CULTURE SHOCK - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEMS AND PROBLEMANALYSISThus far this study has approached the cultural differences between Chinese andSouth African students through comparing the two cultures. It has been observed thatthose differences and possible problems relating to them range from practicaldifficulties regarding transport, accommodation and finances to less easily definedissues related to language and culture.Students’ initial Perceptions and Experiences of AdjustmentAs is true for many students, the initial stage of being in South Africa is or wasexciting, challenging and confusing, as they started attending university as soon asthey arrived.Chinese students suffer another type of shock when they study overseas – in this casein South Africa. This is a kind of shock which can be much more serious andpotentially damaging to a student’s ability to study- we call it ‘learning shock’.Learning shock is the realisation by a student that the way he/she has been used tolearning and studying is totally inappropriate to the way courses are taught at overseasuniversities.There are many differences between studying in China and studying in a country suchas South Africa. First of all there is the simple difference of the time it takes tocomplete a programme. This is most marked at postgraduate level. A master’s degreetakes 2-3 academic years to complete in China, while in South Africa it may take onlyone calendar year, although it could take two, or up to three years, depending onwhether it is a coursework master’s programme or a research master’s degree. This22