A kuwaiti national studying in the united kingdom

A Kuwaiti national studying in the United Kingdom

Activity Undertaken: I realized that in the UK, advancement in academic pursuits encourage equality and open communication, more than they do in Kuwait. University instructors and mentors in the UK are far more encouraging, friendly, accommodating, and informal in terms of promoting open communication, often soliciting feedback and comments. Our mentors encourage us to address them on a first-name basis. This situation does not happen in Kuwait. The culture in Kuwaiti universities is more formal and structured. Instructors expect to be addressed using formal titles, with students to manifest respecting the barrier between students and professors, and to respect the level of prestige gained from the achievement of gaining higher education; otherwise, sanctions and penalties from violation of this code of discipline are applied.
What I learned: The difference in cultural orientation has provided me with the privilege of gaining more knowledge in terms of interpersonal communication and relationships with people from various cultures and from different age groups, gender, and profession. The effects of this are improvement in personal confidence as more training and practice were encouraged in the use of English, as a second language; and from insights and theoretical perspectives relayed by my mentors. I became happier and more optimistic, as a person, as a student, and as a colleague.
How and When I Can Apply this Knowledge: Due to experience, the improvement in English as a second language will increase future opportunities for employment, not only in Kuwait, but in other global organizations, as well.
Date: January 02, 2011
Place: In the University
Activity Undertaken: Essay writing in the UK required the use of Harvard style of writing. This is not at all used nor acknowledged in writing essays in Kuwait. Further, the university is very strict regarding observance of plagiarism. It came as a culture shock to me because I panicked the first time I need to use Harvard referencing in my essay. I had to search through the library sources, through the Internet and reorient myself on rules on in-text citing, making the reference list, among others. I am also very careful in paraphrasing other authors’ statements so that I would not be charged of plagiarism.
What I learned: The nice thing about studying in a new culture, requiring specific writing style is that I get to be acquainted with using the style and be familiarized with citations and correct referencing in essay requirements. It is therefore a plus factor for me to learn a new writing style and the value of taking note of other authors’ contentions to avoid plagiarism.
How and When Can I Apply This Knowledge: This new knowledge can be applied in various disciplines. Future activities which require writing using the Harvard referencing style can immediately be accomplished with ease. It also opens the opportunity to learn other writing styles, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) style and the MLA (Modern Language Association) style, which could be explored for future use.