A Practical Guide to Cultural Adaptation, Integration and Psychosocial Support for International Students Magdalena Łazarewicz Aleksandra Winiarska Marta Łączyńska Mirosława Dziechciarz Authors: Main editor of the book: Dr Magdalena Łazarewicz Part I Part I Editors: Dr Magdalena Łazarewicz and Mirosława Dziechciarz Part I co-authors: Anna Gilbert, Daniela Glueck, Wolfgang Laschet, Artur Białoszewski, Prof. Geir Arild Espnes, Dr Unni Karin Moksnes, Director Espen Munkvik, Dr Dorota Włodarczyk, Margaret Chudyk Part II Part II Editors Dr Magdalena Łazarewicz, Dr Aleksandra Winiarska, Marta Łączyńska Part II co-authors: Alla Adelkhanova, Diksha Amarnani, Ketevan Bagri, Abdullahi Bappa, Rita-Christiane Baron, Alicja Baska, Margaret Chudyk, Nessa Fitzgerald, Ali Deya Al Ismail, Mateusz Machnij, Mgcini Malusi Peter Ndiweni, Claire O'Doherty, Justyna Pordzik, Jan Skrzypczak, Kristine Halvorsen, Wolfgang Laschet, Daniela Glueck Edited by: Daniela Glueck (Part I & Part 2 – Introduction, Chapters 8-12), Nessa Fitzgerald and Claire O'Doherty (Chapter 13.1), Margaret Chudyk (Chapter 13.2 and Appendices) and Abdullahi Bappa (Chapters 13.3 and 13.4) Publisher: Medical University of Warsaw Printing: PROPRINT Usługi Poligraficzne e-mail: [email protected] tel.: /22/ 711-99-91 ISBN-978-83-7637-389-8 Contents Abbreviations...................................................................................................................................................................................................7 PART I. GOOD PRACTICE IN CULTURAL ADAPTATION, INTEGRATION AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS..............................................9 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................................11 SUPPORT STRUCTURE – Sources & Channels at HEIs................................................................................12 1. Informational Support...............................................................................................................................................................17 1.1. Information Available Before and Upon Arrival.........................................................................17 1.2. Information Available During the Course of Studies..................,.......................................20 2. Cultural Adaptation and Integration....................................................................................................................23 3. Emotional Support........................................................................................................................................................................29 3.1. University Counseling Services.....................................................................................................................30 3.2. Helplines for Students..............................................................................................................................................34 3.3. Online Support and Networks.......................................................................................................................34 3.4. Self-help Materials.........................................................................................................................................................34 3.5. Tutors..............................................................................................................................................................................................34 3.6. Peer Support..........................................................................................................................................................................35 4. Support for the Educational Process....................................................................................................................37 4.1. Learning Support............................................................................................................................................................37 4.2. Administrative Support...........................................................................................................................................41 4.3. Career Planning.................................................................................................................................................................41 5. Student Welfare: Accommodation, Finances & Health...............................................................43 5.1. Accommodation...........................................................................................................................................................43 5.2. Financial Aid Resources...........................................................................................................................................44 5.3. Healthcare...............................................................................................................................................................................45 6. Facilities.......................................................................................................................................................................................................47 6.1. Canteens...........................................................................................................................................................................................47 6.2. Facilities for Integration..........................................................................................................................................48 6.3. Library...........................................................................................................................................................................................49 6.4. Prayer Rooms and Religious Meeting Places..............................................................................49 7. Support for University Staff................................................................................................................................................51 7.1. Support for Administrative Staff.................................................................................................................51 7.2. Support for Academics...........................................................................................................................................51 SUMMARY..........................................................................................................................................................................................................53 PART II. HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION AND INTEGRATION PROGRAMS............................................................................................................................................55 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................................57 8. Theoretical Background...........................................................................................................................................................61 8.1. Intercultural differences and integration.....................................................................................61 8.2. Group evolvement phases....................................................................................................................................................62 9. Orientation Days and Integration Events Scenarios...........................................................................65 9.1. Orientation Days schedules...........................................................................................................................65 9.2. Setting integration events during the year...............................................................................67 10. Organization and Promotion..........................................................................................................................................69 10.1. Planning..................................................................................................................................................................................69 10.2. Financing.................................................................................................................................................................................70 10.3. Participants..........................................................................................................................................................................71 10.4. Establishing the team.........................................................................................................................................71 10.5. Inviting guests.................................................................................................................................................................72 10.6. Materials......................................................................................................................................................................................72 10.7. Information and promotion......................................................................................................................72