International students to get lessons in Scottish culture

School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS) Associate Dean International Dr Karen Thomson has won funding to develop a fun new module to teach international students about Scottish culture.

The Victoria League Foundation-funded module will also teach students from other parts of the world about the culture of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the SHLS.

Dr Thomson said online learning and virtual exchange programmes prevent students from fully immersing themselves in Scottish culture and the culture of GCU, with our strong emphasis on the Common Good.

She explained: “The funding will be used to develop a module on Scottish culture, the culture of GCU and the School of Health and Life Sciences.

“International students are missing out on so much as they are not getting the benefit of picking up cultural nuances from being on campus, this non-credit bearing module will not only help students learn more about the country, the University and the School in which they are studying, it will also be great fun.

“The module will help students to understand more about Scottish social norms, behaviour and traditional practices, and expected behaviour of staff and students at our progressive University.  This fun module will be available for all our international students and applicants who have confirmed a place to study at GCU."

“The rapid move to online learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will no doubt have a lasting effect on how we deliver our programmes with an increase in opportunities for virtual international exchange programmes, allowing students from across the globe to engage in GCU modules/programmes without coming to Glasgow.”

The project team includes Dr Thomson, Frances MacInnes and Lina Petrakieva from SHLS who will engage a group of current international students in Glasgow and recent graduates to help them develop the innovative and interactive online module.