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Be prepared for the English weather.
It can be quite cold and dreary during the winter months with
long periods of wind and rain. Take lots of warm clothing with
you to the UK, buy a good, heavy coat, a scarf, hat and some gloves.
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Upon arriving in England some students are
overwhelmed by culture-shock, and the vast differences between
England and China. It is perfectly normal to feel scared and worried,
but it is important not to give up or let things bother you. You
may feel over-whelmed by the speed at which people speak English.
If you do not understand someone, simply ask them to repeat what
they said more slowly and clearly. Do not pretend to understand
if you have not and do not give up! It doesn¡¯t take long for most
students to pick up English, learn some colloquialisms and understand
most of what they hear. After a couple weeks you¡¯ll begin adapting
to your new environment, and things will become easier. |
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Try to speak as much English as possible, this
will help you at school and will also make it easier for you to
make friends with English students. If you have Chinese friends
at school, speak to them in English when other none-Chinese students
are present. It would be impolite to discuss things around them
in a language they can not understand. |
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English food is very different to Chinese food.,
but if you keep an open mind and try new things and you¡¯ll soon
develop a taste for certain foods. |
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As the UK is a very multi-cultural country,
and derogatory comments about people of different races, colours
or backgrounds to your own are regarded as racist and not tolerated. |
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If you get home-sick, try to keep yourself busy. Join clubs
and societies, or play sport. At the very least make an effort
to talk to other students and/or your guardian about it. This
is much better than unduly worrying your parents, and remember
your guardian has experience of many students in your position,
and will be able to advise you on how to settle in and feel more
at home. Sitting alone in your room and feeling sad won¡¯t help
you at all! |
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Standard of personal hygiene are much higher
in England than China. Most people in England will shower in the
morning, not in the evening like in China. It also helps if you
take large sized towels to school; this way you can keep yourself
warm when walking to and from showers in the morning. Finally,
most people will use a deodorant to control sweating and reduce
body odour during sport and daily activities. |
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If you live with a host family, make sure you
respect and understand the ¡®house rules.¡¯ |
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In the event of any problems with school life,
your host-family, or with your courses first contact your guardian
and discuss it with him. His experience and understanding will
help you solve the problem, or provide helpful suggestions for
you to follow. |
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