Table 2 Emerging Themes from the Survey
From: Exploring the experiences and coping strategies of international medical students
Cultural Adaptation | |
|---|---|
Factors that aided adaptation | Senior international medical students, Church and pastoral care, Support from international students office and academic staff, other international students in the class |
Factors that hindered adaptation | Different lifestyle, English as a second language, Different learning styles, Communication problem, Lack of understanding of the Australian medical health care system, Different foods |
Language Issues | |
Language problems | Not used to Australian slangs, Accent problems, limited written, and verbal communication skills |
Communication skills | Some were satisfied with their level of communication, others indicated that there is room for improvement |
Academic Adjustment | |
Quality of course | Satisfied, rated on the average as 7.5 on a scale of 10 points |
Most stressful areas | Assessment, Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), high expectations |
Most helpful areas | Peers, clinical attachments, ward rounds, lectures, seniors, bed-side clinical tutorials |
Assessment related issues | Reflective pieces, oral presentations and OSCEs are stressful, communication constraints |
Personal & Support Concerns | |
Integration | Difficulty with Australian culture, cultural shock, rated on the average as 6 on a scale of 10 points |
Coping resources | Family, friends, peers, seniors, lecturers, church family, holidays, internet access, resilience |
Role of academic staff | Supportive, approachable, aided better adjustment. However no formal program for adjustment support |