Experience-based knowledge and cultural differences: a survey of international FUAS students : Experience-based knowledge and cultural differences: a survey of international FUAS students
Dangol, Dipendra; K.C., Shambhu (2013)
Dangol, Dipendra
K.C., Shambhu
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2013
Creative Commons Attribution 1.0 Finland
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201301251727
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201301251727
Tiivistelmä
Culture has become an important issue in today’s rapidly growing, internationalized and globalized society. Cross-cultural experiences are likely to happen anywhere and it is essential to understand the culture of a new environment to prevent cultural conflicts.
The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis project was to gain insight into the understanding of international students in Finland with regard to culture and cultural differences based on their experiences. The objective was to identify their perspectives on Finnish culture and ascertain different possible ways to assist in their integration in the Finnish society and overcome the obstacles encountered during cross-cultural experiences. The thesis project was designed to help prospective international students by providing information about Finnish cultural environment through the experiences of current international students in Finland. The study has been conducted for the Connect project of Laurea University of Applied Sciences (UAS).
An online questionnaire survey was formed for the research and data were collected and analysed critically. The research thus employed a quantitative approach that also included open questions. The survey was distributed to the international students from specific countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Vietnam) studying at Laurea UAS, Lahti UAS and Häme UAS which are all partners in the Federation of Universities of Applied Sciences (FUAS) group in Finland. The students from these countries were emphasized in line with the strategic focus of the Connect Project, which is concerned with developing the internationalization of Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in those developing countries.
Many respondents felt that there are major cultural differences between their native country and Finland. They were able to share a common perspective about different cultural dimensions in Finland. Finns value individualism, independence, quality of life, equality, personal space and modesty. The majority agreed that they have developed their personal and professional skills while living in Finland. Being open and positive is essential to integrate in the society.
The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis project was to gain insight into the understanding of international students in Finland with regard to culture and cultural differences based on their experiences. The objective was to identify their perspectives on Finnish culture and ascertain different possible ways to assist in their integration in the Finnish society and overcome the obstacles encountered during cross-cultural experiences. The thesis project was designed to help prospective international students by providing information about Finnish cultural environment through the experiences of current international students in Finland. The study has been conducted for the Connect project of Laurea University of Applied Sciences (UAS).
An online questionnaire survey was formed for the research and data were collected and analysed critically. The research thus employed a quantitative approach that also included open questions. The survey was distributed to the international students from specific countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Vietnam) studying at Laurea UAS, Lahti UAS and Häme UAS which are all partners in the Federation of Universities of Applied Sciences (FUAS) group in Finland. The students from these countries were emphasized in line with the strategic focus of the Connect Project, which is concerned with developing the internationalization of Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in those developing countries.
Many respondents felt that there are major cultural differences between their native country and Finland. They were able to share a common perspective about different cultural dimensions in Finland. Finns value individualism, independence, quality of life, equality, personal space and modesty. The majority agreed that they have developed their personal and professional skills while living in Finland. Being open and positive is essential to integrate in the society.