Section 1: Introduction
According to the Institute of International Education’s report, nearly 572,000 foreign students studied in American colleges and universities during the academic year 2003/2004. (2005). (Institute of International Education). Many students are studying at schools outside of their home countries, therefore it is critical that the college experience be examined in light of students’ hopes and concerns. As a result, students utilise this rating to determine how satisfied they are with the school, and this information is critical. Changing from a U.S. citizen to a foreign national brings unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth and maturity for students participating in study abroad programmes. As Neill (2005) puts it, “the influence that experience has on the individual’s present, their future, and the amount to which the individual is able to contribute to society” should be considered (para. 9). When it comes to dealing with students studying abroad, there is no manual for foreign administrators and recruiters to go to (Smith, 2005). It is also important to look at each student’s experience within the individual circumstances and resources available at the school. The lack of a guiding strategy or a curriculum pushes instructors to rely on their basic principles, according to Smith. When it comes to making decisions for students who are participating in a shared experience, these ideals are often applied (Smith). As a result, the United Kingdom (UK) is the second-largest foreign student destination in the world. International students appear to be increasing despite the worldwide financial crisis and the obstacles of a post-9/11 environment (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2012). This benefits the economic and public image of the United Kingdom (BIS, 2011).
Section 2: Differences faced in Foreign Countries
2.1 Overview
Cultural and religious taboos, such as those around sexuality, gender roles, and the use of alcohol, might provide difficulties for these students. They are also confronted with questions about their own sexual orientation. There is no doubt that this environment is ripe for conflict and disruption. A worldwide viewpoint is needed in the 21st century. A large part of this viewpoint is related to globalization and the movement of products and activities. A number of foreign organizations have responded by making it their purpose to aid developing nations in need, as well as to encourage and support the construction of more comprehensive educational systems that will benefit future generations (Harman, 2005). In one way, this objective may be fulfilled via studying abroad. It is part of a person’s lifelong learning and broadening of their perspectives, aspirations, intelligence, cultural ideas, etc. ” (Blumenthal, 2009). There are many facets to the globalized society in which we live, and those facets influence how the world views us (Twombly, 2012). It is critical to comprehend an American international exposure in order to enhance understanding of study abroad as a discipline and the part that young Americans play in its development (DiFante, 2016, pg. 21). Those that tour the world and have a global perspective will end up working for bilateral and unilateral assistance groups throughout the world in the near future. A worldwide vision and tolerance for understanding other cultures, languages, and customs are critical to those who want to succeed in life.
For diversity and multiculturalism, self-development, and the cultivation of intercultural abilities, American college students always have attended a term of their academic period in a foreign country (Hoffa 2007). Graduate students have traveled to other countries to obtain specialized training or a PhD in the past (Lucas, 2006). Even while many of the motivations for students to study abroad have stayed consistent over time, the underlying arguments have shifted over time to highlight the need of studying abroad as a way to counteract Communism’s influence (Twombly, 2012, pg. 2). Colleges frequently use economic incentives to get students to study abroad during this time. There is also a drive for students to obtain an advantage in the global labor market by participating in study abroad programs (Friedman, 2005). These concepts have been widely accepted by both the United States and the worldwide community, including American schools and universities, the U.S. government, as well as many individuals from both the United States and throughout the world. To guarantee that the United States remains a strong and stable society for its residents, it is imperative that these ideas be preserved (Twombly, 2012).
2.2 Enrollment Criteria and Educational System Differences
We can see that in the United States, students who participate in extracurricular activities and display leadership and devotion through sports, academic contests, the performing arts, or student government are more likely to be accepted into the country’s best colleges. A full picture of a student’s personality isn’t as important to schools in the United Kingdom as standardized test results and high school grades are. Essays, which are crucial in the admissions process at top American universities, are viewed as “fluff” in British universities. British schools are less concerned with academic well-being since students may concentrate more fully on their area of specialization. As an example, a talented physics student is less likely to be graded on their AP/IB English scores than in the United States, where even the most prestigious technical institutions like MIT and Caltech are searching for academic excellence across the board.
2.3 Social Behaviors Differences
While studying in the United Kingdom, students from the United States face a few challenges. In contrast to the stereotype of the American as someone who is outgoing, forthright, and not afraid to voice their opinions, the majority of British people fit this description. Instead of delving into the details of a situation, many British people prefer to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. Not doing so is considered unpleasant and annoying by British people, two characteristics that Americans are often accused of possessing. While this is the case, many British people find the honesty of Americans endearing; yet, as with most things, it is dependent on the individual.
Known as “the watershed,” the UK’s broadcasting authority limits the airing of programming deemed inappropriate for minors until nine o’clock at night. Once the clock strikes 9 p.m., the rules are relaxed, and you may do whatever you want. Foul language and nudity are both acceptable. At any hour of the day or night in the US, broadcast channels are prohibited from showing “indecent content,” but I’ve never seen half of what airs on UK television at any time in the US.
