdotal information, augmented by fulllistings of relevant web addresses for further research,give a sense of the author’s engagement and expertisein the field. Indeed, the reader may usefully draw onthe content of these chapters as a locator for a wide

range of organizations and institutions that may seemto operate below the radar even for UK students.

Two further chapters advise on the culturalaspects of living in the UK from the specificperspective of a student (Chapter 8) and more generallywithin British society as a whole (Chapter 9). Whilst itmay be facile to suggest that it is appropriatelysensitive not to leave smelly food in a communalkitchen, one can only think that this is useful generaladvice to students-although not necessarily specificallyin a UK context. More useful are social nuggets ofinformation on shopping, banking and, most pleasingto this reviewer, on pub etiquette!

The tenth and final chapter considers thereader’s options upon completing her course of studyand gives equal weight to what she should do in orderto stay on in the UK to seek work as well as things tobear in mind upon repatriation with the desired UKqualification safely stowed in the luggage. Whilst thischapter falls far short of being a comprehensive guideto requisite employability skills in a toughcontemporary environment for graduate job seekers, itdoes underline the fact that the reader’s stay in the UKhas a longer term purpose beyond being a thrillingcultural exchange experience.

In a well-crafted and compact 261 pages, theauthor causes his reader, who may be either aprospective or active student, to consider her choiceswell before they are made. Hyde goes on to providesupporting material that will be useful for the durationof a student’s stay in the UK as well as an array ofpractical advice on getting the best out of a once in alifetime opportunity just as soon as the program ofstudy begins. Writing in the style of a consumer guide,the author provides a series of checklists, self-administered questionnaires and reflective exercisesthat coax, cajole and carry the reader through what canindeed be an intimidating process of leaving behindfamily, home, a familiar institution and educationsystem for the distant and unfamiliar shores of the UK.The value of some of these checklists might bequestionable, one wonders, for example, whethersomeone who has to consider his level of attainmentand need to consolidate skills in cooking basic meals or

Book ReviewHyde, M. (2012). The international student’s guide to UK education: Unlocking university life and culture.Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.Reviewed by Paul Sudnik, Munich University of Applied Sciences (Germany)

77Journal of International Students

using a launderette ought even to be studying in ahome country environment. However, other tools areperhaps of greater value as readers are, for example,invited to make use of the universally applicablePESTLE tool of strategic analysis in their planningprocess.

With an index that starts with “AcademicWriting” and ends with “Youth Culture,” Hyde strikesan appropriate balance between the serious aspects ofstudying abroad and the often underestimated cultureshock that faces new arrivals to a country – particularlyone as complex as the multicultural UK where morethan 300 institutions offer Higher Education courses.The author does a sound job of explaining thedifferences between English, Welsh and Scottishinstitutions and systems and of underlining theimportance of having solid English language skills thatare fit for study and not just for conversation. Heexplains the different validation systems for languageattainment that are on the market and leaves the readerunder no illusion that competence in English will bethe ultimate key to successful completion of thedreamed of qualification.

If the book has a weakness it is that it is aimedat the younger undergraduate student and as aconsequence the graduate student, even if totally newto the UK, is unlikely to be satisfied with the level atwhich the book is pitched. Nevertheless, this is auseful potpourri which will have something for allinternational students considering the UK as adestination. On balance, this reviewer will berecommending it to his outward bound exchangestudents.

ReferencesUKCISA (2012). International students in UK higher

education: key statistics. Retrieved from http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ about/statistics_he.php

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

About the Reviewer:Dr. Paul Sudnik currently works with both in andoutward bound international business students atMunich University of Applied Sciences, Germany. Hehas teaching and leadership experience in HigherEducation in the UK, India, Egypt, Kosovo andMacedonia. His email is paul.sudnik@hm.eduHow to Cite:Sudnik, P. (2013). The international student’s guide to

UK education [Review of the book The international student’s guide to UK education:Unlocking university life and culture, by M. Hyde]. Journal of International Students, 3(1),76-77.

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Arkansas State UniversitySpring 2013

Volume 3 | Issue 1

Print ISSN: 2162-3104 Online ISSN: 2166-3750 Scan the bar for more informationhttp://jistudents.org/

Journal of International Students

v ISSN-2162-3104

Journal of International Students

Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1

JIS Board: Editors & Reviewers

Founder/Editor-In-Chief

Krishna Bista, Arkansas State University, USA

Guest Editors Erlenawati Sawir, Central Queensland University,Australia [Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1]Susan C. Pearce, East Carolina University,USA [Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1]

