How cultural differences affect students during their exchange and internship abroad
Lappalainen, Kia; Halonen, Salli (2023)
2023
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023111429439
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023111429439
Tiivistelmä
The thesis process started in August 2023 when authors decided to create the thesis together as a pair. Authors chose the topic of how cultural differences affect students during their exchange and internship abroad because of their personal experiences and interests. The aim of the research is to help future students during their time abroad. The focus group of the research is students doing their internship or exchange in Europe or Middle East.
After defining the role of internship and exchange in Haaga-Helia, authors deepen their knowledge of the theory framework regarding the topic. Theory framework includes definition of culture, culture shock and reverse culture shock.
Authors use qualitative research as the research method for the thesis. Altogether, five interviews are conducted. The results of the interviews are compared with the theory framework. The main finding from the research is that cultural difference is not necessarily something major but can be a small aspect that feels different from the home culture. Other key findings include the importance of preparation in advance and the power of good attitude. One of the main findings is the importance of human connection.
Finally, advice for students and Haaga-Helia is presented. Advice includes tips for dealing with culture shock and recommendations for training.
The aim of the research is completed successfully. Authors have identified the challenges students face during their time abroad and gathered advice for future students.
After defining the role of internship and exchange in Haaga-Helia, authors deepen their knowledge of the theory framework regarding the topic. Theory framework includes definition of culture, culture shock and reverse culture shock.
Authors use qualitative research as the research method for the thesis. Altogether, five interviews are conducted. The results of the interviews are compared with the theory framework. The main finding from the research is that cultural difference is not necessarily something major but can be a small aspect that feels different from the home culture. Other key findings include the importance of preparation in advance and the power of good attitude. One of the main findings is the importance of human connection.
Finally, advice for students and Haaga-Helia is presented. Advice includes tips for dealing with culture shock and recommendations for training.
The aim of the research is completed successfully. Authors have identified the challenges students face during their time abroad and gathered advice for future students.