Bridging worlds: a study of academic skills, cultural exchange, and integration in UK higher education
Cliffe, Anthony D Chou, Lin
Cliffe, Anthony D
Chou, Lin
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2026-03-27
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This case study explores the experience of an Academic Skills Adviser and an international postgraduate student at a university in the North West of England in relation to academic skills, cultural exchange, and integration into higher education in the UK. We explore a series of reflective accounts through collaborative autoethnography of our journey as adviser/advisee over two years. These accounts are thematically analysed to discuss our shared significant moments and reflections of our respective positions. We explore the unique position academic skills advisers can play in not only improving student attainment and retention but in their role of helping students to integrate into the academic and wider community. We do, however, explore the distinct challenges academic skills advisers and international students face when it comes to cultural exchange in an academic environment. Finally, we finish with recommendations for how we can support international students.
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Cliffe, A. D., & Chou, L. (2026). Bridging worlds: a study of academic skills, cultural exchange, and integration in UK higher education. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, 36, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi39.1600
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Association for Learning Development in Higher Education
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Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education
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Article
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1759-667X
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