1. Introduction to UK Culture and Cultural Adaptation

2. Some different definitions of culture The culture of a particular people ….is everything one must learn, in order to behave in ways that are recognisable, predictable and understandable to those people C A Valentine The whole range of human activities which are learned and not instinctive and which are transmitted from generation to generation through various learning processes J Beattie people continue to fail to grasp the true significance of the fact that culture controls behaviour in deep and pointing ways, many of which are outside awareness and therefore beyond conscious control of the individual Edward T Hall

3. Language That meal was a total rip off! Lend us a fiver, love Fancy one for the road? I was hammered last Friday Its swings and roundabouts Can I share your rubber? Youre taking the piss, mate! Someones been telling porkies I fancy bangers and mash tonight... Im just nipping to the loo Eugh thats manky! Its only ten quid! I was knackered last night She had a right cob on about something Its not my cup of tea Give us a ring Its all gone pear-shaped Im skiving off early today They gave him the sack Whats for pudding? Pull the other one, its got bells on!

4. An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one George Mikes

5. How is it in your culture? same? Different? Weather Politics Sense of humour Religion Dress & appearances Food National holidays Conversation topics Architecture Drinking culture Queuing Media Language

6. Perceiving things differently What do you see? Old lady? Young lady? Picture designed by American psychologist Edwin G. Boring

7. Perceiving things differently Peoples perceptions are often different It is not easy to explain to others what we see so naturally It is not easy to perceive exactly what someone else sees, despite our efforts to practice empathy Frustration and value judgements (whats wrong with them that they cannot see what I see?) Group think phenomenon and social pressure to conform to majority view

8. Embracing your new culture Make the most of College and Students Union events – keep an eye on the website and Facebook pages Talk to people and make friends Ask questions! Try new things – new food, new activities! Get to know your surroundings Buy some essentials – an A-Z guide and an umbrella! Explore the UK – leave London!!! Check out the International Students House Travel Club – lots of subsidised trips in the UK and Europe! Go on a HOST visit – you only pay travel costs! Celebrate local festivals and national holidays Dont be afraid to ask for help – most people are very friendly

9. Make yourself at home Buy a phone card, Skype or mobile phone with lots of free minutes to international phone numbers and make sure you have easy email access so you can keep in touch with your family and friends back home Check out the Students Union to see if theres a group for students from your country Check out the country pages at www.kcl.ac.uk/international If you were involved with a specific activity or sport at home, see if you can join a club or group over here! Find somewhere that sells authentic food from your home country See if you can get international radio or TV channels, through a satellite package or on the Web Keep an eye out for festivals and activities – whats going on in Trafalgar Square? Dont be afraid to ask for help!

10. HELP! The Student Advice and International Student Support Team – visit www.kcl.ac.uk/advice Can help with immigration problems and provide advice on a range of practical issues The College Counselling Service – www.kcl.ac.uk/counselling The College Chaplaincy – www.kcl.ac.uk/chaplaincy Practiced listeners available for pastoral support, whatever your beliefs. Also run regular activities including International Student lunches and trips. The Students Union – www.kclsu.org – social activities, social facilities and academic advice The Compass – www.kcl.ac.uk/thecompass - letters, information and support