Teaching and Learning Conference 2019: Supporting the international student transition: The English-Mandarin video glossary for Environmental Science students

Students from China coming to study in the UK face significant language and cultural barriers. Studies show that despite extensive post-arrival support English language issues particularly a lack of discipline-specific vocabulary remain a major barrier to achievement. This study showcases the design delivery and evaluation of a subject-specific ‘video glossary’ which was introduced to Chinese students studying in China prior to their transition to higher education in the UK. Results suggest the Chinese students found the resource helpful for familiarising themselves with different accents body language and teaching styles of UK-based academics as well as improving their discipline-specific vocabulary.