Aletheia Consultants
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Adapting to a new culture
For any new arrival, a new place is always a place of adventure, excitement and possiblity, but after several months realities tend to set in and disappointment and disatisfaction can lead to an inability to cope with a new culture. Our training will give your employees/students insight into the effects of culture shock and also help with a longer term adjustment to living and working in a culture that is different to one's own. This will enable them to be more competent, to cope effectively in the workplace or lecture room.
 
Migrant Workers
 
In the last few years there has been a new wave of immigrant workers from the new European Community member states. These workers come with their own culture and expectations and yet they must live and work in a culture that is new to them. 
 
International Students
Our universities attract many students from overseas, and they, too, face the challenge of adapting to life in the UK without the help of family and friends.

Refugees/Asylum Seekers

 

In her article in The Researcher (June 2008), Tiffy Allen of City of Sanctuary looks at the effect on refugee and asylum seekers of the culture shock which they experience when they arrive at their destination. Culture shock is the effect of a sudden change in the whole manner of living. It is usually felt as identity loss, confusion or rejection, disorientation and disempowerment and is manifested in the experience of insomnia, depression, anxiety, increased susceptibility to illness, heightened aggression or submission. Culture shock is more easily dealt with if it is understood and cultural differences explored in an open and non-judgemental way.

 

 

 

Managing Immigrant Workers

 

Managing people in the workplace has its own difficuties but with another culture or two added to the mix it can complicate things even more. Managers would benefit from training in the effects of culture shock to enable them to appreciate the stresses of adapting to a new culture. A culture awareness session would also enable them to understand the increased possbiblity of conflict when employees come from a variety of backgrounds. This awareness will increase their capacity to manage employees and so be able to be more effective in enabling employees both to benefit from their employment and to excel in their work.