Samenvatting

This research was conducted to find out what the cultural obstacles of Asian exchange students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THU) are, and in particular at the Academy of European Studies & Communication Management (ESCM). The research report aims at providing useful recommendations for the Guest Student Office of the ESCM academy of THU.

A significant number of exchange and international students experience stress in adapting to a new cultural environment, new educational settings and teaching systems. However this research is mainly focused on Asian exchange students coming THU, for either one or two semesters. Differences in culture and environment causes Asian students to experience stress, or a culture shock, which can affect the physical and mental health of students. It can also cause school grades to decrease. The main adjustment challenges of Asian exchange students are dietary changes, academic stress, discrimination and language barriers. However, the right preparation beforehand and a good adaptability to the host culture, can reduce the experience of a culture shock to a minimum. In this research, the two dimensions Individualism & Collectivism and Power Distance, by the Dutch organizational psychologist Geert Hofstede, will be used as a measuring tool to give a general overview of the differences between Eastern and Western cultures, within the concept of these dimensions. Some of the obstacles that Asian students at THU experience are the following: Dutch and English language barriers, relatively low or no contact with Dutch students, difficulties with the Dutch teaching system and a need (and will) from the students’ side to learn and experience Dutch culture. The Asian students can be helped with their needs with a little help. Thus the following recommendations are given to the ESCM academy of THU:

- Giving the Asian exchange students more practical information about living in The Netherlands during the introduction week.
- Setting up a “buddy system”: A Dutch student supervises a group of Asian students.
- Incorporating a short ‘crash-course’ Dutch for Asian exchange students.
- The opportunity for professional student counseling.
- Setting up study support groups.