Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Is West really best? Social and cultural tensions international students experience having studied at British universities

Tarry, E. (2011) Is West really best? Social and cultural tensions international students experience having studied at British universities. Journal of Further and Higher Education. 35(1), pp. 69-87. 0309-877X.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This article seeks to consider the consequences that overseas students experience having studied at a university in the United Kingdom. With the implementation of the United Kingdom policies, the number of international students studying in the United Kingdom is increasing. A study of Thai students studying in the United Kingdom has been used to explore the reality of studying overseas. A case-study approach was used, as well as personal interviews with students and questionnaires with their parents and grandparents. The data were analysed using a 'categorical-content perspective' narrative method. The article concludes that Thai students still see real advantages to studying at higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. However, as a result of studying overseas in the United Kingdom, the Thai students experience and have to resolve various social and cultural tensions. They have become more individualistic in their attitudes and opinions, which are at odds with the traditional collectivist values held by their families, and deeply entrenched in Thai society.
Uncontrolled Keywords: international students, higher education, culture
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2376 International education
L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC3001 Asians
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Creators: Tarry, Estelle
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People
Date: 1 February 2011
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 69-87
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Further and Higher Education
Volume: 35
Number: 1
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2010.540316
ISSN: 0309-877X
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5760

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