Business training for foreign students in UK

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to highlight the differences foreign personnel undergoing business training in the UK may encounter because of the different teaching and learning environments in their home country as opposed to those they will experience in the UK. It aims to include research in the area among a sample of foreign students, discussion with trainers and teaching colleagues, as well as the results of in‐service training (INSET) held with staff in this area. It also aims to highlight differences and recommendations made to overcome them.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes discussion, INSET and a structured questionnaire survey comparing the different teaching and learning styles experienced in the foreign culture with those in the UK.

Findings

The paper concludes that relatively few differences exist between British and Americans, but a significant range of differences are encountered primarily by Asian students and some by European, Africans and those from the former Soviet Union. In addition, trainers should be given some initial training on the cultures of those on their courses and practical steps taken to overcome weaknesses in understanding of English.

Originality/value

This is an increasing area of concern as the numbers from overseas undergoing business training in the UK is likely to increase to help reduce the skills gap in certain areas. The paper suggests how the cultural differences in teaching and learning can be reconciled to make their business training in the UK more effective.

Citation

Hurn, B.J. (2011), "Business training for foreign students in UK", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 41-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197851111098153