The challenge of academic writing for Chinese students within ...

students from their home country and other groups of international students since they share
same culture and traditions with their compatriot, and face similar difficulties of studying
overseas as their compatriot and other groups of international students. Relations with them
would be of help and encouragement in coping with problems in academic and daily life.
Relationships with indigenous students would maximize the opportunity for international
students to understand the UK culture, and to improve their English language. International
students are encouraged to participate in student societies and clubs where they can meet and
make friends with local students. International students should also take the initiative in
working with local students on group projects, by which they can learn from local students,
develop new skills academically and become more confident linguistically and culturally.
Again, this could be seen as a valuable ‗third place‘ of inter-cultural learning.
Relationships with academic tutors are extremely important for a positive learning
experience. Academic tutors are able to provide students with constructive advice and
guidance with their academic studies. International students tend to have high expectations of
tutors and anticipate a closer personal contact with their tutors than they have received in the
UK system (Channell, 1990). To avoid disappointment, therefore, international students
should communicate with their tutors regarding the expectations they should have of one
another. International students should be aware that other members of support staff are
available on the campus. Once again, emphasis is placed on the awareness of institutional and
departmental support provisions, and making full use of these support offered.
Relations with people of local community can be of value for international students. The
relations with local people can be formed by taking part in local voluntary schemes, or having
a part-time job. Not only do the relationships developed with colleagues in the workplace
help international students to learn local culture and customs, the relationships also help them
develop interpersonal, communicative and other transferable skills, which would benefit them
in the long term.
Implications and recommendations for HEIs
In this section, I outline the implications of the study for HEIs and professional practice. In
this thesis, I have tried to understand the experience of studying abroad in terms of what I call
‗learning journeys‘. Learning involves building on prior knowledge, skills and beliefs, which
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