All of the articles that I read identified language as a major contributing factor to
the difficulties that Asian students face. Yet the first article, which details a complicated
psychological study, also identifies individualistic values and prejudice as elements that
make the acculturation process exceedingly difficult. Individualism values are higher in
the UK than in Japan…the UK averages much higher on affective autonomy than does
Japan (Greenland, 2005). As a result, Asian students often find it very hard to bring
attention upon them, whether in a group discussion, or perhaps when expected to give a
presentation before a class. Although a lack of confidence in the English language may
be part of the problem, the deeper issue is the fundamental difference between western
and eastern cultures.