At the University of Sunderland nearly 40% are international students and they experience culture shock and face a number of biopsychosocial challenges that may impact students’ ability to integrate and to thrive academically (Khanal and Gaulee, 2019). For the BSc(Hons) Nursing top-up programme, bespoke support programme has been developed whereby students are informed about the different stages of culture shock (Cupsa, 2018), possible ways of adjustment to their new culture (Lovin, 2023), discussed possible strategies in dealing with culture shock and directed them to support available at the University of Sunderland. Follow up sessions are being organised to provide additional support, provide opportunity for informal networking, visit some places of local interest, and above all create a sense of belonging.

Within the session you will gain understanding about culture shock and the impact on international students and practice within the BSc(Hons) Nursing top-up programme will be shared. Furthermore, some of the findings of a longitudinal study among those students aiming to understand the experiences of international students will be presented. Lastly to consider possible application to your programmes of practice in relation to international students. ​