Associate EditorsCharlotte Foster Missouri Western State U., USADiana B. Carlin, Saint Louis University, USAHugo Garcia, Claremont Graduate University, USAJune A. Gordon, University of California, USAKeri Dutkiewicz, Davenport University, USASandria Officer, University of Toronto, CanadaRai Farrelly, University of Utah, USAVera V. Chapman, The U. of Mississippi, USA

Book Review EditorsCharles R. Harris, Stony Brook University, USAJoy Bancroft, University of Kansas, USA Kerri Bennett, Arkansas State University, USAMisato Yamaguchi, Augusta State University, USANicole Gervasio, Columbia University, USAShyam Sharma, Stony Brook University, USA

Copy EditorsElise Geither, Cleveland State University, USA Glenda A. Riley, Indiana Institute of Technology, USAKaren Young, Clayton State University, USAMiguel Lopez, California State University, USAPaul M.W. Hackett, Emerson College, USA Rolf Holtz, Troy University, USAVirginia Gonzalez, University of Cincinnati, USA

Advisory BoardAmany Saleh, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction,Arkansas State UniversityDon Jones, Assistant Vice-President of Adm. & StudentServices, Belhaven UniversityGeorge Foldesy, Professor of Education & Director,Center for Excellence in Education Russ Hannah, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Finance,Arkansas State University

Publication CoordinatorsJoyce Mann, Arkansas State University, USAPamela Shultz, Arkansas State University, USA

Reviewers

The following people reviewed manuscripts submitted forpublication in Journal of International Students fromDecember 2011 through December 2012. Their assistanceis greatly appreciated.

Abu Kamara, Dalhousie University, CanadaAlex Kumi-Yeboah, Dalton State College, USAAlexander N. Akulli, Michigan State University, USAAllenda Zionch, University of Nevada, Los Vegas, USAArnaud Prevot, Argosy University, USABrandy Stone, Arkansas State University, USABurcu Ates, Sam Houston State University, USACahty Maahs-Fladung, Utah State University, USACharles W. Prince, George Washington University, USACheryl DoBose, Arkansas State University, USACrystal Machado, Indiana U. of Pennsylvania, USA Danilo M. Baylen, University of West Georgia, USADavid Pang, The University of Auckland, New ZealandElena Yakunina, University of Buffalo, USAFelicia Castro-Villarreal, The U. of Texas at San AntonioFujuan Tan, University of Wyoming, USA Gina J. Mariano, Troy University, USAGuan Kun Saw, Michigan State University, USAHaijun Kang, Kansas State University, USAJason Hoi Y. Chan, University of Wyoming, USAJeff Koloze, South University, USAJennifer Hoyte, Florida International University, USAJeton McClinton, Jackson State University, USAKris Aric Knisely, Emory University, USALauren M. Griffith, Central Michigan University, USALeah Gustilo, De La Salle University, PhilippinesLeia K. Cain, University of South Carolina, USALeigh Pritchard, Brock University, CanadaLing Gao LeBeau, Indiana U. at Bloomington, USALisa Kahle-Piasecki, Tiffin University, USAMartha Vungkhanching, California State U., Fresno, USAMelissa S. Mincic, innovation Research & Training, Inc, USANaJuana Lee, University of Georgia, USA Nilay Yildirim, Syracuse University, USANoparat Tananuraksaku, South-Eas Asia U., ThailandOlena Zhadko, New York Institute of Technology, USA N. Aida Rustamovna, Kazan National Research Tech U. RussiaReza Pishghadam, Ferdowsi U. of Mashhad, IranRoy Y. Chan, Boston College, USARui Cheng, Nazareth College, USASheena Terrell, Arkansas State University, USAShelda Debowski, U. of Western Australia, AustraliaStephen Tippett, Arcadia University, USASusan Edgar-Smith, Eastern University, USAWilliam Lange, Arkansas State University, USAZheng Zhu, Washington State University, USA

Contact AddressJournal of International StudentsPO BOX 1270 State University

AR, 72467 (USA) Phone: 870-680-4124E-mail: center.asu@gmail.com

Printed at Arkansas State UniversityPrinting Services, USA

Call for Manuscripts

Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1

An interdisciplinary, peer reviewed publication, Journal of International Students(Print ISSN 2162-3104 & Online ISSN 2166-3750) is a professional journal thatpublishes narrative, theoretical and empirically-based research articles, studentreflections, and book reviews relevant to international students and their cross-cultural experiences and understanding.