2.4 Government Administrative Style differences
Despite the fact that you can obtain an automatic automobile, manual gearboxes are the most common in the UK, according to The Sun. On the other hand, in 2016, just 7% of UK driving test-takers opted for automated automobiles. In the long run, you’ll have to learn to drive a stick shift at some time. I grew up in New York City and have never owned a car, instead of depending on the city’s extensive public transportation system. However, because public transportation in the English town where I currently reside is less handy, I had to start from scratch learning how to use it. Although it took me three times to pass my driver’s test, I eventually felt a sense of accomplishment. For whatever reason, I had to wait at least a month after landing in the UK to create a new bank account, even though each bank has its own policy.
It’s critical to have your name on a utility statement, council tax bill, or rental contract to prove your identity, but this might be tough if you don’t even have a bank account. Lloyds was the only bank that would accept a copy of my passport and residency permit as identification for opening an account.
2.5 Living Style Differences
For someone like myself who abstains from alcoholic beverages, this has been a particularly disconcerting and perplexing component of British society. As a matter of fact, many British people see alcohol as an essential element of their everyday life. My current location in the north of England makes it difficult to locate social activities that don’t entail some sort of booze. Of course, I recognize that I am not alone in my aversion to alcohol, but in my search (and believe me, I have looked!) I have been unable to locate anybody else who feels the same way. It’s far more comfortable for me to relax at home and at coffee shops instead (kind of like I did back in the US). For the most part, this seems to be the case in the UK’s largest cities. There is a strict 8 pm closing time for retail establishments like Argos, Boots and M&S, while even supermarkets are closed by 4:30pm on Sundays if they’re open. In New York, companies are open 24 hours, so I was surprised to learn that retail workers are only allowed to work during the daytime hours in California. The exchange rate for bringing money from the United States to the UK is abysmal.
2.6 Social Activities and Interests
When it comes to topics like politics, cuisine, employment, music, and literature, the cultural divide between the United Kingdom and the United States is rather small. Britain has a significantly longer history than the United States, which means that it has a much larger list of notable authors and artists. When it comes to literary greats, the United States has Faulkner, Hemingway, and Flannery O’Connor, and in the UK, there’s Shakespeare. Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer of all time by the vast majority of academics. With the exception of classical music, the United States of America is undoubtedly the best country in the world when it comes to music. Nigh about every famous British and American rock and roll star can credit the Mississippi Delta blues for influencing their work, and it’s easy to see why. Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, two of the most famous British bands of all time, were both influenced by American music. You’re referring to the Beatles? Elvis Presley is a household name in the United States. One of the most prominent cultural differences between the US and the UK is humour. This is due to the cultural differences between the United States and the United Kingdom. This contrast between British and American attitudes might be summed up as “failure or pragmatic,” while the American attitude can be described as “entitled.” When it comes to British humor, it tends to be drier (witty), caustic or academic. Compared to the more slapstick comedy in the United States, British humor tends to be more subtle. However, the distinctions are sometimes so nebulous that their validity is frequently called into question. However, Saturday Night Live and Monty Python’s Flying Circus are very different.
The American work ethic is a little more distinct from the British work ethic than the other way around. More billionaires reside in the United States than in any other country and the cost of schooling is lower in the United States. The United Kingdom is proud of its shorter workweeks and reduced cost of living. The most significant distinction, though, is that they are assured vacation time. Workers in the United States are not guaranteed any vacation time. The other distinctions become more apparent after hours of labor. There is a lot greater acceptance of social drinking in British society. They prefer pub or bar meals to fast-food in terms of dining out.
Section 3: Conclusion
International students face unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth and maturity. There is no manual for foreign recruiters to use when dealing with international students. Students that tour the world and have a global perspective will end up working for bilateral and unilateral assistance groups throughout the world. American college students have always spent a portion of their academic years in a foreign nation for cultural enrichment, personal growth, and the development of intercultural skills. Students who display leadership and devotion are more likely to succeed. Essays, which are crucial in the admissions process at top American universities, are viewed as “fluff” British schools are less concerned with academic well-being since students may concentrate more fully on their area of specialization. Many British people see alcohol as an essential element of their everyday life. My current location in the north of England makes it difficult to find social activities that don’t involve booze. The exchange rate for bringing money from the U.S. to the UK is abysmal. The cultural divide between the United States and the United Kingdom is rather small. The United States of America is undoubtedly the best country in the world when it comes to music. In the UK, Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer of all time by the vast majority of academics. British humor tends to be drier (witty), caustic or academic, compared to slapstick comedy in the United States. The American work ethic is a little more distinct from the British work ethic. The United Kingdom is proud of its shorter work weeks and reduced cost of living.