Transcript Document
Transitions
Coping With Change
Ruth Roberts
Educational Counsellor
University Counselling Service
1
What is a transition?
A change in a person’s life.
Part of a natural process, or
Caused by a specific event.
Transitions can have cultural
values.
Experience of transition is different
for every individual.
2
How do transitions
affect us?
First, we need to understand who
we think we are.
What constitutes our identity?
Culture.
Relationships.
3
Culture
Visible aspects:
Language.
Religion.
Food & eating habits.
Music, art & literature.
Clothes & styles of dress.
Facial expressions.
Gestures.
System of education.
Political system.
4
Culture
‘Invisible’ Aspects
Values
Beliefs
World View
Concept of Self
Importance of Time
Rules of Behaviour
Ways of Relating
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Other Factors
Weather
Physical Environment
Shops and Facilities
Public Transport
Currency
Exercise:
Discuss in pairs your experience of
coming to the UK. What had you
expected? What has surprised you?
How has coming to the UK challenged
you so far?
6
Adjustment to Change
The ‘W’ Curve
Home
UK
1
5
SelfEsteem
1
5
4
4
3
2
Time
3
2
7
Stages of Adjustment
1.
HONEYMOON
2.
DISINTEGRATION
3.
REINTEGRATION
4.
AUTONOMY
5.
INDEPENDENCE
8
Stages of Adjustment
Exercise
Discuss in pairs: Reflect on
your experience of coming
to the UK. How have your
feelings changed since you
arrived?
9
‘Symptoms’ of Culture
Shock
Tiredness & withdrawal from social
situations.
Health problems & worrying about
health.
Difficulties making decisions.
Loss of self-confidence.
Feeling isolated.
Difficulty concentrating.
Changeable emotions.
Making too many commitments.
10
How to Help Yourself
Be aware of own needs and
feelings.
Understand this is a normal
experience.
Know what kinds of relationships
are important to you.
Think of the kinds of roles you like
to be in and feel comfortable in.
Trust your feelings and accept how
you feel.
11
Practical Ways to Help
Yourself.
Keep in touch with home but not
too often.
Have familiar things around you.
Eat well and take exercise.
Make friends with local as well as
international students.
Attend orientation meetings and
events organised by your school.
Join a society or (faith) community.
Find someone to talk to.
12
Academic Differences –
What to Expect.
Independence of study.
Styles of teaching and learning.
Assessment.
Academic support.
13
Who Can Help?
Academic Advisor / Supervisor
University Counselling Service
Resident Tutors
Dean of Students’ Office
Union of Students – Welfare &
Advice Centre
Chaplaincy
Friends
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