Published bi-annually, the Journal encourages the submission of manuscripts fromaround the world, and from a wide range of academic fields, including comparativeeducation, international education, student affairs, linguistics, psychology, religion,sociology, business, social work, philosophy, and culture studies.The Journalaudience includes international and domestic students, faculty, administrators, andeducators engaged in research and practice in international students in colleges anduniversities.

a)Study Abroad/Reflection- includes descriptions and perceptions from studentsand scholars concerning another culture, language, people and society from aninsider or outsider perspective. Reflections are the building blocks of researchpapers and offer original points of view on the issues and concerns related tosojourns (between 1,000 to 1,500 words).

b)Peer-reviewed Article - includes manuscripts that focus on the interpretation,implication, or significance of research work related to international students andscholars from various disciplines (between 3,500 to 6,500 words).

c)Book Review - includes reviews and critiques of the written work of scholarsfrom a number of disciplines related to international students (between 750 to1,200 words).

Please e-mail your manuscript to the Editor, center.asu@gmail.com. Include yourfull address with email and telephone number. Follow APA 6th edition in yourcitation and references. Double space. Times New Roman with 12 font size.

This Journal is a non-profit publication and has been operating through thevoluntary services of editors, copy editors, reviewers and guest editors. Allpositions in the Journal are unpaid. No fees are charged to authors or readers. Forfurther information, please visit our website http://jistudents.org/

Editorial Office: Eugene Smith Hall, Rm 411Arkansas State University, AR 72467 (USA)

DisclaimerFacts and opinions published in theJIS express solely the opinions of therespective authors. Authors areresponsible for their citing of sourcesand the accuracy of their referencesand bibliographies. The editorscannot be held responsible for anyoversights or possible violations ofthird parties’ rights.

Copyright © 2013-2014Unless otherwise noted, copyrights for the textswhich comprise all issues of Journal ofInternational Students (JIS) are held by theJournal. The compilation as a whole isCopyright © by JIS, all rights reserved. Itemspublished by JIS may be freely shared amongindividuals, but they may not be republished inany medium without express written consentfrom the author(s) and advance notification ofthe JIS editorial board.

On the Cover: Basking in the Sun. Cover Photo: © Pamela Shultz, 2013

ISSN-2162-3104 Copyright © by JIS http://jistudents.org/

Journal of International Students

Spring 2013 Vol. 3 Issue 1

CONTENTSVolume 3 Issue 1 Spring 2013

Guest Editorial

Enriching American Riches with International StudentsSusan C. Pearce, PhD, East Carolina University, North Carolina (USA).........................................................i-iiInternational Students and Internationalisation of Higher EducationErlenawati Sawir, PhD, Central Queensland University (Australia)..............................................................iii-iv

Peer-Reviewed Articles

1. Study Abroad and Cultural Learning through Fulbright and other International Scholarships: A Holistic Student Development. Madalina Akli, PhD, Rice University (USA)...............................................................................................1-9

2. Educating Chinese, Japanese, and Korean International Students: Recommendations to American Professors. Shelly R. Roy, (Doctoral Candidate), Fairmont State University (USA)............................... .................10-16

3. International Students in the U. S.: Social and Psychological Adjustment. Michelle Jackson (Doctoral Student), Sukanya Ray, PhD, and Danica Bybell (Graduate Student), Suffolk University (USA)..........................................................................................................................17-28

4. Preparedness of Chinese Students for American Culture and Communicating in English. Melody S. Rawlings, EdD, Chinese American Cultural Exchange Foundation (USA) and Edna Sue, PhD, Chinese American Association of Cincinnati (USA)................................................... 29-40

5. The Effects of Collectivism-Individualism on the Cooperative Learning of Motor Skill. Yi Luo (PhD Candidate), Yan Sun (PhD Candidate), and Johannes Strobel, PhD, Purdue University (USA)..................................................................................................................41-51

6. International Students’ Likelihood to Seek Counseling while Studying Abroad. Adebayo I. Onabule (EdS) and Susan R. Boes, PhD, University of West Georgia (USA)..............52-59

Reflection/Study Abroad Articles

7. The Culture of Hospitality in Moldova and the United States. Anastasiia Dobrovolska (Undergraduate Student) and Rolf Holtz, PhD, Troy University (USA).. 61-63

8. Vocabulary Acquisition: Practical Suggestions for ESL/International Students. Young-Kyung Min, PhD, University of Washington at Bothell (USA)..............................................64-69

9. German-English Communication: A Cross-Cultural Challenge.Sarah Watzky (Undergraduate Student) St. Cloud State University (USA).....................................70-71

10. “He is an Idiot!” Experiences of International Students in the United States. Jongyeon Ee (Doctoral Candidate), University of California at Los Angeles (USA).....................72-75

Book Reviews11. The International Student’s Guide to UK Education: Unlocking University Life and Culture.

Paul Sudnik, Munich University of Applied Sciences (Germany). ...............................................76-7712. 2012 Doctoral Dissertations on International Students.

Krishna Bista, Arkansas State University (USA).......................................................................... 78-81