How do lecturers support foreign students facing cultural shock?

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Lecturers Provide Comprehensive Support Beyond Academics for Foreign Students

Malaysian lecturers serve as crucial cultural and institutional guides for foreign students, acting as surrogate family members to help them navigate academic, procedural, and cultural challenges. They address hundreds of student inquiries regarding course approvals, attendance, and assignment submissions, often employing tools like Google Translator to overcome language barriers. Beyond administrative tasks, lecturers offer emotional support, provide assurances even when outcomes are uncertain, and organise events like potlucks to combat homesickness and isolation.
Cultural and Institutional Guidance

Lecturers function as essential cultural and institutional navigators for international students who are often overwhelmed by a new environment. They act as "makeshift uncles and aunties," providing practical assistance and advice to help students adjust to Malaysian academic norms and societal customs. This guidance extends to explaining complex university procedures and helping students understand cultural nuances they might encounter.
Addressing Procedural and Academic Concerns

A significant portion of a lecturer's role involves answering a multitude of student questions related to academic progression and administrative requirements. This includes clarifying course approvals, explaining attendance policies, detailing assignment submission processes, and assisting with requests for certificates needed for authorities back home. For students arriving late, lecturers manage all their queries and provide necessary assurances, even when specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Emotional Support and Combating Isolation

Recognising the emotional toll of being far from home, lecturers actively work to alleviate homesickness and isolation among foreign students. This can involve offering kind words and encouragement to help students persevere through difficult times. One example cited is a colleague who hosted a potluck, creating a space for students to share dishes and stories, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is not part of their contractual duties.
Providing Assurances and Navigating Challenges

Lecturers often provide a reassuring presence for students facing uncertainties. While they may not always be able to guarantee specific outcomes, their willingness to listen and offer support can be transformative. They engage with students' concerns, sometimes using translation tools to ensure clear communication, and their efforts contribute to creating an environment where students can flourish despite the challenges of cultural adjustment and academic pressures.

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How do lecturers support foreign students facing cultural shock?

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